Which light bulbs are best for the home: what are + rules for choosing the best light bulb

Criterias of choice

Light bulbs for an apartment and a house should be chosen not only based on their cost and duration of operation, but also on a number of other grounds:

1. Luminaire type (ceiling built-in, hinged, wall sconce, table). If a suspended or suspended ceiling is installed in the house, it is better to use light bulbs that do not heat up: LED and some types of halogens (in any case, there should be space between the concrete and stretch ceilings for heat dissipation of halogens).
2. Purposes in the house (for lighting the bedroom, kitchen, nursery, aquarium, for lighting, decorative, etc.). If you plan to buy for the bedroom, then it is better to choose halogen or LED with soft yellow light and low power. For installation in the working area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe apartment, it is better to choose white light lamps. Bright colors are perfect for hallways. If purchased for a desktop work lamp, then for eye comfort, the best is an incandescent lamp (maximum 60 W), LED (7-11 W) with a recommended luminous flux of 500-600 Lumens.

Illumination and decorative lighting of the house and apartment is carried out with LED strips, neon tubes and spotlights.

1. Light stream. The indicator is indicated on the box in Lumens. For reference: a 60 watt incandescent lamp emits a luminous flux of 700 Lumens.
2. Radiation colors. This is the color temperature in Kelvin. The information is on the packaging. So, 2700 K means that the light bulb will emit a warm light; 3000 K - warm white; 4000 K - cold. For the rooms of the house where you are constantly, as well as for the nursery, it is better to choose a warm yellow light. For the corridor, bathroom, illumination of the working area in the kitchen, you can use cold white.
3. Energy consumption or power. A 100W incandescent lamp shines similarly to a 12W LED. In order to save money, it is better to use the latter.
4. Plinth type and size. Types of socles: pin and threaded. Ordinary lamps and sconces in the house are more often adapted for the threaded type of the E14 or E27 base. In ceiling recessed and spot light bulbs with a pin base are used. Information about the type and size of the base is indicated on the packaging of the lamp and on its body.

Edison base

One of the most common types of bases for an incandescent or LED light bulb is the Edison base, which has a screw thread. The marking of each such E-lamp, in addition to the letter "E", also includes a digital designation. It shows the size (diameter) of the thread in millimeters. There are ten dimensional types of E-socles:

• E5 - for shields, foreign household appliances (voltage 6 V, 14 V and 28 V);
• E10 - for ovens, refrigerators, Christmas tree garlands;
• E11 - for medical equipment (voltage 24 V);
• E12 - for foreign-made chandeliers (used voltage - 220 V);
• E14 or "minion" - for ordinary lamps and fixtures;
• E17 - American lamps, designed for a voltage of 110-120 V;
• E26 - a light bulb intended for low voltage in Russia (as the previous version);
• E27 - the most common format (available in different capacities - for example, 40 W, 60 W, 75 W, 100 W);
• E39 - large light bulbs for low voltage.

The list is closed by the type of lamp "E40", the base format used in Russia, often found not only on E-incandescent lamps, but also on gas-discharge, sodium specimens.

Sodium lamp with E40 base

Types of lamps

The types of light bulbs according to the way they work represent in their totality a very large list of varieties.

incandescent lamp

The light from such a bulb is emitted by an incandescent body, which is used as a refractory metal (for example, tungsten, which can withstand up to 3200 degrees Celsius). For durability, an inert gas such as argon is launched into the glass part of the bulb during manufacture. The surface of the incandescent lamp can be normal, mirror or matte.The advantage of this type of lighting bulb is an excellent color rendering index, comfortable for people and similar to the sun.

LED

LED lamps or LED light bulbs run on semiconductor chips that turn into bright light during the "p-n" transition. Most often, conventional, popular LED lamps have about five diodes in one light source.

Video description

Watch a useful video about LED light bulbs:

Halogen light sources

Halogen lamps are tube-shaped and are used to solve design problems when working on a stretch ceiling style. Halogen bulbs contain in their design a disc-shaped reflector that performs the function of adjusting the direction of the light beams. A distinctive feature of "halogens" is a constant low temperature. These lamps do not heat up, therefore they are safe when used specifically for stretch ceilings. In addition, they do not emit any substances harmful to humans or animals.

