Monday, December 26, 2011

Light Bulbs - Historical and Modern Concerns

!±8± Light Bulbs - Historical and Modern Concerns

Light bulbs are found throughout the world and have become one of the most common of household items. The ability to light our surroundings is a basic human need, and has inspired many through the years to find better, safer and cheaper light sources. Frederick de Moleyns designed an incandescence lamp, for which he received a patent. Thomas Edison is credited with inventing the first practical prototype of the electric light bulb, but there were other inventors who worked on and contributed to the concept, including Heinrich Göebel, James Bowman Lindsay, Sir Humphrey Davy, Warren De La Rue and James Prescott Joule.

The new technology used electrical resistance to heat a wire filament. When the filament reached a high temperature it would glow, giving off light - this process is call incandescence. The light bulb is the enclosure which protects the filament from oxidation at high heat. Most bulbs are filled with a low-pressure gas, while quartz lamp bulbs are filled with halogen gas. Edison invented his light bulb in 1879 and received a patent in 1880. However, as many people had been working on the concept of electric bulbs, there were understandably disputes as to who owned the technology and many lawsuits were filed.

The advent of electrical lighting would bring changes in residential and industrial living. Prior to bulbs gas lighting was used in many homes and businesses, and not only was the infrastructure in place, but there were gas manufacturing plants up and running and gas utility franchises had been assigned. But, this would change and the infrastructure would begin switching to electricity which was becoming a practical and useful technology for homes and businesses.

Over the next hundred years Edison's first prototypes would lead to the creation of light bulbs of all shapes and energy outputs as new lighting fixtures were developed. Table lamps were joined with ceiling lights, industrial lighting, and outdoor lighting fixtures. Light bulbs small enough to fit in penlights and large enough to light sports arenas were designed, and they were available in a multitude of colors. However, as people became more aware of the environment they would begin to look at the way they used energy and seek changes. This would lead to more changes in the bulb and how it was used.

One of the first changes was replacing electricity, which becomes costlier each year, with alternative energy sources such as solar energy. When homeowners first began installing outdoor path lighting, they needed to use electrical wiring. Today most outdoor path bulbs are lit with solar energy collected during the day. And more efficient bulbs, such as LEDs and CFLs are replacing the traditional bulb designs. In fact, many countries are requiring that the incandescent bulb be completely phased out and replaced with environmentally friendly and energy saving bulbs. New environmental standards are and will continue to promote the evolution of the bulb. Hopefully these changes are helping humans to become more energy efficient and respectful of our world and its natural resources.


Light Bulbs - Historical and Modern Concerns

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Comparing Light Bulb Types - Incandescent, Halogen, and Compact Fluorescent Lamps

!±8± Comparing Light Bulb Types - Incandescent, Halogen, and Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Incandescent Bulb

The fat bulbs that most of us have been using for general lighting in bedrooms since childhood are known as incandescent light bulbs. These lamps have been the standard for a long time due to the natural, warm light they produce and their undeniable low price. These bulbs are also very easy to put on a dimmer control in comparison to other lamp types.

The main problem with incandescent bulbs is that they consume two to three times more energy than the alternatives. This coupled with a much shorter lifespan (up to 1,500 hours) than its competitors makes incandescent bulbs an expensive option. This has led to a worldwide movement to ban their use before 2014 for the sake of energy. Some countries, including those in the European Union, have already begun this ban.

Halogen Bulb

Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent lamp that produce an intense light with higher color temperatures than non-halogen incandescent lamps. Halogens are most often used in track lighting systems, ultramodern light fixtures, and, believe it or not, headlights. The intensity of the light makes halogen lamps a good choice for task lighting. Halogen light bulbs tend to initially cost more than non-halogen incandescent bulbs but make up for the difference with a longer lifespan (2,000 to 2,500 hours) and higher energy efficiency.

