Light Bulbs Past and Present.

In this section is a description of common light bulbs that can be found around the average home. Use this guide to help you choose the right bulbs for you light fittings.

The government has now decided that to save energy and reduce England's carbon emissions standard tungsten filament light bulbs should all be replaced with compact fluorescent and halogen bulbs, over the next few years standard tungsten filament light bulbs will be removed from sale, this also effects any halogen floodlight bulbs over 150w. It may be worth checking before buying a new light fitting that the bulbs are going to be readily available in the future.

The first light bulb is the most common type, this is just a basic tungsten filament inside a vacuum within a normal glass bulb. There are 2 fittings available in many different shapes and sizes. 

The most common fitting is the bayonet cap, these are the bulbs that most modern domestic fittings use, the bulb can be in many different shapes i.e.: candle shape. The bayonet fitting is also referred to as BC on many lighting products. If SBC appears on a lighting product it means you need a small bayonet cap fitting bulb.

The other fitting available on these bulbs is the Edison screw type. These bulbs are more used on outside lighting and some table lamps. Edison screw is commonly referred to as ES on many lighting products. If SES appears on a lighting product it means that you need a small Edison screw fitting bulb.

Another bulb that is becoming common in many homes is the Halogen light bulb. The light bulbs are again a basic tungsten filament contained within a quartz glass bulb filled with halogen instead of a vacuum. Halogen bulbs operate at a much higher temperature than normal tungsten light bulbs. They come in many shapes and forms, a few of the most common ones are explained below.

Tungsten halogen bulbs give a very bright light and so are commonly used in outside security lights. Care must be taken when inserting these bulbs not to touch the glass as this shortens the bulbs life. If the glass is accidentally touched it may be cleaned using so mentholated spirit on a rag.

Halogen dichroic bulbs are mainly used in downlights, there are 2 main types available, one that runs on mains voltage (GU10)  and one that requires a 12v supply from a transformer (MR16 & MR11), you have to be careful to make sure you get exactly the right one for your fitting as the bulbs look almost the same, they just have different fittings.

Another common bulb is the fluorescent tube, these come in all kinds of shapes and sizes with loads of different fittings. These require a specialized fitting with control gear to run them. Below are 2 of the common ones found around houses.

This type of bulb normally goes within a long fluorescent fitting, the brightness that this bulb gives off is dependant on the length, the longer the tube the brighter it is. These bulbs are very energy efficient compared to standard tungsten light bulbs.

These compact fluorescent bulbs are commonly referred to as "energy saving light bulbs" they take the place of the standard light bulb and give just as much light for a lot less energy usage. The control gear is already installed within this bulbs plastic housing.

Other bulbs found within a house.

These light bulbs are a small Edison screw type fitting and are mainly used in fridges, microwave ovens and other appliances. The general wattage of these bulbs is 15w. They are also available in a small bayonet cap fitting.

These bulbs are used in items of furniture with under shelf lighting for display purposes etc, they give off a nice warm glow which is ideal for display lighting.

We hope you have found this page useful, if you require further help please don't hesitate to email us on enquiries@allsuns.co.uk.