6.7: Comparison of Different Bulbs
- Page ID
- 49088
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Incandescent Bulbs
- Do not require a ballast
- Have a warm color appearance with a low color temperature and excellent color rendering (CRI 100)
- Are a compact light source
- Require simple maintenance due to screw-in Edison base
- Are a less efficacious light source
- Have a shorter service life than other light sources in most cases
- Have a filament that is sensitive to vibrations and jarring
- Can get very hot during operation
- Must be properly shielded because incandescent lamps can produce direct glare as a point source
- Require proper line voltage, as line voltage variations can severely affect light output and service life
Figure 6.7.1 shows an incandescent bulb.
Figure 6.7.1. Incandescent bulb
Fluorescent Bulbs
- Require a ballast
- Have a range of color temperatures and color rendering capabilities
- Have low surface brightness compared to point sources
- Have a cooler operation
- Are more efficacious compared to incandescent
- Ambient temperatures and convection currents can affect light output and life
- All fixtures installed indoors must use a Class P ballast that disconnects the ballast in the event it begins to overheat; high ballast operating temperatures can shorten ballast life
- Have options for starting methods and lamp current loadings
- Require compatibility with ballast
- Low temperatures can affect starting unless a "cold weather" ballast is specified
Figure 6.7.2 shows a fluorescent bulb.
Figure 6.7.2. Fluorescent bulb
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Bulbs
- Require a ballast
- Ambient temperature does not affect light output, although low ambient temperatures can affect starting, requiring a special ballast
- Are a compact light source
- Are high lumen packages
- Are a point light source
- Have a range of color temperatures and color rendering abilities depending on the lamp type
- Have a long service life
- Are highly efficacious in many cases
- Have line voltage variations, possible line voltage drops, and circuits sized for high starting current requirements which must be considered
Figure 6.7.3 shows a HID bulb.
Figure 6.7.3. HID bulb