Light Bulbs

Light bulbs, or lamps, are the central component in every light fitting. Whether the light bulb is the most basic incandescent bulb, or a sophisticated electronic LED chip, all are performing the same task – turning electrical energy into visible light.

The selection of the correct light bulb is as important as the selection of the light fitting itself. A fantastic light may not perform well without the correct bulb and this applies equally to decorative pendant lighting as it does to spotlights or down lights.

There are may features and functions of individual light bulbs, but for the purpose of this article we will focus on three only; light output, energy efficiency and colour temperature.

Many people focus simply on the “wattage” of the bulb, and look for the biggest number in an attempt to get the most light. In the simple case of a traditional incandescent lamp, a 100w lamp produced 4 times a 25w lamp. This same formula does not apply to any other light source as simply as that. Take a compact fluorescent light bulb or lamp (CFL), the “wattage” used to rate these light bulbs reflects the power used, not the light output. To make a true comparison you need to look at the lumen output.

In combining the lumen output of a light bulb with the power it needs to produce that output, you get the efficacy (the lighting term for efficiency) of the light bulb. This is the most important relationship when it comes to making an informed decision about the energy efficiency of light bulbs.

Finally we come to the lights colour temperature. Many people are concerned about using energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs because “fluro light is blue and horrible!” and it can be. As energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs have gained popularity, the availability of bulbs of a different colour temperature has exploded. Colour temperature, expressed in degrees Kelvin (K), can be matched with the mood a décor of your room. If you want that cool, ultra modern feel – Daylight at 5000K may be your choice, if you want it warm and cosy then Warm White at 2700K would be a better choice.

These are just three areas you should consider when choosing light bulbs for home lighting, and there are a multitude of light bulbs from which to choose.

For further information, and professional assistance, contact one of our stores and a helpful team member will be able to assist you.

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