Different types of light bulbs

The important electrical operating characteristics of a light are voltage and wattage. Light fittings are also labelled with a maximum wattage rating that should not be exceeded. This is because General Lighting Service (GLS) lamps convert only 10% of the electricity they use into light and convert the remaining 90% into heat. The maximum wattage rating of light fitting is to prevent damage by excessive heat.For instance, a 12v led bulbs, 50 watt lamp uses 4.16amps (4.16 x 12 = 50) yet a 230 volt, 50 watt lamp uses only 0.217 amps (0.217 x 230 = 50). As a general rule, all 50 watt lamps will emit the same amount of light, regardless of their voltage, providing they are the same type of lamp.


Over-voltage and over-current are the most common reasons for GLS lamps failing. This often occurs when lamps are first switched on and the current rises rapidly (over a few milliseconds) or when variations in the supply voltage causes it to rise above 230volts. These lamps have a life of about 1000 hours.12 volt halogen bulbs are usually of the MR16 type. The MR stands for multi faceted reflector and the 16 for the diameter of the bulb in one eighths of an inch i.e. two inches or 50mm. Halogen bulbs that operate on 240 volts or 110 volts are the same shape but the pins on the base are of the twist and lock type with a flat base and cannot be inserted into a 12 volt led bulbs.



LED light bulbs is given off by a light emitting diode and it promises to be a very efficient light source. At the moment the 3 and 5 watt lamps produce about 70 lumens per watt which is only marginally better than fluorescent. Future development could see the output of 200 watts per lumen.heir applications are getting expanded day by day and the day is not far away when they become an inseparable part of everyday consumer electronics and would be used in a bunch without much thought required.