Energy saving: choose a light bulb

It is impossible to imagine an apartment or a house without a light source, in our time on the market a wide range of devices that convert electrical energiyuv   light. The range of lighting lamps is so large, and their technological and consumer properties are so different, you need a good deal before making a choice.

There are several types of lamps:

• Fluorescent lamps;
• Incandescent lamps;
• Halogen lamps;
• LED lights.

 

Let's briefly look at each of the types.

Incandescent

For a long incandescent had competition: their power is determined by the diameter of the glass bulb. The bulb itself is made of frosted, clear, opal, plate glass. Strengthened bulb in the socket focusing, pin or screw type.

The most common   coiled-coil   Lamp: inside the bulb on hangers suspended from molybdenum tungsten arc-shaped thread, its melting point is 3600 degrees. The spiral can be double. If the lamp power is small (40-60Vt), the vacuum bulb, more powerful analogs filled with krypton, argon or nitrogen – they have a high temperature filament yarn and the best light output.

The main characteristics of incandescent lamps are: the rated power and voltage, luminous flux, luminous efficiency, lighting characteristics. It is also worth paying attention to the life – He indicated in hours burning.

Lamp power ranges from 15 to 1000 watts. Luminous flux depends on the temperature and power filament. The combustion process is gradually sprayed tungsten, so the diameter of the filament is reduced, and consequently reduced and light output. As for the light output, the more powerful the light is, the higher the return. For a directional light flux produced lamps reflect light: on the inside of the bulb lay diffuse layer of silver or aluminum on the part of the cap.

Incandescent lamps are used everywhere, but it is worth remembering that the transmission of red, blue and blue and yellow colors may occur error. Do not use incandescent bulbs in small rooms: powerful lamps emit a lot of heat and can lead to overheating, these lamps are not suitable for arched openings, false ceilings, lights, cabinets and other furniture. Among the manufacturers of incandescent popular:   General   Electric, Maxus,   PILA,   Osram,   Philips, BABS and others.

Fluorescent lamps

Recently, fluorescent lamps, dubbed in     people « housekeeper » widespread. They     benefits is considered low power consumption, soft light, long life. Lack – a glimmer of light and temperature sensitive.

Compact fluorescent lamps (energy-saving) can have different shapes: spiral, arc-shaped, pear-shaped, cylindrical, spherical.   The lamp is filled with inert gas (xenon, argon) and mercury vapor. The inner walls coated with a layer of phosphor. Under the action of high voltage electrons collide with mercury atoms, and passing through the phosphor, visible to the human eye give luminescence. From ordinary light bulbs fluorescent lights are different large cap: it is the starter used in fluorescent lamps.

Often, in addition to the power consumption of fluorescent lamps on the package and indicate the equivalent incandescent lamp. For example, if energy saving lamps 8W is written, it will shine like a 40-Wadden analogue bulbs.

The second criterion for choosing energy-saving lamps – temperature of the light. This option – reflected temperature of the heated filament measurement is made in Kelvin. The average temperature of the filament lamp is 2700   By her lights – yellow. A rare type of lamps – 3300-3500K, shining bright white light. 4000-4200K – cold white light, with a barely noticeable blue tint, it is better to choose the more powerful lamps, because the light is rather dim. 6000-6500K – the so-called fluorescent lamps: they fit you or   is not   depends on physiology, someone so annoying light.

The third option – this     the clock service, manufacturers of expensive lamps give a guarantee for 12-15 thousand hours. Lamps shine average price category 6-10 thousand hours, products of low price segment in the best case will last 2000 hours. Preferably shave lamp with soft start – such lamps will last longer: the first few minutes the light will dim because the light will heat up. By the way, frequent switching on and off also affect the length of « life » Bulbs: experts recommend to switch off fluorescent lamps not less than 10 minutes after the operation.

The color rendering index should be as above: the minimum value of R must be 82. If the ratio is lower, the light will shine with the « glare ». The main producers of these lamps are   Osram,   Philips, GE (the highest category),   Navigator,   Maxus,   Wolta,   Ecola, Cosmos (medium category),   Zeon,   Pila,   Iskra,   Electrum   (lowest category).

Lighting Designers   prefer to use these lamps to create color compositions. In home conditions, such as a lamp useful in rooms where the lights are not long corridor, in the kitchen, in the hall.

Halogen lamps

There are also incandescent bulbs with halogen or iodine cycle: the flask is introduced into a small amount of iodine: during combustion tungsten particles are mixed with iodine and are deposited on the walls of the bulb. Then again, tungsten iodide decomposes into iodine and tungsten: tungsten back on the filament and the iodine – the walls of the flask. Thus, the life of halogen lamps is greatly increased as compared with conventional incandescent lamps. Lamps can have a different shape, so the lighting is concentrated and diffused. Used halogen   lamps   for general and spot lighting.

Lamps can be:

• Suspended;
• Spot   or embedded in the ceiling, walls, furniture;
• Wall;
• Fixed;
• Swivel.

You can also result in the classification of luminaires power: low-voltage, mains voltage and universal. When choosing luminaires look for the desired output: total power of light bulbs should not exceed the power adapter or transformer. Otherwise, light bulbs need to be divided into several groups and each of them pick up transformer. In choosing a design you are not limited to: point approach to design niches, transitions, embedded – designs for suspended ceilings, arched openings.

Housing can be made of different materials: glass, plastic, metal, brass, covered coated, polished. It is worth remembering that the maintenance of halogen lamps should be carried out only in the cotton gloves or wipe with a dry cloth, as the appearance of even small oil stains at times reduces the life of the lamp.

The most well-known manufacturers of halogen lamps are the company   Philips   and   Osram, Pila,   Fora, Electrum,   Brille,   Elotek, Spark and other.

LED lamps

LED lights have several advantages: low power consumption, high luminous efficiency, long service life. 

Their economy is undeniable: the LED lamp consumes only 3.5 watts, provides as much light as a 40 watt halogen bulb. A LED lamp is 12 watts incandescent light analogue 100 watts. When choosing an LED lamp Pay special attention to base, he may have a different structure, marking the cap must match the label of the cartridge. Form lamps often on its technical characteristics are not affected, so you can choose any.

It is not recommended to mount the LED and energy-saving lamps to the wiring with a switch, which is equipped with a backlight. Pay attention to the life and the manufacturer's warranty: quality products should be guaranteed a minimum of 3 years. Often, self-respecting manufacturer gives a guarantee of up to 50   000 hours, on average 10 years of service in an ordinary house, these indicators are not available or conventional incandescent or « housekeeper ». LED lights are more expensive counterparts, but worth it.