Artificial electric lamps are vital for an efficient lighting system in residential and commercial properties. Different types of light bulbs can increase efficiency and help conserve energy in lighting systems depending on their internal structure.
1. Incandescent Lamps
These standard bulbs are available in a range of voltages and sizes. Most people are familiar with these traditional globes that have been in use for over 100 years. However, incandescent lamps are not as efficient to use when compared to newer lamp styles. They are also quite pricey to run and a phase-out of this type of globe started in 2009. An incandescent bulb has a tungsten filament (the little wire visible inside the globe). When an electric current is sent through the filament, it causes it to heat up and glow. The hotter it gets the brighter it glows, known as lumens. At the same time, energy levels also rise and the higher the energy levels the more energy is wasted.
2. Fluorescent Tubes
This gas discharging tube uses fluorescence to produce light. They use less power to produce the same amount of light as incandescent globes but are more expensive and complex. They do not have good colour representation, however, they are preferred for their cool colour appearance.
3. Compact Fluorescent Lamps
CFC light bulbs are relatively cost and energy-efficient compared to incandescent and halogen lamps. However, it should be noted that they contain small amounts of mercury. CFL light bulbs use an identical method as fluorescent tubes to create light. When an electrical charge is sent through the mercury-filled tube, it excites the vapour inside which lets off UV light. This causes the phosphor lining of the tube to also become excited which produces light.
4. Halogen Lamps
Halogen lamps are similar to incandescent light bulbs, however, they contain halogen gas which makes them more energy-efficient to run. They also last longer than incandescent light bulbs. A halogen lamp operates in the same way as an incandescent globe except that the halogen gas speeds up the process which makes it a more cost and energy-efficient option compared to incandescent lighting.
5. LED Light Bulbs
Light Emitting Diodes are the most energy-efficient and cost-effective lighting option currently available on the lighting market. LED lights are entirely different as the electrical charge is sent through solid material that engages electrons contained in the bulb, encouraging them to move faster in order to create light. The faster the movement the less heat is generated which makes LED lights more energy and cost-efficient than any other type of lighting.
6. High-Intensity Discharge Lamps
These lights are designed with inner glass tubes that contain tungsten electrodes that emit an electrical arc. The inner tube is filled with both gas and metals that produce a higher intensity of light compared to incandescent and fluorescent lights.
For more information on which lighting option will be best for your requirements, contact one of our expert lighting installation experts in Busselton at Powerlec. We look forward to helping you choose the best solution for your residential or commercial lighting requirements.
