FAQ — ORTOLED
Frequently asked questions

ORTOLED FAQ

Everything you need to know about ORTOLED lamps: technical details, installation, choosing the right product, accessories, shipping and warranty.

01

Products and technical details

What does “full spectrum” mean?
Full spectrum lamps emit light across the entire visible spectrum, replicating natural sunlight. They cover both blue wavelengths (ideal for the vegetative stage) and red wavelengths (essential for flowering), as well as the wavelengths in between. This lets plants complete their entire life cycle under a single light source.
What does µmol/J mean and why does it matter?
The µmol/J value measures a lamp’s photon efficiency: how many photosynthetically active photons (PPF) it produces for every joule of electrical energy consumed. ORTOLED lamps reach efficiencies between 2.7 and 3.05 µmol/J, among the highest in the category. Higher efficiency means lower electricity consumption for the same amount of light produced, with a direct impact on growing costs.
What’s the difference between PPF and PPFD?
PPF (Photosynthetic Photon Flux) is the total amount of useful photons emitted by the lamp every second. PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density), on the other hand, is how many of those photons actually reach one square meter of canopy: it therefore also depends on mounting height and distance from the plants. For a deeper dive into all the technical terms, check out our LED grow glossary.
What is the 0-10V control for?
0-10V control lets you manually adjust the lamp’s light intensity via an external dimmer or a control unit such as the EC4330. It’s useful for adapting the light to different plant growth stages, reducing consumption during less demanding stages, or managing the temperature of the grow environment. All ORTOLED models come with this function.
What LED chips does ORTOLED use?
ORTOLED uses Samsung LM301H and LM301B chips, among the most efficient and reliable on the market for indoor cultivation, in SMD2835 format. These are paired with dedicated SMD3535 red diodes at 660nm, which boost the deep red band to optimize the flowering stage.
How long does an ORTOLED lamp last?
ORTOLED lamps have a certified L70 lifespan of 50,000 hours: after this period of use, light output remains at least at 70% of its initial value. With an average use of 18 hours a day, this corresponds to over 7 years of continuous operation. This long lifespan is guaranteed by the quality of the LED chips, passive thermal management (no fans), and ETL, CE and UKCA certifications.
Do the lamps emit harmful UV or infrared radiation?
ORTOLED lamps are designed to emit light in the PAR spectrum (400-700nm) useful for photosynthesis, without the intense UV and IR components typical of traditional HPS lamps, which generate radiant heat and can be harmful to the operator. It’s still necessary to avoid staring directly at the light source and to use protective glasses, given the high intensity of the visible light.
Do ECO lamps need an external driver?
No. All lamps in the ECO and Quantum Board EVO lines have an integrated driver: simply connect them to the standard 220–240V AC mains (universal 110-277V) with the EU cable included in the package. The S Line Foldable, on the other hand, uses an external Sosen driver, which is easier to replace if needed.
02

Installation and use

At what height should I install the lamp?
ORTOLED recommends a minimum distance of 30-60 cm above the canopy (the top of the plants), which varies depending on the model’s power and the growth stage. This distance can be increased to reduce light intensity during early stages or to better manage temperature. With the 0-10V dimmer you can also lower the lamp while keeping a controlled intensity.
How many hours a day should I use the lamp?
It depends on the species and the growth stage. In general: 18 hours of light / 6 hours of darkness for the vegetative stage, 12/12 to induce flowering in photoperiodic plants. ORTOLED recommends not exceeding 20 continuous hours to preserve the lifespan of the lamp and driver.
Can I use a timer to automate switching on and off?
Yes, but it’s essential to use high-quality mechanical timers. Cheap or low-quality digital timers can generate voltage spikes that damage the driver and LED pads, voiding the warranty. ORTOLED explicitly advises against using unreliable timers.
What environmental conditions are required?
ORTOLED lamps work correctly at temperatures between -25°C and +40°C. It’s essential that the grow environment is properly ventilated with adequate air exchange. Avoid pointing humidification systems directly at the lamp, and don’t install it in environments with very high relative humidity and no forced ventilation.
How do I manage VPD and temperature in LED cultivation?
LED lamps produce much less radiant heat than HPS, which makes it easier to control VPD (Vapour Pressure Deficit). Optimal indicative values are 0.8-1.2 kPa in vegetative and 1.0-1.5 kPa in flowering. Check the LED grow glossary for the full definition and calculation formulas.
Can I connect multiple lamps to the same control unit?
Yes. The ORTOLED EC4330 control unit supports 0-10V/PWM control across multiple channels, allowing you to manage several lamps at once with functions such as simulated sunrise/sunset and differentiated scheduling by growth stage. Always check the maximum number of lamps supported per channel indicated in the control unit’s datasheet.
Do I need to wear protective glasses?
Yes. ORTOLED lamps emit very intense light that can be harmful to the eyes if observed directly or for prolonged periods. ORTOLED recommends the use of Method Seven protective glasses, specifically designed for indoor growing environments with high-intensity lights.
03

