Lighting lamps: how to choose the types, how they work, manufacturers

Familiar bulb - an indispensable element of domestic comfort. Despite the prevalence and daily use, its functionality and the device raises a number of questions unanswered on which the correct selection is possible.

As the lamp lighting work

The principle of operation is based on a classical lamp optical radiation which occurs between the electrodes sealed into the flask at electrodischarges.

• To facilitate the process of soldering is acceptable additional electrodes.
• By heating under pumping gases from the lamp removed, and the flask - air. The vacant space is filled up with an inert gas under pressure.
• At higher vapor pressure of the filler gas is mixed with metals - sodium, mercury and other.

the resulting type of radiation describes its functionality and is used as a basis for the classification of lamps:

• Recombination of the ions or excited atoms - a gas and metal vapor pattern.
• Activity phosphor produced by discharge - photoluminescent model.
• Incandescence discharge electrodes by - elektrodosvetnye variation.

Types and Characteristics

Bulbs are characterized by an extensive set of options in addition to the standard configuration and functionality.

Types of lamps

Base: fluorescent, halogen and LED.

halogen lamps

Halogen variations are very similar to standard incandescent bulbs. They have a working principle based on the built-in spiral bulb. Characterized by the composition of the filling gas and reduced deposition of particles on the walls of the bulb filament.

• filament halogen bulb temperature is maintained in the mark 3300 ° K. This provokes tungsten evaporation.
• Because of the convection flow of gas within the lamp evaporating tungsten atoms are transported from the filament to a lower temperature zone. There they bind to iodine vapor, and is formed of tungsten iodide.
• The lamp is designed so that the glass wall temperature remains within the range 500 ° -1500 ° C.

Under such conditions, tungsten iodide does not adhere to the flask wall, it goes toward the filament due to the convection of the gas flow, which is initially transferred it into a zone of reduced temperature.

• The cycle is repeated again. Thanks to this thread itself is not subject to evaporation.
• The walls of the flask were durable and maintained the internal pressure of several atmospheres, which reduces the rate of evaporation inherent tungsten filament.
• Inside contain halogen gases, as well as nitrogen and argon, capable of maintaining the pressure.
• Most modern models filled with bromine instead of iodine. Bromine is colorless, and iodine is characterized by a purple hue.

These design features help extend the life of the device up to 2000-4000 hours and save illumination brightness - it operates with high luminous efficiency 15-22 lm / W for a long time.

Linear halogen lamps - a quartz tube with double-sided output and the lamp, which via the wire bracket is supported by the filament.

Features:

• capacity of 1-20 kW;
• suitable for spotlights;
• Variations are available with impact resistant floodlight;
• used in indoor and outdoor lighting;
• often made with a cap equipped with recessed contact.

Halogen lamp with outer bulb - characterized by high color temperature. Do not require additional equipment or special fixtures.

Features:

• color temperature is in the range of 2900-3000 K;
• high-quality color reproduction;
• connection without the use of a transformer;
• equipped with a standard socket, Edison.

Capsule halogen lamps - the second name of "finger". Manufactured with a longitudinal or transverse filament body. Suitable for open fixtures without protective covers and glasses.

Features:

• small size;
• equipped with a pin base.

Halogen reflector - model of a directional light with the ability to specify different illumination angles.

Features:

• It involves the use of a standard size bulb diameter of 50 mm;
• equipped with caps with bi-pin connectors;
• available low-voltage variations.

Fluorescent lamps

The fluorescent models bulb filled with mercury vapor, which uses the fluorescent phosphor is deposited on the wall, for conversion into visible light.

Features:

• Light ability fluorescent lighting structures is 50-100 lumens per watt.
• Triggering mechanism - an electronic starter or electromagnetic ballast.
• Supply voltage creates a glow discharge in the starter.
• Then, gas inside the starter is ionized due to the complete tension and heats the bimetallic strip, provoke its bend, allowing to connect with the fixed contact.
• Current starts flowing through the starter. Although neon ionization potential is slightly larger than that of argon, but until now because of the small distance between the electrodes of the glow discharge begins with a starter.

• The current causes a voltage drop across the inductor, the strip cools and separates from the fixed contact. When this voltage is passes to the coil at break.
• This surge passes through the electrode tube and mixes with the argon gas with mercury vapor. gas discharge process continues.
• The discharge of mercury atoms produces ultraviolet radiation which in turn excites the phosphor powder coating to emit visible light.
• The starter remains inactive while the luminous tube.

