The 4 Different Types of Lights You Should Know About

Even before Thomas Edison patented the very first incandescent bulb almost 150 years ago, human beings have been innovating to use electricity to provide task lighting for work, leisure and play.

Over that time, the technological range has grown so much that it can be difficult to keep up with all the different types of lights you can choose from for your home and commercial spaces.

So, what do you need to know about all those different lighting options?

We believe the technology range of ambient lighting can be broken down into four basic types of light-producing product categories that you can use to guide the perfect choice for your accent lighting in your Brisbane and Gold Coast lighting solution needs:

1. The incandescent bulb

The original and still often used! This is the one that Thomas Edison patented way back in 1879, and it’s still burning brightly all these years later thanks to the simple way they work and the cheap price.

But because the incandescent bulb is basically a controlled fire housed inside a glass, this filament-based technology is no longer the most energy efficient, so the technology types below are quickly catching up.

2. The halogen lamp

Indeed, the halogen light – although technically still basically working on the principle of incandescence – is about 30% more energy-efficient than Edison’s original. They also last longer and produce less heat, which is possible because the filament is housed in a quartz capsule containing halogen gas – hence the name.

3. The compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)

You’re familiar with the fluorescent tubes from the office, schools and grocery shops, and you’ve probably also seen their more practical little sibling for indoor lighting – the compact fluorescent lamp.

It’s a normal light bulb attachment for your light fittings but operating on the principle of – surprise, surprise – fluorescence.

Quite a lot more efficient than both halogen light bulbs and normal incandescent light bulbs, they work by producing a chemical reaction in those tubes that triggers the production of UV light – which then illuminates the powder coating inside the tube.

4. Light-emitting diodes (LED)

All the modern buzz, however, is about installing LED lighting! Sure, as a new technology, it’s still typically pricier than the more traditional options, but that’s changing fast as innovation and uptake speed ahead.

The good news, however, is that as far as the most energy-efficient option goes, no rival lighting technology comes anywhere close to the benefits of LED lights, making them extraordinarily cost-effective, especially when factoring in the extreme longevity and effectiveness of track lighting these lighting features include resistance to damage.

There’s no mercury and basically no heat – it’s just super-simple low-voltage technology whereby an electric current runs through the light-emitting diode to emit light.

Are you ready to choose the different types of lighting you require? Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

• Lumens, not watts: Still having a dilemma between lumens and watts? In the incandescent days, all you’d need to know is what power is being fed in. These days, the types of light products are also broken down in terms of lumens – a pure measure of the brightness, allowing you to compare different technologies directly.
• Consider the lifetime cost: Remember, it’s not just about the price off the shelf but how much those lighting types will cost you to operate. Also, some lighting types will have a much longer lifespan than others, affecting your bank balance over the medium and longer term.
• Get the mood right: Not all lighting types produce the same kind of light! And we’re not just talking about the brightness, but the colour temperature – from soft and warm white for the bedrooms, cool white for the kitchen, your floor lamp to provide accent lighting, and even harsh daylight-like light, which can be useful in the office or bathroom.

What types of lights do you need?

Need help deciding between the different types of lights for your particular activities or space?

Your Electrical Expert is the local and trusted local electrician for fast and affordable service, fully guaranteed workmanship and advice with a smile. Get in touch today.