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.
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incandescent
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Electric current passes through filament and causes filament to glow to incandescence.
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Flexible and versatile
Low cost
Good color rendering
Warm color
Dimmable
Easy to use
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Low efficacy
Short life
Heat
Sensitive to voltage fluctuations
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General usage
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krypton / xenon
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Incandescent bulb with krypton/xenon gases allow for bright white light; high molecular weight gases insulate the filament and reduce thermal losses.
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Bright white light
Long life
Energy efficient
Fully dimmable without loss of performance
Original halogen alternative
Excellent where small compact light source is needed
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More costly than incandescents
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Modern/contemporary fixtures
Landscape lighting
Cove lighting
Undercabinet
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halogen
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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.
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Bright white light
Long life
Energy efficient
Compact size
Good beam control
Higher efficacy
Higher lumen maintenance
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More costly than incandescents
Heat
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Displays
Accent lighting
Task lighting
General lighting
Undercabinet
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fluorescent
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Electric arc passes between cathodes to excite mercury and other gases, producing radiant energy. Phosphor coasting converts energy to visible light.
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Energy efficient
Large choice of colors and sizes
Good lumen maintenance
Long life
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Ballast required
Temperature sensitive
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Office buildings
Schools
Commercials, industrial and institutional buildings
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compact fluorescent
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Produces light as linear fluorescent but use of amalgam increases performance. Also coated with high performance tri-phosphor.
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All the benefits of linear fluorescents in a small compact size that can be screwed into incandescent sockets
Easy retrofit replacement for inefficient incandescents
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More costly than incandescents
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General usage
Hotels and other multi-unit dwellings
Restaurants
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HID
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Arc passes between cathodes in a pressurized tube causes metallic additives to vaporize creating light.
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Energy efficient
Long life
Matal Halide - Good CRI
High efficacy
Good lumen maintenance (except Mercury Vapor)
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Poor color (except Metal Halide)
Restrike time
Ballast required
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Security lighting
Parking lots
Roadways and stadiums
Malls
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LED
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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).
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Energy efficient
Super long life (up to 100,000 Hours)
Reduced heat
Unsurpassed design capabilities
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Costly
Limited light output at this time
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Outdoor lighting
Landscape lighting
Decorative lighting
Task lighting
Professional lighting
Entertainment lighting
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