![]() In the U.S., the size (diameter) of a light bulb is expressed using a numerical code that represents 1/8ths of an inch.įor example, an MR16 lamp is 16 “1/8ths” of an inch or 16/8 = 2 inches in diameter. However, there is a reflector version of them in which the tube is inside a reflector shell.Ī (Arbitrary) lamps are the most common household lamp. The shape allows for the necessary tube length to be folded into a compact shape the size of the light bulb it is intended to replace. Tube, Spiral, or Twist shapes are used with compact fluorescent lamps. MR (Multifaceted Reflector) lamps have a reflective inner surface that is covered in facets which gathers and shapes the light into a tightly controlled beam. PAR bulbs are commonly used in stage and theatrical lighting, as well as in the home for accent and art lighting. PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) lamps use a parabolic shaped reflective surface which produces a tighter, more controlled beam of light than standard reflector bulbs. This shape focuses more light into the beam of light to direct it out of the recessed fixture. The primary difference is the “bulge” near the base of the lamp. This prevents wasted light that would otherwise be shining upward into the recessed fixture, and allows for control over the beam angle of the light coming from the bulb.īR (Bulged Reflector) lamps are a new and improved version of the reflector lamp. As their name suggests, they have a reflective surface inside which directs all of the light in one direction (downward). R (Reflector) bulbs are the most common shape bulb used in recessed lighting. In the U.S., we use a standardized letter code system that refers to the shape. The shape of the light bulb is what determines the direction of the light emitted from it. ![]() Benefits include an extremely long life, dimmable, they do not contain mercury, and even better efficiency than CFLs. To put it simply, LEDs are semiconductors that emit light as current passes through them. Light Emitting Diode (LED) light bulbs are the newest technology in lighting, and are replacing fluorescent lamps as the standard in energy-efficient lighting. Compact fluorescent lamps contain a very small amount of mercury. As electricity flows through the gas in the tube, a phosphor coating on the inside of the tube emits light.ĬFLs require a ballast to regulate the current flowing through them which is either attached to the lamp itself (self-ballasted) or integrated into a dedicated fixture. They use a gas-filled tube that is twisted or folded in a compact way that allows it to be as long as possible while taking up the same space as a standard light bulb. Halogen lamps burn brighter (and hotter), and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.Ĭompact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) are a very energy-efficient alternative to incandescent lamps. The difference is that the filament inside the lamp is enclosed in a small quartz capsule which contains a halogen gas. Halogen light bulbs are a type of incandescent lamp. On average only 10% of the energy they consume is converted to light, with the remaining 90% being converted to heat. Incandescent aka traditional light bulbs are the oldest and least efficient technology.Įlectrical current passes through a tiny wire (filament) causing it get hot and glow. The four light bulb types used in residential recessed lighting are incandescent, halogen, compact fluorescent (CFL), and light emitting diode (LED). Light bulbs are categorized by the following: Type That being said, light bulb is more commonly used and I use both terms interchangeably. ![]() Note: It’s worth mentioning that technically the correct term for a light bulb is a lamp. I’ve also included recommendations and a light bulb comparison chart that’s organized by fixture size and bulb type. This post will explain how light bulbs are categorized and the differences between them. ![]() The type of light bulbs that you install in recessed lighting plays a major role in achieving your desired results.
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