What is a light bulb?
How does a light bulb work?
Types of Light Bulbs
What Do I Look for In a Light Bulb?
What Light Bulb Do I Need?
Light Bulb Buying Checklist
Quick Buying Tips
What is a light bulb?
The simplest definition of the original light bulb is a glass bulb that is inserted into a lamp or a socket that provides illumination. The working method and technology used in light bulbs has been refined over the years with the inclusion of LEDs and a plethora of modern technologies.
Once you’ve read through this guide, visit our Light Bulbs category to peruse our selection of lighting options!
How does a light bulb work?
The structure of a light bulb hasn’t changed much since it was first invented. The base of a bulb consists of two metal contacts which connect to the ends of an electrical circuit. The contacts are attached to two wires which are connected to a very thin metal filament. Filaments are coiled wires that are held up by glass mounts in the centre of the bulb. Typically, the bulb is filled with a non-reactive gas to aid with light quality and make a more durable bulb. When the bulb is inserted into a lamp or socket, contact is made with the main electrical circuit to create an electric current. This current is met with a high resistance whilst passing through the filament and the energy forces it’s way through this filament, creating heat and then produces light. This is how the original Edison filament light bulb works.
Whilst the bulb structure has not changed too much, the technology inside a bulb has advanced dramatically. New technologies and innovations have seen the inclusion LEDs (more info below) into the standard light bulb which has significantly refined the process of emitting light.
Types of Light Bulbs
There are many types of light bulbs that can be found throughout the world. There are now five main types of light bulbs to consider.
| Incandescent | LED | CFL | Halogen | Smart Bulb |
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Incandescent
This is a classic and earliest style of light bulb. They are created using a carbon or tungsten filament that creates a very nostalgic warm glow. Modern incandescent light bulbs are replicated to look like the original filament bulbs using the same traditional technology that Thomas Edison first patented back in the late 1800s and a commonly referred to as an Edison Bulb. These old-style bulbs have a shorter average lifespan, generally around 1000 hours.
LED
These are the most energy saving and cost-effective light bulb solutions. They are robust in design and have become the most popular bulb option over the years. In technical terms, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) emits light from a semiconductor, when electrons move around within the semiconductor structure. The semiconductor is made up of components that are positively and negatively charged. When an electric charge strikes the semiconductor, it activates the flow between these components producing light. The versatility of LEDs mean designers can replicate and imitate traditional incandescent bulbs. LED light bulbs are the best for average lifespan, some lasting between 15,000 - 25,000 hours. Always check the product information for average lifespans.
CFL
Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs are a fluorescent lamp designed to replace incandescent light bulbs. They use a curved or folded tube to fit into a standard light fixture, and a compact electronic ballast in the lamp base. These lamps contain electrons that are bound to atoms which are excited to states where ultraviolet light is emitted. The ultraviolet light is then turned into visible light when it strikes the fluorescent coating. These CFLs are about 80% more efficient than incandescent globes but have some restrictions such as dimming size and appearance. Generally, CFL light bulbs have an average lifespan of around 8,000 – 15,000 hours, depending on the type of CFL.
Halogen
Halogen light bulbs are best described as an advanced incandescent bulb. They have a compact tungsten filament that is heated along with a halogen gas inside the bulb to emit and control the light output. As such, Halogen light bulbs are dimmable and produce an instant light with no light up time. Depending on the style and type of bulb, Halogens have an average lifespan of approximately 2,000 hours.
Smart Bulbs
A smart light bulb is the newest form of light bulb technology on the market. These are bulbs that are internet and app capable, allowing digital and wireless control as well as scheduling. Some smart bulbs come in an array of colours and temperatures from candle light to day light with the ability for someone to control the mood of their space with their smartphone. This have similar lifespans to LED bulbs, ranging from 15, 000 - 25,000 hours.
What Do I Look for In a Light Bulb?
As with any type of product, jargon can be littered all over a box or in a product listing. Below are the main components and elements to look at when browsing light bulbs.
Base Types
Base types are the different shapes of a light bulb that fit into a lampholder or light socket. There are two main light bulb types commonly used in Australia; Bayonet (B22) and Edison Screw (E27). The lettering and numbering used to differentiate these bulbs types refers to the base cap and measurement. For example, B22 bulbs have a bayonet cap with two prongs connecting the bulb to its electrical source with a 22mm base, whereas the E27 bulbs have a screw in cap fitting and a 27mm base.
Kelvins
The measurement of a light bulb’s colour temperature is called a Kelvin (K). Every light bulb will have a certain number of Kelvins that define what colour temperature the light emitted will be. The lower Kelvin number, the redder the light, and the higher the Kelvin the bluer the light will be. Colour temperatures that are commonly found are Warm White, Cool White and Daylight. The Kelvin scale ranges from 1000K to 10,000K.
