What do you need to know about the type of bulb before buying?

Light bulbs are a necessity for people in every home because they can provide good light at night. At present, the lamp has been developed and there are many types to choose from. Do you know how each lamp is different?  Which one is suitable for our use? Today, we will bring you to know the types of light bulbs.

What is a light bulb?

It is a device that gives light in different areas by using electric power. This produces a brighter light that lasts longer than lanterns and candles, no need to waste time sitting on fire. Nowadays manufacturers want to develop more energy-saving lamps. Therefore, there are many different types of light bulbs than in the past.

How many types of bulbs are there?

Incandescent

Incandescent, many people are known as the candle bulb. It is a lamp made of high-heat tungsten. Incandescent lamps work by allowing electricity to pass through the filament and turn electrical energy into heat. When the filament is hot, it will emit light. There are disadvantages, it is consuming a lot of power and has a short lifespan. Suitable for decorative rooms that require soft lighting, such as restaurants, spas, hotels, etc.

fluorescent bulb

There is another name that neon bulb or glowing bulb. It is a lamp with a tungsten filament attached to both ends of the bulb, coated with a phosphor and a small amount of mercury vapor. Fluorescent bulbs work by allowing an electric current to flow through mercury to emit energy in the form of ultraviolet rays When radiation hits a fluorescent substance The lamp will emit light. The average lifespan is 2 years.

Halogen

It is a light bulb that evolved from incandescent bulbs. It works by allowing electric current to flow through a filament made of tungsten. Inside contains halogen gas. Therefore, it is more durable than incandescent lamps and gives a color accuracy of 100%. It has a service life of 1,500 – 3,000 hours, suitable for areas that require special lightings, such as booths at various events, pubs, and bars.

Metal halide

It is a light bulb that is classified as a high-intensity light bulb. It works by having an electric arc run through the gas. This makes small arc tubes mixed with high-pressure argon, mercury, and a variety of metals, but due to the heat generated by the disintegration of mercury and the metal vapor used to produce this fire increases the temperature and pressure. As a result, it consumes a lot of power as well. It uses 400-500 W of power. Metal halide bulbs are suitable for use on streets, color printing, stadiums, parks, and shopping malls with a service life of 16,000-20,000 hours.

Moonlight bulb or mercury vapor bulb

A high-pressure mercury vapor bulb consists of a small quartz glass bulb. Inside contains mercury vapor and electrodes. It is then covered with a large borosilicate glass bulb to block the UV rays emitted by mercury vapor along with the light. work with high voltage jumps through the mercury vapor inside the lamp to light it. Suitable for industrial factories, warehouses, and stadiums with a service life of 24,000 hours.

Chopsticks (CFL)

People are known for compact fluorescent bulbs. The principle of operation is similar to fluorescent lamps but requires the installation of a special power supply, which is the Ballast itself. There are both built-in and external ballast versions. It is available in a variety of shapes such as spiral, tube, 4 rows, etc. It last up to 20 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs and use up to 80% less energy, making it ideal for use in offices, schools, etc.

LED bulb

The light-emitting diode is a light bulb developed using the latest technology to provide the most efficient use in today’s applications. The working principle is different from conventional lamps by using the movement of electrons within the semiconductor LED bulbs, which reduces various disadvantages of traditional bulbs, both in terms of heat, longer lifespan, eye care, consume less power, does not contain UV, and does not cause toxic substances like moonlight bulb. LED bulbs can last up to 50,000 – 60,000 hours.

Advantages of LED bulbs that are advantageous over other types of bulbs

In addition, to providing immediate light, no more waiting for blinking and more light than other bulbs. It also uses 80-90% less electricity, which is considered very energy-saving. It also has a lifespan of about 1,000,000 hours (about 11 years). There is no problem with light bulbs that are easily torn to bother you.

Before buying an LED bulb, how should you choose?

In addition to choosing the form of use and the price that is suitable for us. Other factors are used in choosing a light bulb as well. Because the bulb is something that can be used for a long time. If you want to buy it, you need to study it thoroughly for the best.

Bulb color

A good light bulb should have a color accuracy that is as close to natural as possible, with a CRI value between 70 – 90 to help protect eyesight and prevent misrepresentation of colors, such as the color perception of clothing in a different room. In addition, you need to look at how it will be used. If used to add color in the room, may choose to be an adjustable bulb in 2 tones, either cool daylight white or warm white-yellow, which can be used in conjunction with the existing light switch in the house.

Bulb shape

Decorating the room by choosing the shape of the lamps to match each other will make the room look more playful. However, you must also look at what kind of room it will be used in because shape also affects light distribution. If the shape of the lamp is not suitable, it will cause insufficient light distribution. You have to install more electricity and waste electricity bill than before or it may damage the furniture in the hanging from UV rays inside the lamp.

Bulb holder size

Generally, there are two main types of lamps, screw type, and prong type.

Screw lamp socket

• E14 screw terminal or small terminal, suitable for use with decorative lamps, and chandeliers.
• E27 screw cap is the most common type of lamp holder. Suitable for use with LED bulbs or energy-saving bulbs as well.
• E40 screw cap, commonly used with high wattage bulbs to accommodate larger bulbs. Typically used with High Watt bulbs with wattage greater than 40w, suitable for floodlights or spotlights

Prong lamp holder

• G13 prong type connector, commonly used with fluorescent lamps. Ballasts and starters are not always needed as before.
• Terminal GU10 is a twist-lock pin shape. Commonly used with Track light or Spotlight, which will be installed in a downward manner.
• GU5.3 connector is commonly used with cup halogen lamps.

You’ll see that there are currently a lot of bulbs to choose from, it’s important to understand each type of bulb. In order not to waste time buying a new replacement twice.