Discharging process always comprises three steps:

1. The free electrons obtained from the electrodes are accelerated by the electric field.
2. The kinetic energy of the free electrons is converted into the energy of the excitation of the gas atoms.
3. The excitation energy of the gas atoms is converted into radiation.

This principle has been used for a long time in the fluorescent. The fluorescent composition (phosphor) is a mixture of phosphorus-based substances.

Fluorescent models often equipped with a tube in the double helix, and have a long service life. They are characterized by high efficiency and low power consumption.

Extra options:

• C - improved color reproduction;
• IC - high color quality;
• P / V / K / A - accordingly reflector, y-shaped, annular or amalgam design;
• B - fast start.
• TL - glow discharge.

Numbers indicate the end of the lamp power in watts.

LED bulbs

The LED-light source models are LED units. Their power comes from the built-in transducer lamp.

Available options on the LED strands. They are used instead of conventional LED LED chains on a common substrate, arranged in a spiral. This helps align the radiation pattern that is not uniform in the classic LED blocks.

• RGB -svetodiody - instead of the standard white used variations of green, blue and red. Available options combined color scheme.
• Stand-alone model - LEDs with a functional battery-powered or solar panels.

plinth

Element for fastening the lamp in a holder, and applying an electric current in a metal or ceramic package. On mounting system sockets are divided into pin and screw.

Applicable standard marking the first letter which specifies the type of cap.

Consumption

The power used by the device in the normal mode, called consumption.

• Reduced power corresponds to fuel-efficient models.
• Brightness classic lamps depends on the power, the new models this option is not correlated with efficiency.

In the LED current consumption is practically wasted on heat production, so all the power goes to the radiation in the optical range.

To provide the same illumination LED products requires a fraction of the power consumed by the network. It affects not only save energy, but also on the share of lighting fixtures.

LON analogue

The indicator lamp brightness that complies with General Purpose Lamps.

• Used for the universalization of the measuring scale and helps to estimate the parameters of diverse models and types.
• It applies when they can not perform the comparison using the light flux or power values.
• Analog LON means comparing the particular parameter specified device with the same exponent classical incandescent lamp.

For example, the LED package with a power consumption of 3 W corresponds to the brightness of a conventional lamp with a 100 watt option. The designation on the packaging or in the manual of the LED will be "Analogue LON 100 watts."

And the shape of the bulb

The flask, which is equipped with a lamp - the most important design parameter. The division takes place according to the type, shape and material of manufacture.

Type of

• transparent - it does not reduce the brightness of the light, but sharply coverage than matt type. Optimal for devices equipped with transparent shades. Most often used in halogen types.
• matte - soft glow given by the brightness reduction. They are used in areas where bright light is irrelevant - bedroom, children's hospital wards. More often dull fluorescent models (except for color).
• color - colored bulb to simulate the proper shade of glow. Used as a light correctors temperature in photo studios. Domestic use for decorative purposes.

The form

Parameter specifies the division of the lamps into the following types:

1. A tubular or linear type - is equipped with cylindrical flasks. Honey electrode distance larger than the inner diameter of the tube 2 times.
2. Capillary type - the internal tube diameter is greater than 4 mm.
3. Ball - medium or short arc length. The distance between electrodes is less than or equal to the internal diameter of the bulb of spherical shape.

The discharge bulb or burner in most applications is incorporated into the external flask - it protects structure from mechanical damage and reduces heat transfer by preventing oxidation of live elements.

Material

Apply insulating and conductive materials.

Glass - the transparent material used as a protective barrier. Light acquires color depending on the color of the glass. Due to withstand the gas pressure within the lamp.

glass types, depending on the composition:

• Soda Lime - has a low melting point used in incandescent lamps, comprising 67% SiO2 (silicon dioxide).
• Lead silicate - used in the inner part of the bulb glass has a high electrical resistance.
• Borosilicate glass - is applied to with increased power consumption devices, characterized by low thermal expansion and increased operating temperature.
• Silica - used in halogen models, the structure includes a transparent silicon oxide and pure silicon dioxide.
• Heat-resistant glass - used for steam tubes. Pairs of sodium contained therein, contribute to blackening. To neutralize this effect a small amount of silica added to the composition.

Ceramics - meets two types of porcelain and steatite. The sintered polycrystalline oxides designs used transparent or translucent.

Most often used alumina, magnesia or other rare earth metals. This pore-free structure, transmits visible rays.

• in the high pressure lamps maintains a high light output;
• It is used more often in the translucent polycrystalline models;
• ceramics is used as material restraining increased sodium pressure metal halide lamps.

