Bulb Type
Incandescent
The incandescent bulb is the traditional light bulb, this classic design relies on electricity heating the filament until it glows, and has a relatively short lifespan of around 1000 hours. Releasing a warm yellow glow, more modern alternatives are increasingly being used to achieve lower energy consumption and brighter results.
Halogen
The halogen bulb is an incandescent bulb but features halogen gas trapped within the glass which helps to ‘recycle’ energy. It has the same 1000 hour lifespan but is slightly more energy efficient than the traditional incandescent bulb.
LED
LED bulbs, or light emitting diodes, are becoming more popular due to their energy saving properties. A fraction of the wattage required in a traditional or halogen bulb is required to power an LED. Additionally, an LED bulb lasts considerably longer with an on average 20,000+ hours lifespan, making them the more cost effective alternative. The bulb does not burn out as with an incandescent bulb, instead grows gradually dimmer as it nears the end of its long life.
Power
Wattage
Wattage is the traditional measurement to record the amount of power needed to light a bulb.
Lumens
With the popularity of energy efficient bulbs, lumens are more commonly being used, this measurement instead records the brightness emitted from a light source. The higher the lumen the brighter the lamp will be, allowing a user to know how much light a bulb produces.
Although they do not directly correlate, the following table shows a rough guide:
| To replace a: | Select at least: |
|---|---|
| 40 watt bulb | 450 lumens |
| 60 watt bulb | 800 lumens |
| 75 watt bulb | 1100 lumens |
| 100 watt bulb | 1600 lumens |
Colour
The colour measurement refers to the colour that a light bulb will produce. Measured using the Kelvin scale (K), a way to measure temperature that is also used in photography to achieve desired colours and in noise recording. On this scale, the lower K numbers represent warm yellow tones and the higher numbers emit a bright blue tinged light with a white tone in mid-range. Most people prefer a more amber light as opposed to a bright blue glow to create an inviting setting.
Fittings
Your light will specify the required type of cap fitting. Fittings are available as follows; always check the bulb before you buy to ensure you have the correct fitting for your light source:
Bayonet
The bayonet fitting features radial pins to fasten the bulb to the light source. With the standard size being B22 and small size at B15, the number refers to the diameter of the cap in mm.
Edison (screw)
Developed by Thomas Edison, the bulb cap features a threaded metal design which screws into the matching threaded socket on the light source. The most common size is the E27 and the smaller size is E14, the number refers to the diameter of the cap in mm.
GU10 and specialist fittings
Specialist fittings are normally required for unique lamps.
Bulb Shape
Choose from a variety of bulb shapes to fit your light source and interior style:
Classic
The classic bulb is suitable for a variety of fittings.
Candle Bulb
The flame shaped design suits chandeliers and older-style lighting.
Spiral and Stick
Emitting a lot of light, it is both practical and energy efficient.
Globes
The sphere shape creates a soft and inviting lighting.
Squirrel Cage
This 100 year old design is making a modern day comeback.
To ensure you select the right bulb type, wattage or lumen always check individual light sources for specific details and requirements when purchasing a bulb.