The basics of Light Bulbs | LED, CFL, incandescent

March 10, 2021

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4 min read

A simple task like picking a light bulb can be very intimidating because of all the options available to us. In this video, we’re going to discuss 6 of the most commonly used light bulbs, how they work, their pros and cons and uses.

Incandescent Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs, the oldest type of light bulb, consist of a tungsten filament suspended within a glass mount attached to the bulb’s base. When an electric current passes through the filament, it reaches high temperatures, emitting light through incandescence. Inert gas or vacuum protects the filament, preventing it from burning up. However, the filaments gradually deteriorate, leading to a short lifespan of around 700 to 1000 hours.

Incandescent bulbs offer affordability, compatibility with both direct and alternating current, a warm and inviting glow, and flattering light for skin tones. Additionally, they are free from toxic gases. The downsides include short lifespan, fragility due to thin glass enclosure, and low energy efficiency, as most of the energy is wasted as heat.

Halogen Light Bulbs

Halogen bulbs are incandescent bulbs infused with halogen or salt-producing elements like iodine or bromine. They utilize hydrogen bromide gas to recapture stray tungsten atoms, prolonging the filament’s life and maintaining clear glass.

Halogen bulbs offer increased lifespan, approximately 30% higher energy efficiency, and emit light closely resembling natural daylight or white light. These bulbs require quartz capsules to withstand higher temperatures, and direct contact with fingers can cause explosions due to salt and oil residues.

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)

CFLs consist of a glass tube filled with inert argon gas and a small amount of mercury vapor. Electric current excites the mercury atoms, emitting visible and invisible ultraviolet light, which interacts with a phosphor coating to produce fluorescence.

CFLs consume 70% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last around 10,000 hours. CFLs may take longer to turn on, require ballasts for regulation, and are sensitive to extreme temperatures. They also release a small amount of mercury when broken, requiring proper disposal.

Neon Lights

Neon lights utilize sealed glass tubes or bulbs with metal electrodes, filled with low-pressure gas that emits characteristic colors when an electric current passes through. Neon lights have no filament, resulting in a longer lifespan compared to incandescent bulbs. They are energy-efficient and were widely used for advertising signs in the past. Neon lights operate at higher temperatures, requiring glass tubes made of quartz. Direct contact with skin can lead to explosions.

High-Intensity Discharge Lamps

These lamps feature a quartz arc tube with tungsten electrodes, producing light through an electric arc in an ionized gas. They are commonly used for large area lighting in various settings. Highly efficient and long-lasting, high-intensity discharge lamps offer intense illumination for various applications. They are not suitable for retail stores due to unflattering human skin color rendering.

LED Lights

LEDs, or Light Emitting Diodes, use compounds like gallium arsenide, gallium phosphide, and indium phosphide to emit light when an electric current passes through the junction.

LEDs are the most energy-efficient, boasting an impressive lifespan of 20,000-30,000 hours without burning out. They require no ballast, are dimmable, and offer instant illumination. LED’s versatility allows them to mimic various lighting options. The main drawback is their initial cosUnderstanding the characteristics and applications of different light bulbs empowers you to make informed decisions for your lighting needs.t, which is higher than traditional bulbs. Additionally, they are sensitive to current fluctuations, and low-quality LEDs may not meet lifespan claims.

Understanding the characteristics and applications of different light bulbs empowers you to make informed decisions for your lighting needs. Remember to choose reputable brands to ensure longevity and performance. Check the video description for more in-depth explanations on LEDs and other topics covered in this guide.