Light Bulbs And Energy Efficiency
Thomas Alva Edison’s 1879 invention changed the world. Even though it was a stepping stone in civilization, the original has undergone several changes since it was invented and today, we have a plethora of choices in light bulbs.
This article will tell you about Incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL), high intensity discharge lamps and light emitting diodes (LEDs).
An incandescent bulb is the kind that Edison invented and that is in widespread use even today. It produces light by electrically heating a tungsten filament till it glows. It comes in a large range of wattage and colors and can be used with dimmers. Its disadvantage is that it is not very energy efficient.
Fluorescent bulbs are different from incandescent bulbs in that they are filled with mercury vapor plus inert gas and coated with fluorescent-phosphorescent salts. Fluorescence happens when electricity from tungsten filament excites the mercury vapor, which in turn excites the salts. Fluorescent bulbs are more expensive but more energy-efficient also.
Fluorescent bulbs are fitted with ballasts to control current in the bulb. This is why they are more expensive. Also they are usually long tubes or sometimes circular or U-shaped. So many people don’t think they are wieldy or aesthetic as home fixtures. A CFL, on the other hand has all the features of a fluorescent bulb except it is the size of an incandescent bulb, is available in many colors and lasts much longer.
Old fluorescent bulbs cannot be thrown away with general waste because they contain dangerous mercury. Inside the top glass covering of a high intensity discharge bulb is another fused quartz/alumina tube, which has a gas as well as a metal halide. There are also tungsten electrodes in this with an arc in between.
When the electricity is turned on, the gas first heats up and causes the arc to glow. It then vaporizes the metal halide, which increases the intensity of light produced by the arc and reduces power consumption. Depending on which salt is used, colour of the light is different. These are usually used to light roads, etc and not homes.
Light emitting diodes are basically forward biased semiconductors, which release energy in the form of light when electrons and holes unite. Even though they are pricey when compared with CFLs, they are extremely energy efficient. In conclusion, the consumer has a variety of bulbs to choose from depending on price, type and energy saving capacity.
Scott Rodgers is an author with a lot of experience in electricians work all over the country. His excellent guidance has created business opportunities for a lot many Albany electricians and Columbia electricians.