The Different Types of Light Bulbs, Explained
Ever since Thomas Edison invented the light bulb in 1879, the entire world underwent a massive transformation.
The invention of the light bulb enabled countries to move from using street lanterns and candles to light their streets and homes, to using electricity. Since then, light bulbs have come a long way. There are now many types of light bulbs to choose from for every need imaginable.
Light bulbs are so varied that there are now even distinctions between which ones are more energy-efficient and better for the environment. In 2009, Australia passed legislation to start phasing out incandescent light bulbs. Due to this change, the average household is saving $70 per year, and the national savings amount to $5.5 billion.
In this article, we'll cover many of the different types of light bulbs available to you.
Edison Screw Style Globes
The Edison screw (ES) is a common type of light bulb to be found in Australian homes. The bulb has a right-hand threaded metal cap. This cap screws into a matching threaded socket. They range from tiny to large in size.
E14 Style Globes
An E14 globe is a small Edison screw globe with a diameter of 14mm. It is the most common of the light bulb types for appliances. You'll often find E14 globe lights in ovens or microwaves. This type of light is also popular as decorative and night lighting, as it provides just enough light to not be overbearing, but instead, highlight and accentuate.
E27 Style Globes
The E27 globe is the standard Edison screw with a diameter of 27mm. You find Edison screw globes most often in lamps and household light fittings.
Bayonet Style Globes
A bayonet cap bulb is common in applications where vibration might loosen screw-mount bulbs. You'll most often find a bayonet cap bulb as lighting for a vehicle, or even inside flashlights.
B15 Style Globes
TheB15 globes are a small version of the bayonet cap with a diameter of 15mm. While smaller than other varieties, they still maintain their versatility and functionality. You'll find B15 globes in vehicles oftentimes. Because of their diminutive size, they're also used inside many flashlights.
B22 Style Globes
B22 globes are a bayonet-style globe with a diameter of 22mm. This type of bulb is often used in table lamps or larger vehicle lights. The B22 globe is brighter than many other types of globes, is energy-efficient, and can last up to 10 times longer than other common bulbs.
Other Style Globes
There are a wide variety of globe lights available for use in Australia. Whether you’re looking for mood lighting to set a creative atmosphere, or need a bright light to illuminate a large backyard, you can find it.
MR16 Type Globes
The MR16 globe is a common globe sold for downlights and spotlights. They are powerful and bright. The quality of an MR16 globe fluctuates, so be sure to buy from trusted brands at your favourite store.
GU10 Type Globes
GU10 globes are meant to replace the traditional halogen lamps. GU10 globes have a bi-pin connector and operate on line voltage. A GU10 globe doesn't need a separate transformer or driver to go down to 12V.
This globe offers a range of colour temperatures. You can go with a warm white colour to mimic the glow of an incandescent bulb or choose a cool white for areas where you need to focus, like offices or kitchens.
T5 Type Tubes
T5 stands for the thickness of the fluorescent tube. The five means the tube has a thickness of 1.58 cm. The T5 tube is the most common size found for a fluorescent tube.
T8 Type Tubes
The T8 tube has a diameter of 2.54 cm. This type of fluorescent tube most often comes in a "daylight" glow. The lighting ranges from pure white to a bluish-white. This type of light is most often used in garages, parking lots, high-security areas, or display cases.
G4 Type Globes
A G4 globe is for light fittings where there's a tight fit and also low voltage. This style of lighting is common for task lighting and decorative applications in homes, shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Why Shop With the Lighting Outlet?
The Lighting Outlet stocks a vast array of lighting products under its roof. You can find the superstore in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.
At the Lighting Outlet, you'll find all your lighting needs. When you shop at the superstore, you can rest assured that it carries only the most trusted brands to be found in Australia.
If you're unable to visit the superstore in person, the Lighting Outlet also features a comprehensive online store. It's partnered with a fleet of couriers nationwide to ensure you'll get your delivery fast and hassle-free.
Many Types of Light Bulbs to Fulfill Your Needs
Whether you need a bright light source for your garage or a softer light for your office, there exists a light bulb to fill your need. Light bulbs have come a long way since their invention. They're now more energy-efficient, last far longer than they once did, and there are way more types of light bulbs than there once were.
In Australia, lighting now only accounts for 10% of the average household electricity budget. The cost of electricity has risen over the past five years, but thanks to the country's switch to using more energy-efficient light sources, budgets are staying maintainable.
Incandescent and halogen light bulbs have since been phased out from the Australian market to help reduce energy costs. Modern LEDs use 75% less energy than incandescent and halogen lights and also last up to 10 times longer. Thanks to Australia phasing out light bulbs that drained massive amounts of energy, the average household now saves up to $650 over a 10-year period on their electricity bill.
If you're shopping for light bulbs, check out the massive selection available at the Lighting Outlet. The retail showroom is open six days a week and displays all the newest light bulbs in a huge array of styles and sizes. You can shop by style or even filter by specific brands.