Lighting Basics
Incandescent lamps
Incandescent lamps are the most common type of lamp, and the most inefficient, converting most of the electrical energy they receive into heat, rather than light. Standard incandescent lamps last around 1,000 hours and must be regularly replaced.
Halogen lamps are incandescent lamps
Halogen lights are a type of incandescent lamp and last between 3,000 – 5,000 hours. Low-voltage halogen lamps are commonly used in down lights to light large spaces, leading to excessive energy use. Low-voltage halogen lamps are not low energy because they still have a relatively high wattage. In fact, a low voltage 50 watt halogen lamp uses more power than a 50 watt incandescent lamp because an extra 15 watts is required to power the transformer required to drive it.
Compact fluorescent lamps
Compact fluorescent or linear fluorescent lamps are one the most energy efficient form of lighting for households, using about a quarter of the energy used by incandescent bulbs to provide the same light level. Advances in technology mean that compact fluorescents come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and in a range of easy-on-the-eye colour temperatures. Although more expensive to buy, CFLs can last up to 10,000 hours and some are dimmable.
Fitting types
• Edison Screw (ES) – Common screw-type fitting. Also comes in Small ES size.
• Bayonet Cap (BC) – Push and twist action with 2 locating lugs. Also comes in Small BC size.
• MR16 – Most common fitting for low-voltage halogen down light lamps.
• GU10 – also used in down lights, but does not require a transformer.
• GX5.3 – used in cabinet lighting and for surface-mounted ceiling lights.
Wattage
The wattage of a lamp determines the amount of electricity it uses. The higher the wattage, the more electricity consumed. However, wattage on its own is not a measure of brightness.
Colour Temperature
Colour temperature refers to the warmth or coldness of the light produced by the lamp, measured in Kelvin (K). Lamps producing a warm or yellow light have a low Kelvin (2700-3000K), while lamps producing a white or blue light have a higher Kelvin (3500-6500K). The ideal colour temperature is dependent on the application.