Choosing the right product

What’s the difference between the ORTOLED series?
ORTOLED offers several series designed for different needs: S Line Foldable (high-efficiency foldable bar, external driver), S Line HL (fixed linear bar), Quantum Board EVO and Quantum Board Mini (flat panel, integrated driver, ideal for square spaces), ECO Full Spectrum (entry-level with integrated driver) and Under Canopy (compact bars for lateral/inner canopy lighting). Check each series’ page for full specifications.
Which lamp should I choose for a 60×60 or 80x80cm grow tent?
For small tents (60×60-80x80cm), the Quantum Board Mini models or the lower-power versions of the ECO series are generally sufficient, providing good PPFD in flowering without excess heat in small spaces. For a precise choice based on your crop and yield goal, contact support via the contact form.
What’s the difference between Quantum Board EVO and Quantum Board Mini?
The Quantum Board EVO is designed for medium-to-large grow tents and rooms, with higher power and maximum photon efficiency. The Quantum Board Mini is the compact version, dedicated to small spaces or growers with a limited number of plants, while maintaining the same spectrum and build quality.
What is the Under Canopy series for?
Under Canopy lamps are compact bars designed to be placed inside or under the canopy, lighting up the lower and inner areas of the plant that normally receive less light from the main overhead source. They improve photosynthesis on lower branches too, increasing overall cultivation yield.
Are ORTOLED lamps only good for cannabis, or other plants too?
The full spectrum of ORTOLED lamps is suitable for indoor cultivation of any species: vegetables, herbs, ornamental plants, horticulture and floriculture in general. Only the recommended PPFD and DLI parameters change depending on the species and growth stage.
04

Accessories and control units

What is the EC4330 control unit and what is it for?
The EC4330 control unit is ORTOLED’s controller for advanced lighting management: it lets you adjust light intensity via 0-10V/PWM, schedule light/dark cycles, and activate functions such as simulated sunrise and sunset, to reduce plant stress and improve its physiological rhythms.
Can I use ORTOLED lamps to replace an existing HPS setup?
Yes. ORTOLED lamps are also designed to replace HPS setups: for the same photon flux they consume roughly 40-60% less and produce much less radiant heat. Check the accessories for existing ballasts/HPS setups on the accessories page to adapt your installation.
Do I need an adapter for 0-10V control?
If your control unit or dimmer isn’t natively compatible with the 0-10V standard used by ORTOLED lamps, a dedicated 0-10V signal adapter is available, ensuring full compatibility with the lamp while keeping all intensity control functions.
How are the lamps and hanging supports mounted?
All ORTOLED lamps are installed using adjustable hanging hooks, which make it easy to change the distance from the canopy as the plants grow. On the accessories page you’ll find professional hanging supports dedicated to each series, for stable and secure mounting even in large grow rooms.
05

Purchase and shipping

Where can I buy ORTOLED lamps?
ORTOLED lamps are available directly on www.ortoled.com and through Indoorline, the official ORTOLED distributor for Europe. Buying from the official distributor guarantees you’ll receive an original product with the use and maintenance booklet, essential for warranty coverage.
How long does delivery take?
Orders are generally shipped within 24/48 business hours of order confirmation. Actual delivery times vary depending on the destination; you’ll receive a tracking code as soon as the package is handed over to the courier.
Does shipping cover all of Italy?
Yes. ORTOLED ships throughout Italy. For information on shipping times and costs, check the dedicated page on the site or contact support directly via the contact form.
Do you also ship internationally?
For shipments outside Italy, please contact support via the contact form before placing your order: we’ll check together the availability, timing and shipping costs for your country.
Can I return the product if I change my mind?
Yes, as provided for by e-commerce regulations, you have the right of withdrawal within the legal deadlines from receipt of the product, provided it is intact, undamaged and in its original packaging. To start a return, contact support via the contact form.
Can I request an invoice for my purchase?
Yes. You can request an invoice at the time of purchase. Always keep your receipt or sales invoice: it’s a document required to activate the official warranty.
06

Warranty and support

How many months of warranty do ORTOLED products have?
All ORTOLED products are covered by a 24-month official warranty. The warranty is valid provided the lamp is accompanied by the correctly filled-in use and maintenance booklet and the purchase receipt or invoice. You’ll find all the details on the warranty page.
Do I need to register the product to activate the warranty?
The warranty activates automatically by keeping the filled-in use and maintenance booklet together with the purchase receipt or invoice: no separate online registration is required. Keep these documents for the entire duration of the warranty.
My lamp isn’t working. What should I do?
If the lamp is still under warranty, contact the point of sale where you purchased it. Bring the use and maintenance booklet, a written description of the issue, and your address with phone number for the return. If the warranty has expired, you can write directly via the form on the site — you’ll be contacted back within 5 business days.
Does the warranty cover damage from incorrect use?
No. The warranty does not cover lamps that have been tampered with, used with low-quality timers or control units, or installed in environments with high humidity and no adequate ventilation. That’s why ORTOLED provides a use and maintenance booklet with all the instructions to follow in order to keep the warranty valid.
Are ORTOLED lamps certified?
Yes. All models are certified ETL, CE and UKCA, the main safety certifications for the North American, European and British markets. These certifications guarantee that the products meet international electrical safety and build quality standards.

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