Light bulbs comes in many differently shapes and sizes. By knowing the different shapes and sizes of light bulbs, a person can select the correct light bulb for there lamp or fixture. Each bulb has a code associate with it that indicate both the shape of the bulb and the diameter of the bulb in eighths of an inch.
For instanse, a bulb with the code A19 indicate that the shape of the bulb is an arbitrary shape, and that the bulb is 19 eighths of an inch in diameter. It is necessary to ensure that the light bulb that is selected match that of the fixture. Should the light bulb be too large for the fixture, the lampshade can overheat.
How to Choose the Right Light Bulb
However, if the light bulb is too small for the fixture, there may not be enough lights for the area. Different light bulb shapes are used for different functions within a home. For instanse, people often use the pear shaped bulbs in table and ceiling lamps, as the shape of the bulb help to diffuse the light that is emitted from the bulb.
In addition, bulbs with a globe shape is even and are often found in vanity lights; the light that is emitted from these bulbs prevents shadows from appearing on the face of those who are using the bathroom with that lamp. Tapered bulbs are thin in diameter and people often use them in chandeliers. Reflector bulbs and parabola bulbs are made to emit its light forward, which makes these bulbs useful in kitchens or areas where reading are to occur.
It is possible for an individual to inadvertantly use a globe shaped bulb in a recessed light fixture; however, the bulb may not physically fit into the recessed light fixture. In addition to shape and size, there is two different measurements that must be considered when selecting a light bulb. One measurement is the wattage of the bulb, which is the power that the light bulb draws from the electrical source.
The other measurement is the lumens of the bulb, which is the brightness of the light bulb. A 60-watt bulb will draw more power from the electrical source then an 8-watt bulb; however, an 8-watt LED bulb may contain the same lumens as a 60-watt incandescent bulb. The number of lumens that a bulb emits is the measurement that should be considered when selecting a bulb for a fixture.
Despite the popularity of incandescent bulbs, which tend to emit a warm light when they are on, those bulbs use more energy than LED bulbs. When replacing an incandescent bulb with an LED bulb, you should consider the wattage of the LED bulb. If the light fixture indicate that the maximum wattage of the bulb is 60 watts, an LED bulb with the desired lumens should be selected that is under 60 watts.
LED bulbs uses less power than incandescent bulbs and have a longer life cycle for the LED bulbs. In order to mimic the light of an incandescent bulb, ensure that the LED bulb that is purchased is label as “warm white.”
In addition to the shape of the bulb, the base of the bulb must match that of the socket of the fixture. For instanse, most lamps has medium screw bases for their bulbs, while candelabra bases are found on many chandeliers.
Prior to purchasing a bulb for a fixture, it is important to ensure that the base of the bulb matches the base of the socket within the fixture. It is also important to ensure that the length of the bulb; if a bulb is too long, it may not physically fit within the shade of the lamp. By considering the shape, lumens, wattage, and base of the bulb, an individual can ensure that the selected bulb is the correct bulb for that fixture.
