Incandescent Lamps were the first light source invented. Today they are still the most commonly used light source. Incandescent Lamps have multiple applications both in commercial/industrial markets, as well as the home.
Interlectric offers the following types of incandescent lamps:?Long Life,?Krypton Energy Saver,?Rough Service,?Shatter Proof,?Reflector,?Indicator/Sign,?Decorative,?Three Way,?Tubular,?Globe,?Traffic Signal,?Color, and?more.
Interlectric also offers a full line of?compact fluorescents?as an eco-conscience substitute to traditional incandescent bulbs.
Components of a Incandescent Lamps:
- The Incandescent lamp has three fundamental parts:
- Bulb
- Filament
- Base
- Bulb ??the enclosed glassware of a light source
- Prevents air from reaching the filament since the presence of oxygen would cause the filament to burn up immediately
- Acts as a diffusing medium for the light emitted by the filament
- Bulb shape and size are determined by the purpose for which the lamp is to be used
- Various finishes are available for the bulb, a few are as follows:
- Inside Frost (IF)
- Diffuses the light from the filament
- Frosting is produced by a light acid etching applied to the inner surface of the bulb
- Absorbs no measurable amount of light compared to an equal wattage clear bulb
- Soft White
- Diffuses the light from the filament and reduces glare
- The white color is produced by a coating
- Produces a soft diffused light making tasks like reading easier on the eyes
- Clear (CL)
- Clear glass bulb
- For use within fixtures that have diffusers
- Colored
- Transparent ? you can see the filament through the coloring
- Opaque ? you cannot see the filament through the coloring
- Inside Frost (IF)
- Filament ??the light producing element of a lamp
- The coiled tungsten wire through which electric current passes and from which light is radiated.
- Base ??means of connecting the lamp to the socket
- Brass based lamps will not corrode or ?freeze? in the socket
- Base guidelines
- Generally lamps 300 watts and below have medium screw bases
- Generally lamps 300 watts and above have mogul screw bases
- Some lower wattage lamps (particularly sign, indicator, and decorative) use candelabra or intermediate screw bases
Other General Information:
- Light Center Length (LCL) ? Distance from center or axis of the filament to bottom of the base
- Maximum Overall Length (MOL) ? Distance from the crown or top of the bulb to the bottom of the base.
- Fill Gas
- Nitrogen and argon are the most commonly used gases
- Krypton gas results in high efficiencies and long life
- Voltage Ratings
- Operating a lamp at a voltage over or under that for which the lamp is designed affects both life and wattage consumption.
Basic Incandescent Lamp Types:
-
Rough Service Lamps:
- Built to withstand shocks and bumps.
- Filament is reinforced to allow use in situations where continuous vibrations are present.
-
Shatter Proof Lamps:
- These lamps are coated with a plastic shield to keep the bulb intact when breakage occurs.
- Designed for lighting applications where the bulb is exposed.
- Applications include construction sites, car lots, farms, amusement parks, food operations, and trouble lights.
-
Three-Way Lamps:
- These lamps have two filaments
- Benefits of Three-Way bulbs are their flexibility, and energy saving features.
-
Bug Lamps:
- Popular for outdoor lighting where there is a prevalence of insects at night.
- This bulb does not repel the insects, however, it attracts fewer insects due to the yellow and red rays it transmits.
-
Reflector Lamps:
- Reflector lamps help to control the light output in a pre-chosen direction.
- Outdoor applications should use Par lamps.
- For even greater efficiencies, you can use an ER or BR lamp without affecting light levels