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Light Bulb & Ballast Information
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Before buying a bulb there are many factors to consider. This
section is here to provide you with the information base to assist you in making
the right purchase.
Select a heading below to learn more: |
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Color Temperature & CRI
Color temperature defines the light's appearance ranging from "warm"
to "cool". CRI describes a lamp's relative ability to render the
colors of objects naturally and vibrantly.
Topics:
Color Temperature |
CRI |
Color Comparisons |
Application Guide
» Measuring Bulbs
Bulbs are generally measured in eighths of an inch (1/8") at their widest
diameter. The maximum overall length (MOL) is the end-to-end measurement of
the bulb in inches. The diameter of a bulb's base is measured in millimeters.
Learn how to measure light bulbs.
» Bulb Types
Every lighting product has specific advantages and limitations. Click on a bulb
type to further learn about which lighting technology would be best suited for
your specific needs.
Topics: Incandescent
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Halogen |
High Intensity Discharge |
Linear Fluorescent |
Compact Fluorescent |
LED
» Base Types
There are a variety of base types. The most common are the medium screw-in base,
candelabra screw-in base, bayonet, bi-pin, and mogul screw-in base.
Topics:
Incandescent |
Fluorescent |
HID |
Miscellaneous
» Glossary
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» Incandescent Bulbs
Standard incandescent light bulbs produce light by passing an electric current
through a filiment in a vacuum or gas-filled bulb. Incandescent light bulbs have low initial
cost, good color rendition and excellent optical control.
Topics:
Basic Information |
Filaments |
Diagram |
Bulb Types |
Bases |
Buy Incandescent Light Bulbs
» Halogen Bulbs
Halogen light bulbs also use a filament; but because it is sealed in a pressurized
capsule containing halogen gas, the lamp provides brighter, whiter light,
longer service life and improved energy efficiency.
Topics:
Halogen Cycle |
Diagram |
Halogen vs. Standard |
Bulb Types |
Bases |
Buy Halogen Light Bulbs
» Compact Fluorescent
Compact Fluoresent Lamps operate in the same way as larger fluoresent tubes. Some compact fluoresent lamps
feature integral ballasts, which make it possible to use these products as direct replacements for
inefficient incandesent light bulbs.
Topics:
Basic Information |
Fluorescent Diagram |
Phosphor Diagram |
Bulb Types |
Bases |
Buy Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
» Fluorescent Tubes
In a fluorescent lamp, an electric arc passing between cathodes in a tube
excites mercury vapor and other gases and produces UV radiant energy. A
phosphor coating on the tube then converts this energy to visible light.
Fluorescent lamps are very efficient and provide a wide range of color
temperatures. Ballasts must be used to operate fluoresent tubes.
Topics:
Basic Information |
Fluorescent Diagram |
Phosphor Diagram |
Bulb Types |
Bases |
Buy Fluorescent Tubes
» Ballasts
The electronic arc in any fluorescent system is generated by a ballast. The
ballast starts the lamp, then limits its operating current and provides power
factor correction. Modern electronic ballasts perform these functions with
great efficiency and provide other control functions as well.
Topics:
Basic Information |
Ballast Types |
Wiring Diagrams |
Buy Ballasts
» High Intensity Discharge
In HID lamps, an arc passing between two cathodes in a pressurized tube causes
various metallic additives to vaporize and release a large amount of light. All
HID lamps offer outstanding energy efficiency and service life. Metal halide
lamps also offer good to excellent CRI.
Topics:
Basic Information |
Diagram |
BulbTypes |
Bases |
Buy HID Lamps
» LED Exit Lamps
LED retrofit kits turn inefficient, high maintenance incandescent exit signs
into energy efficient, zero maintenance, long lasting LED signs.
Basic Information |
Buy LED Retrofit Kits and LED Exit Signs |
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