Fluorescent

These light bulbs have a phosphor-coated inner surface. The space in the center of such a light source is filled with gas mixed with a small amount of mercury in the form of vapor. The principle of operation of fluorescent lamps is as follows. A charge is sent inside the lamp, which turns into ultraviolet waves, the phosphor coating reacts with an even, bright, constant glow. There are compact and linear lamps.

gas-discharge

These lamps operate on the energy of an electric arc that occurs inside them. Used to create a powerful light source. Require a large layer of phosphor than the previous type.

discharge lamp

Energy saving light sources

The energy consumed by these light bulbs can be several times greater than some of the wasteful old-fashioned light bulbs. At the same time, energy-saving specimens with almost any base diameter can be bought on the market. All of them will serve from 25 to 100 thousand hours.

Filament

Filament lamps look very strange, but attractive with their yellow "rods" and stripes inside the glass bulb (diodes), so now they have increased in popularity. The design of this type of lighting fixtures involves the presence of such elements:

• diffuser (special glass part);
• filamentary LEDs, drivers (for safe operation during power surges);
• plinth (made only from a special innovative resistant material).

Irresistible Filament Bulbs.cn

More differences between light bulbs ...

The types of light bulbs differ in terms of color flow as follows: white daylight (used to illuminate processes such as applying makeup, drawing pictures, etc.); cold bluish (measured at 640 Kelvin and is used most of all in latrines, toilets, utility rooms, basement rooms); yellow (creates a cozy atmosphere in a room with a predominance of natural light).

Light bulbs differ in power, the method of extracting light, the shape of the base, the quantity, surface color and density of the light produced. To understand the whole variety of light sources sold on the market, they are labeled in accordance with their appearance and other important user indicators.

Current manufacturers and models

The leading positions in the market segment of LED equipment and related elements are occupied by European concerns Philips and Osram.

They offer the customer the widest range of certified products that meet all the most stringent international requirements for the quality of light sources.

LED lamps from Phillips and Osram are considered to be among the most reliable, they perfectly withstand intensive operating loads and fill the premises with a pleasant light that does not irritate the eyes.

Normal quality at a low price is demonstrated by the products of the Feron company from Russia. The line of LED products includes lamps of various configurations, including modules designed to be built into furniture.

Ice lamps produced under the Gauss brand by the domestic company Vatron enjoy a well-deserved success with buyers. The brand sells both budget and premium modules and gives a 3-year warranty on its products.

In order for the LED lamp to live up to expectations, you should buy it not in the market or a table near the subway, but in specialized branded stores. This will help protect against defective or frankly low-quality products.

The Russian company Era is a newcomer to the LED market, however, its consistently high-quality products have already attracted the attention of the client.

Now the company is actively developing production and in the future is going to push competitors and even get ahead of them in the battle for the buyer.

Comparison of LED and energy saving lamps

To decide on the choice of LED or energy-saving lamps, you need to know information about both their advantages and disadvantages. The brightest, most durable and energy-efficient options today are LED and fluorescent "housekeepers".Both options have a good ratio of lumens produced to watts consumed. However, the lower cost speaks in favor of the second option. In turn, the average life of LEDs is 5 times longer. Therefore, you can pay more, but save time and money in the future. After all, it is better to buy a light bulb once that will work for a long time than to buy a cheaper option more often, which will last much less. The difference in price will more than pay off in the long run.

Comparison table of various lamps

• "housekeepers" these light bulbs work well at a constant load. Frequent switching on and off wears them out quickly. Far from the best choice for installation in the kitchen, hallway, bathroom or toilet;
• the narrow operating temperature range does not allow the installation of fluorescent lamps outdoors. They also work worse in high humidity, so a bath or bathroom is also not a choice;
• fluorescent lamps are poorly dimmable - a smooth change in the brightness of the glow through a special driver;
• if the energy-saving lamp has lost its phosphor, then it begins to shine in the infrared and ultraviolet spectrum. Based on safety precautions, it is necessary to carry out a replacement here, even if the device continues to work;
• LED lamps, in fact, do not burn for 25-30 years, as the manufacturer promises us, because they are never operated in ideal conditions. On average, their service life is 2-4 years;
• unfortunately there are many inexpensive low-grade models on the market that shine too brightly and with a strong pulsation;
• an LED lamp costs up to 5 times more than an energy-saving one;
• for long operation, the LED lamp must be in a luminaire with good heat dissipation, the fact is that the high temperature overheats the LED, and it burns out.

