Types of Light Bulbs

The light bulb has grown up in a sense. Today there are many different varieties of light bulb to choose from. The bulb you buy depends on the light you need, how long you need light to last and how efficient you want your light bulbs to be.

You can buy cheap incandescent bulbs just about anywhere. Cheap light bulbs are good for producing an average amount and quality of light. Most consumers however are demanding. Many have greater light needs than the traditional bulb can provide. Fortunately for these people there are several more efficient and quality bulbs available. Let's take a moment to reflect on some of the more common categories of light bulb available today.

Full Spectrum Light Bulbs

Full spectrum light bulbs are sometimes referred to as "bright lighting". They provide a full spectrum of light, hence the name. They also produce what is called a "white light". People often buy these light bulbs to relieve disorders resulting from inadequate exposure to the sunlight including seasonal affective disorder. Full spectrum bulbs may also help improve jet lag, fatigue and even help reduce insomnia. Most full spectrum bulbs produce light at an intensity equal to outdoor daylight. They provide a full array of the ultraviolet spectrum.

Many range from 6 Watt to 110 Watt bulbs. If you want a light bulb that will provide you with light intensity matching that of the sun, why not try a full spectrum light? The only downside to these gems is price. However, most people find the price is well worth it when they first use one of these natural lights.

Automotive LED bulbs

Automotive bulbs are specialized bulbs. Before you move on thinking you may not need these think again. These lights are the small lights you might see when you turn your signal on in your car. Automotive LED bulbs provide much more light than a traditional incandescent bulb, and do so using less than 1/2 the power. These bulbs typically never burn out making them appealing. That's why they are popular for auto makers.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs produce a light similar to standard incandescent bulbs though softer. Often called CFL's for short, most of these bulbs contain electronic circuits. They use less electricity than standard light bulbs and last much longer. You can use these bulbs for multiple purposes including as table lamps, ceiling lights or even as spotlights. Compact bulbs do cost more than traditional bulbs, but remember they last a lot longer, thus you spend less money buying replacement bulbs. A typical compact fluorescent light bulb will last up to 10,000 hours. That is about six or seven years.

Halogen Light Bulbs

These bulbs are expensive but economical in the long run. They provide much more light than a traditional bulb and last longer. Halogen bulbs are a strong choice for household lighting. You can use them in lamps or in other household fixture. Many use them outdoors to light their patios. Tinted halogen lights are also available.

Projector Light Bulbs

These light bulbs are a type of specialty light bulb, but so popular they deserve a category of their own. Projector light bulbs are a must have for anyone that owns a home theater or uses a projector as part of their business.

Specialty Light Bulbs

Specialty light bulbs include light bulbs in any category not already listed. You never know what light bulb you may need. For example, a light bulb to fit under your stove may be a specialty bulb. Some lamps need specialty bulbs. Most fish tanks also need special light bulbs. Rest assured there is a unique bulb for just about everything on the market today!

Tanning Bed Bulbs

Tanning bed bulbs are more unique than all other light bulbs. Tanning bulbs provide ultraviolet light to help tan the skin. Most tanning beds need many bulbs, up to 30 in each bed. Though tanning bed bulbs may be expensive, your best bet is to buy a quality bulb. Fortunately there are many quality bulbs available at cheap prices.

More on the story! - Voltage, Light Output and Light
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