The trouble with halogen bulbs lies in the fact that they produce a lot of heat. This makes halogen lamps a bad choice for workspaces in close proximity to a halogen lamp or for children's rooms due to safety issues. Note that you should never touch a halogen lamp with bare hands or leave flammable materials nearby. It is best not to leave with these lamps on for an extended period without someone close at hand.

Fluorescent Bulb

You more than likely associate fluorescent lamps with the long fixtures found in kitchens, laundry rooms, and garages. The fact is that fluorescent lamps comes in many different shapes and sizes and can be used for diverse purposes and in various light fixtures. Fluorescent lamps produce a large amount of white light that reveals detail without producing excess heat. This together with a low operating cost makes fluorescent bulbs a ideal choice for work areas. The lamps themselves tend to cost more than both incandescent and halogen bulbs since a ballast is required for the function of a lamp. However, fluorescent lamps last ten to twenty times longer (up to 25,000 hours) than incandescent lamps and is the most energy efficient of these three types, though the life of fluorescent bulbs may lessen if it is turned on and off frequently. Note that the life of a fluorescent bulb should be indicated on the packaging.

One downfall for the fluorescent lamp is that it produces a very white light that does not seem as natural or warm as an incandescent bulb. This light has also been connected with the fading of paintings since it contains a high amount of UV rays. You may also notice that the bulbs become dimmer towards the end of their life and may not turn on in extremely cold temperatures. Fluorescent bulbs have also been accused of being harmful to the environment due to the mercury and phosphor materials contained inside. Because of this used fluorescent lamps typically cannot be disposed of as regular trash. The disposal procedure is usually regulated by local government agencies.

Compact Fluorescent Bulb (CFL)

This type of fluorescent bulb has been offered as a replacement for the incandescent bulbs that may be banned by 2014. They are closer to incandescent bulbs in size but retain the energy saving properties.The two most common shapes are U-shaped and spiral. Recent developments have also led to a light that is more natural and similar to the light produced by incandescent bulbs.

Making the Switch to CFL Bulbs

There are a few things that you should consider when converting to compact fluorescents.

Size

Though smaller than standard fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent bulbs are nevertheless larger than incandescent bulbs. It is important to consider this since a compact fluorescent bulb might be to large for some of your fixtures.

Wattage

A fluorescent lamp produces five times more light than an incandescent of the same wattage. So if you are using a 100-watt incandescent lamp to light a room, a 20-watt compact fluorescent will produce roughly the same amount of light.

Light Temperature

The light produced by fluorescent bulbs typically has a bluish white quality that may not seem as natural as light from incandescents. You can get an idea of the color by taking a look at the color temperature indicated on the package. Light from an incandescent bulb typically has a color temperature of 2,700 K, so if you want a more natural light, you should purchase a compact fluorescent lamp of that same temperature. Bulbs with a temperature of 3,000 K to 3,500 K produce a neutral white light. Anything above 4,000 K will be closer to daylight.

In Conclusion...

There are actually many more types of light bulbs than the three described here. However these are the most popular for interior lighting. Less common types include LED (light emitting diode) and HID (high intensity discharge). Choosing the right light bulb is all in all a matter of preference and savings. Well, that goes for all but the ill-fated incandescent bulb...


Comparing Light Bulb Types - Incandescent, Halogen, and Compact Fluorescent Lamps

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Sunday, December 11, 2011

Cree LE6C - Dimmable - LED Downlight Module - 12 Watt - 500 Lumens - Halogen White - Adjustable - Fits 6 in. Can Fixtures - Medium Base

!±8± Cree LE6C - Dimmable - LED Downlight Module - 12 Watt - 500 Lumens - Halogen White - Adjustable - Fits 6 in. Can Fixtures - Medium Base

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Post Date : Dec 11, 2011 08:51:05 | N/A

Wattage 12 - Base Type Medium E26 - Color Temperature 3500 Kelvin - CRI 92 - Incandescent Equal 65 Watt - Life Hours 50000 - Warranty 5 Years -

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