Light Bulb Fact Sheet

Light Bulb Lingo:

Watts: A watt is a unit of power. One watt is equal to 1/746th horsepower. Most incandescent bulbs range from 15 to 150 watts. They can be used with dimmer switches.
SAFETY NOTE: Never exceed the maximum wattage recommended for your lamp!

Lumens: A lumen is a unit of light. 1600 lumens is equal to about 100 watts.

Light bulb life: The life of a light bulb is how many hours the bulb will last.

Incandescent: Incandescent light bulbs have a filament that's heated to the point of glowing. The glowing filament produces the bulb's light. Incandescent bulbs range between 15 to 200 watts.

Fluorescent: Fluorescent bulbs or tubes are filled with mercury vapor that emits ultraviolet light when electricity is applied. The bulbs/tubes have a coating inside that turns the ultraviolet rays into visible light.

Incandescent Bulb Colors:

Clear: Clear bulbs offer a brilliant light.

Soft White: Soft white bulbs soften the edges of light in a room and are the most popular lighting in homes today.

Yellow: Yellow bulbs are usually used to discourage the gathering of bugs in outdoor areas.

Amber: Amber bulbs imitate the look of gas flame lighting.

Blue: Blue bulbs filter out the yellow aspect of an area.

Incandescent Bulb Shapes:

A-Line: A-line bulb is better known as the standard light bulb and comes in multiple watts.

Candle: A decorative bulb that creates the mood of romance. Candle bulbs can be used with dimmers for accent lighting and in chandeliers.

Ceiling Fan: Specialty bulb made specifically for a ceiling fan.

Flame: Flame bulbs are similar to a candle bulb but are wrinkled to appear flame-like.

Flicker: The filament in the bulb resembles a flickering flame. These bulbs are used in chandeliers and candelabras.

Globe: Globe bulbs are round, need no covering and are used often in vanity lighting around mirrors.

Reflector: An indoor bulb used for directing light such as a spotlight or recessed light.

Tubular: Tube-shaped bulb used mainly in picture and under cabinet lighting.

Parabolic Aluminized Reflectors (PAR): PAR bulbs are safe for outdoor use and come as halogen bulbs or regular bulbs.

Halogen Bulbs:

Halogen bulbs are the same technology as incandescent; however, they are more efficient, last much longer and produce more lighting for the same expenditure of energy.

Fluorescent Bulbs:

Fluorescent light bulbs have been traditionally a linear light source, but also come in u-shaped and circular. Fluorescent tubes will not work without a ballast. Fluorescent bulbs last longer than incandescent.

Flourescent Bulb Colors:

Cool White: Cool white bulbs are used most frequently in offices, schools and workshops.

Soft White: Soft white bulbs lend a soft aura to a room.

Natural Color: Natural color light bulbs gives a high-color interpretation of colors in the area.

Sunlight: Sunlight bulbs are nice if light from the outdoors is minimal or low.