China - it is made from a base or end cap. It possesses high thermal stability and electrical insulating properties.

Steatite - superior to porcelain in performance. Increased resistance to mechanical damage is combined with heat resistance.

metals - variation available from aluminum to stainless steel. Preferred are materials with high melting points, are resistant to corrosion.

The color temperature of lamps

Parameter describes the colored light in warm or cool tones, measured in kelvins. Initially applied to a black body.

This abstract inanimate body, which completely absorbs the radiation falling on it, and gives the same amount of energy, which receives at a constant temperature.

Theoretically, the energy radiated by a black body at a predetermined temperature, has a fixed value and different lengths.

In practice this means that the black body covers a range of temperatures from -20 to 3000 degrees Centigrade (253 K 3273-K). Thus, a black body which is treated at the lowest temperature, appears gray and high - white and blue.

The higher the value, the cooler the color:

• Warm light (3000 ° K) - the value range with a lower limit to 2700 K, corresponding to the incandescent lamp.
• Daylight (3001-5999 K), - the temperature to 3500 K means that the parameter a little warmer average. Range of 3500-4500 K corresponds to neutral white. Increase to 5999 K relates to cold white shades.
• The blue and white (6000 K) - blue and white.

The parameter has no direct connection with the quality of color reproduction.

Luminous flux of light bulbs (brightness)

Luminous flux or brightness - the notional amount of light that is generated in the normal mode. The higher the value, the brighter the light. Measured in lumens, but common for domestic use on analog evaluation LON.

Voltage - operating parameter of two basic types:

• 220 - standard household power, established in the territory of Russia and CIS countries.
• 12 - operating voltage applied to spetssistemah lighting, mainly used in small tubes.

The diameter of the lamp - it depends on the type of device and the type of bulb.

Candle flask issued diameter of about 35 mm. Spherical model - about 45 mm.

The fluorescent and incandescent models shall be based on the diameter of the tube:

• T2 - 7 mm;
• T5 - 16 mm;
• T8 - 26 mm;
• T12 - 38 mm.

Standard compliance:

• 18W - length 600 mm;
• 36W - length 1200 mm.

There are exceptions, available Model 1000 mm long at a power of 36 W. The parameter to be specified in the selection.

Benefits

Each type is inherent in an individual set of advantages.

The advantages of halogen lamps

• lower power consumption when compared with conventional;
• durability;
• high brightness;
• light stability, which does not depend on the period of operation;
• available variable light distribution;
• Low-voltage variations are suitable for operation at high humidity.

Advantages of LED lamps

• reduced energy consumption - the average power is 7.1 W;
• No overheating - Compatibility with tension ceilings of all types;
• Safety - a part of not using mercury-containing substances are optimal for use in children's rooms and bedrooms;
• increased luminous efficiency and service life of 30,000-50,000 hours;
• reduced body temperature - excludes burns during replacement;
• LED-lamps are available for standard types of ammunition.

The advantages of fluorescent lamps

• good luminous efficiency and the efficiency is 20-25% higher in comparison with incandescent lamps;
• variety of shades and variations of light scattering;
• reduced sensitivity to voltage drops;
• long life - 2 000-20 000 hours;
• functional temperature up to 50 degrees - suitable for incorporation into low melting structures.

disadvantages

Disadvantages are also dependent on the type of device.

Disadvantages halogen lamps

• strong heating of the flask - not suitable for installation on the fusible surfaces;
• sensitivity to grease, formation of sludge and water stains on the ground, which involved the fingers;
• tendency to form a zone of high temperature;
• the need for extra care and regular cleaning of household deposits.

Disadvantages of LED lamps

• available at least variations of the color spectrum of luminescence, sometimes in models with a range of 2700-3000 K appears bright yellow gamma radiation;
• the discrepancy of the declared terms of operation the manufacturer's warranty, the difference in 2-3 times;
• directional light - to create the usual eye lighting require several light-emitting diodes, but it does not insure the effect of the "zebra" or luminescence bands;
• for stable operation of the cooling system and the need UPS, otherwise the device loses its functionality.

Disadvantages of fluorescent lamps

• sensitivity to temperature conditions during operation;
• flicker at twice the mains frequency circuit;
• chemical hazards due to the mercury content of 1 g;
• uneven light illumination causes distortion of objects;
• We model the spectrum of the phosphor close to the solid, characterized by low light output;
• phosphor during prolonged operation triggered - this reduces the efficiency, and the change of the spectrum;
• low power factor;
• need spetsutilizatsii and high toxicity.