Power consumption, efficiency, luminous efficacy and naturalness of radiation

Both varieties of LED and energy-saving types are somewhat more expensive than conventional incandescent lamps. And the benefit of using them lies in a noticeably lower power consumption. Moreover, as the cost of electricity increases, the importance of this factor will only grow. The LED source provides a higher luminous efficiency and its lighting is more suitable for natural. The LED lamp is environmentally friendly, if it fails, you can simply throw it in the trash.

To make a choice, LED or energy-saving, information about the shortcomings also helps:

Radiation stability

Let's compare ordinary pear-shaped bulbs and LED bulbs. "Energy savers" are created on a primitive starting regulator, which causes the generated light to flicker. His eyes practically do not notice. But medical studies have shown its pronounced negative effect on the general psychophysical state of a person. Unlike them, the mechanism of operation of the LED lamp is such that the flickering of its radiation cannot appear in principle, regardless of the level of technical solutions used and, accordingly, the cost.

Working temperature

In the on state, the LED lamp remains cold, a serviceable fluorescent lamp heats up to about 50 ° C. In the event of a failure of the control unit, the temperature rises noticeably. Fortunately, due to its high operational reliability, this rarely happens.In fact, given the relatively low operating temperature of an energy-saving lamp, it should be recognized as equivalent to an LED lamp.

Aesthetics

In today's world of high demands, the manufacturer is able to give the glass bulb of an energy-saving lamp the most diverse shape. Widespread, for example, spiral flasks.

Energy saving light bulb with spiral bulb

This form allows you to use lamps as an element of room decor.

As for LED lamps, on the contrary, they usually do not differ externally from traditional incandescent lamps with a spherical bulb, as can be seen in the figure.

LED lamp with traditional design

What are luminescents

A fluorescent lamp is a gas-discharge artificial radiation source suitable for residential lighting. It demonstrates good efficiency and exceeds the capabilities of classic incandescent devices in terms of light output.

The first luminescents had the form of an elongated, sealed on both sides, cylindrical tube with mercury vapor. Now manufacturers are making lamps of more original shapes.

They are divided into high and low pressure devices. The former are used for street lighting, and the latter are intended for residential premises. The service life declared by the manufacturer is 5 years, provided that the number of inclusions per day does not exceed 5 times.

The range of glow in luminescents is incredibly wide and includes all shades of white in the range from the coldest to natural and warm.

The device and the nuances of functioning.Structurally, a fluorescent type lamp, depending on the version, consists of a tube or bulb with one or two socles located at the edges.

Filled with mercury vapours. After activation, a glow discharge appears between the electrodes in the flask and ultraviolet radiation is generated in the mercury environment. The phosphor coating located inside converts it into saturated light radiation, perceived by the human eye.

The luminescent type module, connected to the power system via an electronic ballast, practically does not buzz during operation and does not flicker

Reduce the values ​​of the basic current flow to the correct values ​​of electromagnetic or electronic ballasts or ballasts. Without these additional elements, the full operation of the lamps is impossible.

Pluses of modules. The list of advantages of luminescents includes the following characteristics:

• effective light output;
• higher level of efficiency;
• operational stability;
• good power and light flux density;
• an extensive spectrum of glow in warm and cold ranges;
• service life of about 5 years, subject to the necessary conditions.

Reasonable energy consumption, 5 times less than that of incandescent lamps, makes it possible to attribute luminescent products to the number of economical sources of radiation. They make it possible to provide high-quality coverage of large-sized premises without overpaying utility bills.

During operation, the bulb element of the luminescent is heated to a temperature of no more than 50 degrees. Thanks to this point, the lamps are allowed for use in living rooms, where fire safety is especially important.

Disadvantages of devices.Among the negative qualities of products is a more complex switching scheme, which provides for the presence of starting elements. As well as a limited 150 W unit power and a noticeable decrease in the saturation of the light flux at the end of the operational period.

Ballasts, without which the fluorescent lamp is not able to function, provoke a significant loss of energy, amounting to 25-35% of the power of the light source

In addition, the devices react to a decrease in temperature and, if the temperature is too low, they go out and do not turn on. During operation, they emit specific acoustic interference and pulsate, having a negative effect on the eyes of those present in the room, and when the mains voltage drops by 10 percent or more of the nominal value, they stop igniting.

