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Light Sources

There are seven basic groups of light bulbs. The chart below gives you a comparison of advantages, disadvantages, and usage of each type along with an explanation of how it produces light.

In order to get the best light source for you needs, we recommend that you first determine your usage. Next, choose the type of light bulb you want that meets the most advantages and least disadvantages you are looking to acheive. Finally, select the fixture and light bulbs (various shapes and sizes are available) from Isabelle's Lighting that meet the style you like .

If you need assistance with the first two steps of this process, feel free to contact one of our Lighting Specialists who would be happy to assist you.

LIGHT SOURCE TYPE HOW IT PRODUCES LIGHT ADVANTAGES DIS-ADVANTAGES USAGE
incandescent Electric current passes through filament and causes filament to glow to incandescence. Flexible and versatile. Low cost. Good color rendering. Warm color. Dimmable. Easy to use. Low efficacy.
Short life. Produces heat. Sensitive to voltage fluctuations.		 General usage.
krypton / xenon Incandescent bulb with krypton/xenon gases allow for bright white light; high molecular weight gases insulate the filament and reduce thermal losses. Bright white light. Long life.
Energy efficient.
Fully dimmable without loss of performance.
Original halogen alternative.
Excellent where small compact light source is needed.		 More costly than incandescents. Modern/contemporary fixtures. Landscape lighting. Cove lighting.
Undercabinet.
halogen Incandescent bulb with halogen gas allows evaporated tungsten to be redeposited onto the filament. This "Halogen Cycle" only performs properly when the operating temperature of the bulb filament is very high and the halogen gas is under the appropriate pressure. Quartz glass is used to protect against the increased heat. Bright white light. Long life.
Energy efficient.
Compact size.
Good beam control. High efficacy. High lumen maintenance.		 More costly than incandescents.
Produces heat.		 Displays. Accent lighting. Task lighting.
General lighting.
Undercabinet.
fluorescent Electric arc passes between cathodes to excite mercury and other gases, producing radiant energy. Phosphor coasting converts energy to visible light. Energy efficient.
Large choice of colors and sizes.
Good lumen maintenance.
Long life.		 Ballast required.
Temperature sensitive		 Office buildings.
Schools. Commercials, industrial and institutional buildings.
compact fluorescent Produces light as linear fluorescent but use of amalgam increases performance. Also coated with high performance tri-phosphor. All the benefits of linear fluorescents in a small compact size that can be screwed into incandescent sockets. Easy retrofit replacement for inefficient incandescents. More costly than incandescents. General usage. Hotels and other multi-unit dwellings. Restaurants.
HID Arc passes between cathodes in a pressurized tube causes metallic additives to vaporize creating light. Energy efficient.
Long life.
Metal Halide - Good CRI.
High efficacy.
Good lumen maintenance (except Mercury Vapor).		 Poor color (except Metal Halide). Restrike time.
Ballast required.		 Security lighting.
Parking lots. Roadways and stadiums. Malls.
LED The light emitting diode (LED) is composed of negatively charged semiconductors. When voltage is applied, electrons in the semiconductors combine to create a unit of light (photon). Energy efficient
Super long life (up to 100,000 Hours).
Reduced heat.
Unsurpassed design capabilities.		 Costly.
Limited light output at this time.		 Outdoor lighting.
Landscape lighting.
Decorative lighting.
Task lighting.
Professional lighting.
Entertainment lighting.

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