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Incandescent Lamps

Incandescent Lamps were the first light source invented. Today they are still the most commonly used light source. Incandescent Lamps have multiple applications both in commercial/industrial markets, as well as the home.

Components of a Incandescent Lamps:

1. The Incandescent lamp has three fundamental parts:
   1. Bulb
   2. Filament
   3. Base
2. Bulb - the enclosed glassware of a light source
   1. Prevents air from reaching the filament since the presence of oxygen would cause the filament to burn up immediately
   2. Acts as a diffusing medium for the light emitted by the filament
   3. Bulb shape and size are determined by the purpose for which the lamp is to be used
   4. Various finishes are available for the bulb, a few are as follows:
      1. Inside Frost (IF)
         1. Diffuses the light from the filament
         2. Frosting is produced by a light acid etching applied to the inner surface of the bulb
         3. Absorbs no measurable amount of light compared to an equal wattage clear bulb
      2. Soft White
         1. Diffuses the light from the filament and reduces glare
         2. The white color is produced by a coating
         3. Produces a soft diffused light making tasks like reading easier on the eyes
      3. Clear (CL)
         1. Clear glass bulb
         2. For use within fixtures that have diffusers
      4. Colored
         1. Transparent - you can see the filament through the coloring
         2. Opaque - you cannot see the filament through the coloring
   5. Filament - the light producing element of a lamp
      1. The coiled tungsten wire through which electric current passes and from which light is radiated.
   6. Base - means of connecting the lamp to the socket
      1. Brass based lamps will not corrode or "freeze" in the socket
      2. Base guidelines
         1. Generally lamps 300 watts and below have medium screw bases
         2. Generally lamps 300 watts and above have mogul screw bases
         3. Some lower wattage lamps (particularly sign, indicator, and decorative) use candelabra or intermediate screw bases

Other General Information:

1. Light Center Length (LCL) - Distance from center or axis of the filament to bottom of the base
2. Maximum Overall Length (MOL) - Distance from the crown or top of the bulb to the bottom of the base.
3. Fill Gas
   1. Nitrogen and argon are the most commonly used gases
   2. Krypton gas results in high efficiencies and long life
4. Voltage Ratings
   1. Operating a lamp at a voltage over or under that for which the lamp is designed affects both life and wattage consumption.

Basic Incandescent Lamp Types:

• Rough Service Lamps:

  • Built to withstand shocks and bumps.
  • Filament is reinforced to allow use in situations where continuous vibrations are present.

• Shatter Proof Lamps:

  • These lamps are coated with a plastic shield to keep the bulb intact when breakage occurs.
  • Designed for lighting applications where the bulb is exposed.
  • Applications include construction sites, car lots, farms, amusement parks, food operations, and trouble lights.

• Three-Way Lamps:

  • These lamps have two filaments
  • Benefits of Three-Way bulbs are their flexibility, and energy saving features.

• Bug Lamps:

  • Popular for outdoor lighting where there is a prevalence of insects at night.
  • This bulb does not repel the insects, however, it attracts fewer insects due to the yellow and red rays it transmits.

• Reflector Lamps:

  • Reflector lamps help to control the light output in a pre-chosen direction.
  • Outdoor applications should use Par lamps.
  • For even greater efficiencies, you can use an ER or BR lamp without affecting light levels