Mercury contained inside, seriously complicates the process of recycling lamps. It is not possible to send them to a regular garbage container near the house. After all, if the integrity of the flask is violated, a harmful substance enters the atmosphere and releases toxic fumes that negatively affect humans and the environment.

Correct disposal is carried out by specially authorized enterprises, but the lamps are accepted there on certain days and the user has to guess the time in order to get rid of the fluorescents that have worked out their due date.

No. 9. Plinth type

The most popular is still considered the classic Edison base with a diameter of 27 mm, which is designated E27. Most household fixtures are designed to install lamps with just such a base. This was the standard for incandescent lamps, and manufacturers of energy-saving lamps have done everything for the convenience of the user and mass-produce lamps with an E27 base.Some wall lamps, table lamps and small lamps may require lamps with a smaller base - E14. In large powerful luminaires, lamps with an E40 base are usually used. If it is difficult to determine which base the lamp is needed with, you can go to the store with an old incandescent lamp.

In everyday life, compact lamps with pin contacts are also used. In them, the base is marked with the letter G and the number following it, which indicates the distance between the pins in mm, for example G10.

Application

Despite the fact that halogen bulbs are inferior in efficiency to LED and fluorescent light sources, they are popular. In particular, 220V dimmer lamps easily replace standard incandescent bulbs.

Halogen devices are used as lighting for cars. Such a light source is ideal for this area, since it provides high light output, durability, resistance to voltage drops, and has a small bulb. Halogen lamps are also used in spotlights, ramps, for lighting during photography and video filming. They are used in screen printing and flexographic printing, when drying materials that are sensitive to ultraviolet light.

Voltage drops

Voltage fluctuations affect not only the service life of halogen lamps, but also their luminous efficiency. Thus, a voltage drop of 5% leads to a decrease in the amount of light by approximately 15% and a noticeable change in color temperature. The increase in tension is also unfavorable. For a 12V halogen lamp, a 1V increase (i.e. 8%) results in a 60% reduction in life.

Of all modern light sources, halogen lamps have the highest quality color reproduction.In addition, halogen lamps are characterized by high brightness and directional radiation. Of course, they can only conditionally be called energy-saving, however, compared to incandescent lamps, they have several times greater luminous efficiency and doubled service life.

All halogen lamps are conditionally divided into two large groups: low voltage lamps (low voltage) - up to 24 V and mains voltage lamps - 220 V. In addition, halogen lamps differ in design and purpose.

What to consider when connecting halogen lamps

The length of the 12 V output wire should not exceed 2 m. With a longer length, current losses may occur, which will make the brightness of the lamps noticeably lower.

To avoid overheating of the transformer, it should be located at least 20 cm away from any sources of heat generation. It is also worth avoiding the location of the transformer in cavities, the volume of which is less than 11 liters.

If, due to technical reasons, the installation of a transformer in a small niche is unavoidable, the total load on the device should be up to 75% of the maximum possible value.

And finally:

the control circuit for low-voltage halogen lamps should not include a dimmer (a rotary switch for smoothly changing the brightness of the light).

When working with such light sources, the correct operation of the device is impaired, causing a reduction in the life of the lamps.

on the site:

1. Linear halogen lamps

This is the oldest type of halogen lamp, which was created back in the 60s of the last century. The lamps are a quartz tube with leads on both sides. The filament is supported in the lamp with special wire brackets.Lamps with their small size have a very decent power - 1 - 20 kW. Indoors, such lamps are not used because of the very high brightness and high power consumption. Their main area of ​​application is projector lighting. There are modern linear halogen floodlights that are used not only in outdoor but also in indoor lighting. These lamps are highly impact resistant.

Linear halogen lamp

Lamps are available in standard lengths. The most popular halogen linear lamps are 78 and 118 mm long. Most linear halogen lamps require mandatory horizontal placement in space. Modern linear halogen lamps are available in double-ended versions with an R7s base (located on both sides of the lamp).

The best LED lamps of 2019

So, we figured out the criteria for choosing LED lamps, now let's talk about which models are better to choose for a house and an apartment. Since the most popular type of base is E27, the rating will be accordingly.

