Lightning Made Easy: Choosing the Right Light Bulb

DK Hardware

Jul 24, 2024 • 4 min read

The light bulb market has undergone significant changes since traditional incandescent bulbs were phased out in favor of energy-saving alternatives. Choosing the right light bulb can seem daunting with so many options available. With advancements in technology, light bulbs now come in various types, each offering distinct benefits in terms of energy efficiency, brightness, and color temperature. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify the selection process, walking you through every step to ensure you find the perfect light bulb to suit your specific preferences and requirements. So, let’s get started.

Identify the Correct Fitting or Cap Type

The first and most crucial step in selecting a new bulb is identifying the fitting or cap type. Choosing the wrong fitting or cap is a common and frustrating mistake, as it simply won't fit your light fixture.

Caps and bases are labeled using letters and numbers. The letter indicates the type of base, while the number indicates the diameter of the base in millimeters (mm). Sometimes, a third letter indicates whether there are one, two, or three pins.

Here are some of the most common cap and base types:

Bayonet Cap: Bayonet bases are the most common type in the UK. These bulbs are inserted into a socket using a push-and-twist action, primarily used in incandescent and CFL bulbs.
Screw Edison Cap: Screw bases, also known as “Edison” bases, are labeled with the letter “E” and come in various sizes. In screw-based bulbs, two wires connect the filament to the base, where electrical voltage powers the bulb.
Pins or Pegs: These bases feature two narrow pins or pegs, with the distance between them measured in millimeters and indicated in the base type code.

Choose Between CFL, Halogen, or LED

There are three main types of regular light bulbs: CFLs, halogens, and LEDs. Here’s a brief overview of each type:

CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp)

CFLs are cheap and widely available in various sizes and outputs. Older CFLs were slow to brighten, but this has improved. They are four times more efficient than incandescent bulbs and quickly pay for themselves in energy savings. However, not everyone likes the light they emit.

Halogen

Light from a halogen bulb is similar to an incandescent in color and quality because both use a tungsten filament. Halogens are significantly more expensive to run than other energy savers, with an expected lifespan of less than two years. They can also emit a lot of heat.

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)

LEDs use almost 90% less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb, making them the most energy-efficient type of lighting. LEDs, though initially more expensive, can last up to 25 years. Over their lifetime, they are the cheapest option, potentially saving you more than £180 in energy costs compared to an old-style incandescent bulb.

Evaluate Brightness and Color Temperature

Brightness (Watts vs. Lumens)

Brightness used to be measured in watts, a measure of power. With energy-saving bulbs, watts are less useful, and light output is now measured in lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light.

The color of light is measured on the Kelvin scale, a measure of temperature. The numbers on the packaging denote the light color the bulb will emit. Most people prefer the warm yellowy light from the old incandescent bulbs, around 2,700K. Midday sunlight is about 5,000K, while a candle is around 1,600K.

Use this reference to match the Kelvin scale rating with your desired light color:

1,600K: Candlelight
2,500K: Sunrise/Sunset
2,700K: Traditional incandescent
5,000K: Midday sunlight

Each bulb is also given a CRI (Color Rendering Index) score, a measure of the light source’s ability to represent colors accurately. Traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs score in the high 90s, while LEDs and CFLs usually score in the mid-80s. A CRI value of 80 is considered acceptable.

Enliven your space with premium light bulbs from DK Hardware. Our light bulbs not only offer superior performance and longevity but also come in a variety of styles and designs to cater to your unique preferences. Our extensive range includes energy-efficient LEDs, stylish Edison bulbs, and versatile CFLs, ensuring you find the perfect lighting solution to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for bright, task-oriented lighting or warm, ambient illumination, our selection has you covered. Happy lighting!

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