Here’s a Comprehensive Guide to LED Bulb Types and Fittings
Introduction
Lighting is essential to any home or office, which is why it’s a good thing that there are now different kinds of fixtures available for you to buy. Pendant lights and chandeliers, for instance, are great not just in illuminating spaces but also in serving as a decoration for the room. Meanwhile, tube lights, panel lights, and downlights, are other kinds of luminaires that each serve a unique purpose.
Most of the fixtures available today simply evolved from the bulb, which was invented, patented, and popularized over a century ago. When they were introduced to the market in the 1800s, these lighting products were meek and simple; not to mention, they weren’t as bright as they are today, even though they consumed quite a lot of energy.
Thankfully, modern technology allowed for the creation of light bulbs that are brighter, more energy-efficient, more long-lasting, and more durable. They are called LED light bulbs, and if you want to buy them here in Manila, Philippines, you should contact a reliable distributor, and that’s exactly what we are! Ecoshift Corporation is a trusted supplier of high-quality LED bulbs and other fixtures. Feel free to contact us to place an order on any of our products.
How Your Light Bulb Type Makes a Difference
Over the years, there have been quite a number of light bulb types that have become popular among households and businesses. They all have their own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s up to you to choose one that fits your needs best.
One type that has become almost a staple in every home or office is the so-called compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb. They are pretty small and lightweight, but they produce lights that are bright enough to illuminate a large area. Inside the bulb itself are different elements, including mercury, argon, and phosphor, which ultimately produce lights through a chain of chemical reactions.
CFL bulbs offer many advantages, but they have quite a few disadvantages, as well. They emit and waste a lot of heat when switched on, so they use quite a lot of energy. Additionally, they pose as health hazards, too, since they release toxic elements when they are broken.
Halogen and incandescent lamps used to be really popular, as well, primarily because there were no other options back then. These two types are known to be extremely wasteful! They use only 10% of the energy it consumes to illuminate the bulb; the remaining 90% is lost due to excess heat. It’s a good thing that incandescent lamps have become obsolete in the Philippines many years ago. Halogen lamps are now being banned in other countries, as well!
CFL bulbs, along with halogen and incandescent lamps, are no longer popular, and there’s a good reason behind that. LED light bulbs have swept over the market because they are more energy-efficient, so they help users save up on their electric bills. They are also longer lasting because they won’t burn out even after five years or so, depending on the usage.
What Is the Best LED Bulb Type?
Among LED light bulbs, there are many types to choose from, depending on your preferences and requirements. The classic pear-shaped lamps remain to be one of the most common options today, even though they’ve been around for many years now. In fact, the first light bulbs – the ones popularized in the 1800s – were pear-shaped!
Aside from that option, there are a lot of other choices out there. Reflector LED bulbs, for instance, are primarily used to scatter light in different directions. They have tiny mirrors or reflective panels inside their housing to achieve this effect. Decorative bulbs are also popular nowadays. Bullet- and candle-shaped lamps, for example, have an elongated housing, and they are used to mimic candle flames. They are commonly installed in chandeliers and sconces to achieve a rustic or vintage vibe.
Objectively speaking, there is no “best” type of LED bulb in the Philippines because all the options have their own perks and drawbacks. This is why it’s your duty as the homeowner or building owner to choose the right one that fits your needs and preferences.
Why You Should Check Your LED Bulb’s Wattage
When buying an LED light bulb, you’ll find the wattage level indicated on the fixture’s box. This number indicates the energy consumed by the luminaire whenever it is switched on. This means the LED light bulb’s wattage level is important for home and business owners in the Philippines who are trying to lower their monthly electric bills.
Light bulbs that don’t consume too much energy are typically dim, but they are still bright enough to illuminate small spaces. You can install them in tiny rooms, home offices, and other areas at home that don’t require too much illumination.
What Are the Different Light Bulb Fitting Types?
Light bulbs, like any other kind of device or appliance, won’t work without electricity. That’s why they need to be connected to a socket at all times, and there are different ways for light bulbs to fit inside the outlet.
The Edison screw cap, one of the most famous options, requires users to twist and turn the light bulb in a clockwise direction for it to fit into the socket. If the fixture needs replacement, it needs to be removed by twisting it again in the opposite direction.
There are also GU10 options, which are becoming popular today. Unlike Edison screw caps that require a lot of motion to be fixed, GU10 bulbs are pretty easy to install into the socket. All the user has to do is fit the two pins into their designated holes and then turn the light bulb slightly to affix it to the outlet.
Another option, called bayonet caps, is popular in other countries, particularly in Great Britain. This fixture is installed like a bayonet knife, so all you have to do is push it onto the socket and make a slight twist. The bulb won’t fall because two small pins will be holding it in place.
How Do You Choose Which Bulb Socket Type Is Best for You?
In many cases, the light bulb fitting type you should choose depends on the kind of socket you have in your home or office. This means if you have the typical Edison screw cap receptacles, you must purchase fixtures that are compatible with them.
However, it’s a different story if you’re still in the process of building your home or office. If you’re in this situation, you have the option to choose among the different types of sockets available on the market. There are a few factors to consider, such as the price of the product.
Generally speaking, Edison screw receptacles are more popular in the Philippines, so they’re typically sold at a more affordable price compared to other options. They are tight-fitting, so the bulb won’t easily fall down and break. The only downside of Edison screws is the fact that they’re a bit harder to install.
Choose GU10 sockets if you’re looking for the most efficient way to install light bulbs. You simply have to make the “twist and lock” motion to fix the luminaire in place, so it’s the ideal option if you have a high ceiling. You won’t have a hard time setting up your fixtures if you have GU10 outlets.
Aside from the shape of the socket, it’s also important to consider the wattage the receptacle can carry. If you have a big room to illuminate, it would be best to install a socket that can withstand higher wattage levels.
What Happens if Your Fixture Doesn’t Fit Your Bulb Base Type?
If you have a GU10 socket and unknowingly bought an Edison screw cap bulb, then you would have a bit of a problem. The lamp isn’t appropriate for the receptacle, which means the room will stay unilluminated until you buy another fixture with the right type of fitting. Alternatively, you can purchase an adaptor that you can use to make the luminaire fit into the outlet.
It’s another story if you have a pair of bulb and socket with the same type but different wattage capacities. This poses an electrical hazard, and putting them together might cause a short circuit that can develop into a fire. You don’t want to let that happen, so it’s best to buy lamps with the appropriate wattage level. If you’re unsure about what to purchase, never think twice about contacting an electrician and asking them for help.
Conclusion
There are many kinds of light bulbs, but LED-powered ones remain to be the best option out there. These fixtures are durable and long-lasting, so they can be used for many years without sustaining any damage. More than that, they are designed to be energy-efficient, so they help home and business owners save up on their electric bills.
If you want to purchase LED light bulbs, be sure to learn about the different types available, too. This way, you can install the right kind in your home or office without experiencing any problems.
When buying new LED light bulbs in the Philippines, it’s best to partner with reliable distributors like Ecoshift Corporation. We can provide you with high-quality fixtures, so feel free to get in touch with us today!
