Reflectors for use with LED light sources typically are constructed from conductive, reflective materials, such as aluminum or vacuum metalized substrates. A number of disadvantages exist when using reflectors of this type. For instance, the use of conductive materials in the entire reflector generally requires that an isolation gap be maintained between the reflector and LED light source. The isolation gap required is based on a minimum creepage distance to protect against electric discharges on or close to an insulation surface and a minimum clearance distance to prevent dielectric breakdown between conductive parts by the ionization of air. This requirement for the isolation gap results in a reflector that is too far from the LED light source. The resultant gap reduces the ability to control light being emitted from the light source as efficiently and effectively, as some light is typically lost along the gap. In addition, in instances where the reflector needs to be easily and quickly replaced, the coaxial orientation and position of the reflector must be maintained after the reflector is replaced so that the beam control and light distribution is not affected.
In the case of metalized reflectors, these reflectors can include a plastic piece that is injection molded, and then metalized with a conductive material to achieve a reflective surface. A coating, such as a lacquer coating, must be applied to the metalized surface thereafter to protect the metallization. However, the coating generally degrades over time and the reflectivity diminishes as a result. In general, as the coating degrades, the color accuracy and total system efficiency is impacted. In addition, these metalized reflectors are conductive.