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You are at:Home»DIY»Know your materials»Light bulbs

Light bulbs

Your home will be illuminated at night by some form of electric lighting, which will come in the form of a light bulb. Bulbs will have one of two types of fixing: bayonet cap (BC) or Edison screw (ES). There are many different types of light bulb and the most widely used are described below.


Standard light bulb

By far the most common type of electric light bulb is the General Lighting Service (GLS) Bulb or Standard light Bulb. These are capable of providing different levels of light or brightness – indicated by the wattage – and can be used for ceiling lights and lamps. They have a tungsten filament and will last for about 1,000 hours.

Bulbs come in a variety of shapes, such as golf ball, globe or candle. Clear light bulbs will create a bright light while opaque bulbs will produce diffused light, therefore different lighting effects can be achieved in different rooms. Bulbs also come in different colours for decorative and festive lighting. There are even bulbs for improving working conditions such as white glare-resistant bulbs in areas where computers are being used.

Reflector bulb

Reflector bulbs are used for recessed lighting and spotlights. Designed to direct light in a wide cone so the light covers a wide area, this type of bulb usually has an ES fitting.

Halogen bulb

These last much longer than standard bulbs and emit a crisp, white light. They can be used in most lamps and light fittings including reflectors and uplighters.

Long-life bulb

Long-life bulbs emit less light but last longer. This type of bulb must not be confused with low-energy bulbs as although they last longer they may not use less energy than standard bulbs.

Low-energy bulb or compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)

Low-energy bulbs consist of small fluorescent tubes fitted with either a bayonet cap or Edison screw cap, so they can be used in place of standard light bulbs. They last up to 12 times longer than standard bulbs operating on a fraction of the electricity. Like all fluorescent lighting, they cannot be used with standard dimmer switches. If opting for low-energy bulbs you will need to know the comparative wattage of low-energy bulbs and standard light bulbs.

  • Use 11 watt low-energy bulbs to replace 60 watt light bulbs.
  • Use 20 watt low-energy bulbs to replace 100 watt light bulbs

Fluorescent tubes

Fluorescent tubes need fluorescent light fittings that have a starter. The long white tubes emitting a sharp, clinical light are commonplace but coloured tubes that provide a much softer light are now available. Fluorescent tubes are available in a range of lengths and three sizes: T5 16mm (5/8in) diameter; T8 26mm (1in) diameter; and less common today but still found in some older properties T12 38mm (1 ½ in) diameter.

Light emitting diodes (LED)

Originally used for indicator lights on the control panels of vehicles and electrical appliances, LEDs have been developed to produce a strong bright light and are now being used as a low voltage light source. The advantages of LED lighting include:

  • Extremely long lasting
  • They don’t produce heat
  • Use very little electricity
  • Can be used individually or in clusters.
  • Suitable for fitting along interior and exterior walkways
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