Types of Light Bulbs
Light bulbs are used to produce light from electricity. They can be used to illuminate rooms, indicate that a device is on, and for many other purposes. Billions of them are in use around the world.
Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, these ones emit a soft white light and come with dimming capabilities. Their lumen count is good enough for reading and other activities and they offer a high energy efficiency rating.
Types
There are many types of light bulbs, each designed for a different purpose. They can be grouped by the way they use electricity (technologies), shape and base, and color temperature.
A light bulb uses electric current to heat a filament, which in turn emits visible light. A clear or frosted glass envelope protects the filament from contamination, allowing the bulb to be used in a wide range of applications. The shape of a light bulb dictates how the light is distributed. Flood-type bulbs spread light widely and are commonly used in recessed ceiling fixtures, while spot-type bulbs concentrate light into a smaller area and are more often found in track lighting.
Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are the latest technology and are the cheapest option. They last longer and have a much higher lumen count than traditional bulbs, so they require less energy to produce the same amount of light.
A light bulb’s color appearance and whiteness is measured on a scale called the Kelvin rating. It ranges from a low, warm yellow to a high, cool white. This can make a big difference in the ambiance of a room.
Energy Efficiency
Using less energy is better for the environment, and it’s also better for you. That’s why many people prefer to use energy efficient bulbs high frequency motion Sensor when replacing traditional ones. They are more economical than standard bulbs, using up to 75-to 90 percent less electricity. They also last longer than standard bulbs and have a lower carbon footprint.
One of the reasons that traditional bulbs waste so much energy is because 95% of the energy they use goes out as heat and only 5% produces light. To reduce this energy loss Edison designed his bulb with a specialized glass coating that diffused the light produced by the filament into a soft glow. He also used inert gases, such as argon or krypton, to help the filament stay hotter longer by keeping it isolated from air.
Modern bulbs improve on these designs by creating a vacuum to protect the filament from oxygen and by using smaller sized filaments that require less energy to be heated. The orientation of the filament also impacts efficiency; a thinner filament that’s placed closer to the glass surface can decrease convective losses.
When comparing different types of bulbs you should look at the lumens per watt they produce. A higher number means more light for a given amount of power, which is better than the “equivalent wattage” that’s often listed.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a light bulb can be greatly reduced by how often the bulb is turned on and off. Each time a light is switched on, the filament cools down, contracts and then heats up again. This rapid cycle can cause microscopic cracks in the filament and drastically reduce its lifespan. The lifetime of a light bulb can also be reduced by exposure to high temperatures, voltage fluctuations and mechanical shock or vibrations.
During the early 20th century, most incandescent bulbs were rated for 1,000 hours or more. However, manufacturers began to meet in secret in 1924 and formed the Phoebus cartel — arguably one of the first examples of planned obsolescence on an industrial scale. The cartel agreed that the life spans of incandescent bulbs would be intentionally depressed so that consumers were forced to purchase new bulbs, thus boosting sales.
Modern CFLs, on the other hand, are rated for up to 50,000 hours. This is partly because they have a longer filament that allows for more gradual cooling and contraction. It’s worth noting that the life of a CFL is also affected by how frequently the lamp is switched on and off, as the bulb must first heat up to its operating temperature. It is recommended that you switch the lamp on and off very slowly, so that it doesn’t suffer from the rapid cycling of power that can shorten its lifespan.
Safety
When a light bulb gets too hot, it can damage the fixture or create a fire hazard in an easily flammable location. This problem is less likely to occur with bulbs that allow heat to dissipate more quickly.
Some types of light bulbs can also be dangerous for people to touch. If they break, they can send shards of thin glass flying. These pieces are sharp and can puncture skin. Also, they may contain chemicals like argon and mercury that are toxic to the body. This is why it is important to take precautions when handling them.
It is important to note that many light bulb manufacturers comply with light bulb safety standards to ensure light bulbs long life and performance. This is a good thing because it helps to prevent problems and reduce the risk of injury.
If you need to replace a light bulb, be sure to turn off the switch and circuit breaker. Then, wear gloves and use a step ladder to reach the light fixture. Make sure the bulb is cool before attempting to remove it. If it is still warm, it could burn your hand. Once you’ve removed the old bulb, don’t touch it with bare hands and be careful when screwing the new one in. For safety, be sure to use the right type of screw to avoid stripping the threads.