Watts
Watts (W) are a measurement of energy consumption within a light bulb. Different types of light bulbs, like incandescent or LEDs, have different levels of wattage and therefore energy consumption. Originally, if you wanted a brighter bulb, it would require more wattage and a higher electricity consumption. However, since the invention of LED’s, light bulbs can now produce a brighter light whilst using less power at a lower wattage and thus saves energy consumption costs.
Lumens
Lumens (lm) measure the light produced by a light bulb. The higher the Lumen, the brighter the light bulb will be. Lumens are important when considering the illumination in a room and should come into consideration when picking a light bulb.
Dimmable
Some light bulbs can be dimmed, but not all bulbs are created the same. It is important to check if a light bulb can be dimmed as installing a dimming system on a non-dimmable bulb can result in flickering. Generally, incandescent bulbs are dimmable, whereas LED and CFL bulbs vary. Be sure to check a light bulbs packaging or product page and when in doubt, speak to a qualified electrician.
Bulb Shapes
Not all light bulbs look the same. Gone are the days of standard or classic bulb shape and now are the days of variety. There are several main types of bulb shape that are commonly found and used.
| Round A60 | Teardrop | Tubular | Candle | Oversized |
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Round (A60) bulbs are a classic globe shape, closest to the first ever invented bulb.
Teardrop bulbs are a streamlined version of their round shaped counterparts that narrow as they reach the base.
Tubular bulbs thinner and longer bulbs.
Candle bulbs are made to replicate the flame of a candle.
Oversized bulbs are very large bulbs that come in an array of sizes and are often used as a standalone lighting solution (e.g with a pendant cord or table lamp).
What Light Bulb Do I Need?
Choosing a light bulb is determined by many factors. Kelvins, wattage, lumens and size should all be considered. Whether you are trying to set an ambient mood or light the way for customers in your bar or restaurant, choosing the right light bulb can make all the difference.
Kelvins
The colour temperature of a light bulb and the style of light shade play an integral part in creating ambience in your space. The Kelvin number on your bulb of choice will determine what colour will be illuminated throughout your space and therefore the mood of your space. For example, if you are considering the lighting in a cosy, late night bar, lower Kelvins mean you will achieve a warmer ambient light. However, if you are creating a space that needs a cooler and whiter colour scheme, choose a bulb with higher Kelvins. This should also be considered in conjunction with the number of Lumens a light bulb has.
As a general rule, different colour temperatures suit different rooms and functions:
Candle Flame 1800K – 2600K: The most nostalgic of colour temperatures that can create some unmatched atmosphere. This is the closest to a candle flame light, suitable for a moody bar, restaurant or man cave type room.
Warm White - 2700K – 2900: This softer colour temperature that is suitable for bedrooms, living or family rooms and areas that need a forgiving illumination.
White 3000K – 4900K: A brighter and vibrant colour temperature for areas like above kitchen islands, kitchen benches and in bathrooms.
Cool White 5000K – 6400K: A neutral to blue tinted coloured light temperature used where high concentration is needed and task-orientated spaces like workbenches, workshops, doctors’ rooms or office spaces.
Daylight 6500K: Although this can be considered harsher light, like the midday sun brightness, it can be practical for where a tougher light is needed like hospitals.
Watts
Energy costs commonly come into play when thinking about your lighting plan. If you are looking for less money hungry light bulbs, go for suitable lower watts. In some case, this means less output for brightness. However, the modern light bulb can help with lower energy consumption, especially with LED bulbs.
Lumens
Simply put, higher lumens mean a brighter light. If you are looking for optimal illumination above a dining room table, in a café, near restaurant eating areas or office spaces, choose a light bulb with higher Lumens. Spaces like a cellar door winery, dive bar or late-night eateries should go for lower Lumens to create a darker atmosphere and illumination. In conjunction with the Kelvins, you can achieve a brighter, coloured temperature of your choice. Modern LED bulbs also mean you can achieve a brighter light with low energy consumption.
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Please note:
The above table is a rough guide and typical of bulb outputs. Products may vary. Always consult with an electrician or product details for more information.
Sources:
https://www.energyrating.gov.au/consumer-information/products/lighting
https://www.energyrating.gov.au/industry-information/products/lighting
Light Bulb Buying Checklist
Quick Buying Tips
- Check what bulb base your light of choice requires. E.g B22, E27 base types.
- Harness the mood in your space by considering the Kelvin number of a light bulb to determine a colour temperature of your light.
- LED light bulbs are a great bulb option for those looking for low energy cost and consumption.
- Watts determine the amount of energy consumption is used.
- Lumens determine the brightness of your light.
- Before installing a dimmer – check your bulb is compatible, not all bulbs are the same.