List of the 7 best light bulbs according to Sam Electric:

1. OSRAM LS CLA100 11.5W/827 FR E27 (11.5 W, 1060 lm, 2700 K, Ra 80).
2. IKEA LEDARE LED E27 13W 1000lm (13W, 1000lm, 2700K, Ra 93.8).
3. Philips "Essential", base E27 (11 W, 1150 lm, 3000K, Ra 80).
4. Gauss LED Elementary A60 E27 10W 4100K (920 lm, Ra 80).
5. Philips SceneSwitch A60 E27 8W 806 lm (3000K/6500K, Ra 80).
6. Tagan TG-E2701 E27 10W 800lm (2700 K, Ra 80).
7. IKEA RYET LED E27 13 1000lm (2700 K, Ra 80).

It is also important to highlight the best smart LED lamps in 2019:

1. Yeelight LED Bulb Color Silver (YLDP02YL), E27, 9W.
2. LIFX Mini, E27, A19, 9W.
3. Rubetek RL-3103, E27, 7W.
4. Insteon LED Bulb.
5. SONOFF B1.

Also read:

• How to choose LED strip
• How to make lighting in the apartment
• The cheapest electric heating
• Installation of street lighting

27.05.2019

Colorful temperature

The next parameter to choose wisely is the color temperature of the LEDs. As you can see in the picture, the higher the temperature (in Kelvin), the colder the glow will be.

For a comfortable time in the room, you do not need to choose LED lamps with bright daylight, which are most often used in offices and industrial premises. It is better to give preference to the range from 2700 to 3000 K, because. this temperature gap is a yellowish glow of the usual sunlight. The packaging may indicate the color in word form. Buy those models that are signed as "warm white" or "soft white".

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

On the presented video you can hear a detailed story about halogen light sources:

Video review of the most popular halogens used in residential areas:

Information about the rules for operating a halogen-type light bulb, following which you can extend its service life:

Lamps filled with halogens have good working qualities, which allows them to be widely used in everyday life and in industry. Enterprises produce numerous lines of similar products, differing in design, power, size.

A wide range allows you to choose the option that is ideal for specific requirements

It is only important to comprehensively consider the features of the proposed devices

Do you have experience with halogen lighting sources? Tell us which manufacturer's lamps you preferred and what guided you when choosing. Please leave your own, share your experience, ask questions in the block under the article.

Conclusions and useful video

Thus, choosing a lamp for your favorite chandelier is not as simple as it seems at first glance. From the point of view of the cost of the light source, incandescent lamps are beyond competition. They are the most inexpensive. But they also serve the least. LEDs are on the opposite end - they cost a lot but last for many years. (Unfortunately, the quality of led is currently deteriorating due to cheaper production and high competition among manufacturers.)

Replacing all light sources in the house with LEDs will pay off in 1.5-2 years. And they will shine for a long time. In addition, they are safe, have good light quality (especially if you carefully read the packaging). Their use is especially cost-effective in rooms where the lights are constantly on. Storerooms and basements can be safely illuminated with incandescent lamps: replacing them with LED is unlikely to pay off in rooms where the light comes on once a week.

When choosing a lamp, pay attention to the color temperature, color rendering index and pulsation coefficient, decorative qualities. If additional options are needed (dimming, sensor), then you need to look for them separately

Not all LED lamps can change brightness.

Let's sum up

On the way to choosing the lighting of your own home, you need to take into account everything: humidity, temperature, the possibility of power surges. This is necessary in order to understand which light bulbs are best for the home - energy-saving or ordinary incandescent bulbs are suitable.If your home is cool, then the heat from a simple incandescent bulb will help warm the room, especially if it is small. In addition, warm, familiar to the eye light comes from them, as they have an ideal color rendition. In this case, perhaps you should not think about energy saving and the good old Ilyich's light bulb will be the most suitable option.

If your house has been renovated and has, for example, suspended ceilings, then in such structures the use of very hot incandescent bulbs is not safe. Then you should opt for energy-saving types: LED or halogen

LED light bulbs emit light that is safe for eye health, but it is important to buy them carefully - choose ones that do not pulsate.
I suggest watching a video on how to choose LED light bulbs so that using them in your home does not harm your health.

If you are not satisfied with the too expensive price of LED bulbs, then on the way to energy saving you can opt for halogen ones. They, unlike compact fluorescent ones, are not harmful to health, their light is pleasing to the eye, but in this case it is better to buy low-voltage ones. Energy-saving light bulbs should not be used in the house if: there are power surges in the network, high humidity, unstable temperature. So, compare, choose, turn on. Let there be light!

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