How to choose the right bulb lighting

When you select should pay attention to a number of parameters.

The most important factors are:

• Light output - or ratio of the light power flow to that in the watts input. If a higher illuminance, preferably the maximum value.
• Durability - the preferred lifetime is a defining figure in a complex replacement of light bulbs. Most often, this parameter is correlated with the need for energy.
• Difficulties in recycling - not every type can be easily thrown in the bin. Options contained in the composition of mercury, demanding the absence of mechanical damage.
• The illumination level - determined by the maintenance of the luminous flux within a predetermined range. Its stability is important for the maintenance period.

• Accessories - the need for a transformer or the installation of rheostat is not for everyone. Often additional work associated with the installation, negate the advantages of the chosen lamp.
• Cap type - it is reasonable to choose the common standard models. They mean the ease and availability of replacement parts.

Separately consider the selection of LED bulbs, as they are structurally different from the rest.

• Pay attention to the aperture ratio, expressed in lumens. For a small space is sufficient 250-400 lumens.
• Check quality of assembly - the durability of the device depends on it. Items must tightly adjoin one another without gaps and nicks. In theory, the service life of tens of thousands of hours, but incorrect assembly will reduce the rate on the order.

What better bulb

The best light is characterized by the following parameters:

• Increased service life - it was not necessary once a month to climb chandelier for replacement. This parameter is particularly relevant for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
• Low power consumption and efficiency.
• High luminous efficacy - to set the optimal illumination of space.
• Easy maintenance, replacement and disposal.
• Installation, which handle a person with no special skills.
• Compatible with existing surface type - light should not melt the base or leave traces in the form of burnt halos at the point of use.
• Normal cap and dimensions.

Additional functions: power, color and size are selected individually depending on the needs. For them, there is no better options, since in each case they are different.

How to use

Maintenance of lamps is reduced to the proper installation, operation, under appropriate environmental conditions and care.

• When mounting unacceptable shocks and mechanical structural damage. Halogen variation set with gloves or using a cloth to prevent grease.
• To care for the assumed structure blackout. The lamp must have time to cool down. Wipe clean with a soft dry cloth. Never use water or harsh chemicals.
• Replacing device also performed with the lights off and cooled down to form.
• Some models are demanding for the correct operation of the auxiliary equipment. It is planned to check at least once every six months, its functionality and condition.

Fluorescent model is unacceptable to store in a residential area in case of failure or damage.

What is the guarantee

Most manufacturers warranty for the device only if they are registered. Substitution is carried out during the period claimed without mechanical damage and shocks chips.

Replacement is not practiced in the following cases:

• If the device has been operated in inappropriate conditions. For example, the standard model has been used in a room with high humidity or internal type used for outdoor lighting.
• If you do not save a set of documents confirming the purchase of goods or cash receipt, warranty card. It is also to be replaced can be refused if there is no print on the coupon seller.

The standard warranty is 3-6 years depending on the type of device.

Faults and repairs

Lamps, as a rule, can not be repaired. They just replaced in case of failure or breakage. However, folk artists that does not stop practicing makeshift repair techniques consisting in the bulkhead design.

Other faults associated with incorrect voltage or the operation of the auxiliary equipment:

• Flicker when the lights off - inherent in LED or energy-saving type. It indicates that you are using an incompatible type of switch. Repair requires the replacement of the valve or the selection of a type of lamp.
• blowing - Among the reasons highlighted frequent power surges in the network. the problem is also reflected by the non operating voltage type. To solve the set Surge Protectors or replacement of low-voltage devices.
• When the extinction - evidence of the transformer overload. Common in halogen models. Repair or replacement requires increasing the number of transformers used.

Manufacturers of lighting lamps

Among the brands is dominated by representatives of Russia.

Camelion- a trademark of "Energy Systems and Technologies". Russian manufacturer of lighting and power supplies. Available models of all types. Warranty 6 months.

ERA - Russian trademark. Products represented in electrical engineering and components. LED lamps and halogen. Warranty is 1 year.

Feron - Chinese manufacturer of lighting products. LED, halogen and fluorescent models. 2-year warranty, but fluorescent variations it does not cover.

Kosmos - Russian manufacturer of electrical and lighting. Available LED-models and energy-saving lamps. Warranty 12 months.

Navigator - Russian trademark. Fluorescent, LED and halogen lamps. product warranty is 2 years.

Osram - German manufacturer of lighting systems. Available LED and fluorescent models. Warranty stated only spetsmodeli - up to 3 years.