What light bulb do I need?

Lighting is an integral part of our daily lives, with many kinds of light bulbs all around us, it can be hard choosing the right light bulb for your home. With a wide range of options available, from various cap fitting types like bayonet and screwfit to a wide spectrum of colour temperature types such as cool white and warm white, as well as varying light intensity levels, choosing the ideal lighting solution can seem daunting.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of light bulbs, covering types, dimmable options, and even smart solutions like Alexa-compatible and rechargeable light bulbs. Whether you're searching for bathroom, oven, brake, or spot light bulbs, we've got you covered. Follow this 5 step guide to buying the perfect light bulb for your project today!

1. Light Bulb Technology Types

Choosing the right lighting can be a bit of a puzzle. You've got LED, halogen, smart, and CFL bulbs to pick from, each with its own perks; we're lucky to have so many technologies to choose from! Let's break down these lighting options to help you find the perfect fit for your space.

What are LED light bulbs?

LED bulbs are energy-efficient lighting devices that use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce bright and long-lasting illumination. Over the years, advancements in LED technology led to the development of brighter and more versatile LEDs suitable for general lighting applications.  These are the most popular types of light bulbs nowadays because of the overwhelming advantages compared to traditional older light bulbs, especially considering their energy and money saving benefits. Here are some of the LED bulb features...

What are Halogen light bulbs?

Halogen bulbs are known for their bright and crisp lighting quality, making them a popular choice for a variety of lighting applications. These bulbs use a halogen gas filling that enhances efficiency and extends their lifespan. Halogens provide an intense and focused beam of light, ideal for tasks that require precision and clarity.

What are Smart light bulbs?

Smart bulbs represent the cutting edge of lighting technology, offering an unprecedented level of control and convenience. These innovative bulbs can be connected to your home network, allowing you to adjust their brightness, colour, and even schedule them remotely using a smartphone or voice commands.

What are CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs?

CFL bulbs have long been regarded as a practical and energy-efficient lighting choice - before the surgence of LED bulbs and more efficient alternatives. Because of CFL bulbs becoming outdated because of newer technologies, they are being phased out in the UK. CFL bulbs have had their time in the spotlight, known for their energy efficiency and longer lifespan compared to incandescent bulbs. While they once represented a cost-effective lighting solution, their slow start-up time and limited dimming capabilities have been drawbacks for some users.

CFL bulbs are being phased out in favour of more advanced and eco-friendly options like LED bulbs. As a result, the pros and cons of CFL bulbs are becoming increasingly redundant as the world embraces more efficient and sustainable lighting alternatives.

2. Light Bulb Fitting Types

When it comes to light bulbs, the type of cap fitting plays a crucial role in ensuring compatibility with your fixtures. Cap fittings determine how a bulb connects to the socket, ensuring a secure electrical connection. With various cap fitting types available, it is essential to understand the differences and select the one that matches your specific lighting fixtures. Nothing more frustrating then getting home and realising the lamp isn't compatible with the light fitting! The first letter indicates base type, the numbers after it indicates the diameter or distance between pins (dependent on bulb type).

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Bayonet (B22)	Involves a push and twist action to fit, with a diameter of 22mm. These are often used in overhead light fittings.
Bayonet (B15)	Involve a push and twist action to fit, with a diameter of 15mm. These are often used in overhead light fittings.
Edison Screw Cap (E27)	Involve a screw base, available in a number of sizes; in this case 27mm diameter.
Edison Screw Cap (E14)	Involve a screw base, available in a number of sizes; in this case 14mm diameter.

3. Light Bulb Shapes

Whether you're aiming for a vintage look, a modern vibe, or something in between, the shape of your light bulb matters. From classic pear-shaped bulbs to unique decorative designs, each shape imparts a distinctive character to the lighting it produces. With the technology and fitting type decided for your lamp, now it is time to pick the perfect shape to blend well into your room! Check out the most common light bulb types below...

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	Classic GLS/Standard
	Globe/Golf Ball
	Candle
	Reflector/Downlight

Other types of shapes include:

• Tube - Long, thin shaped bulbs often found in commercial settings.
• Capsule - Tiny light bulbs, often used in small fittings such as cabinets and cooker hoods.

4. Light Bulb Colour Temperatures

The colour temperature of light is a critical factor in creating the desired atmosphere and mood in your living spaces. It can transform a room from warm and cosy to cool and invigorating with just a flick of a switch. Understanding colour temperature is essential in selecting the right lighting for your home or workspace. 

Colour temperature refers to the warmth or coolness of the light emitted by a bulb, measured in Kelvins (K). The Kelvin scale ranges from warm, lower values, such as 2700K, to cool, higher values, such as 5000K and beyond. Warm lighting, around 2700K, resembles the soft, comforting glow of candlelight, creating a cosy ambiance. In contrast, cooler lighting, around 5000K or higher, mimics the crisp, bright quality of natural daylight, ideal for spaces where clarity and focus are essential. 

With so much to know about varying colour temperatures, you can learn more and delve deeper with out Warm White vs Cool White colour temperature guide!

5. Light Bulb Brightness Levels

The brightness of a light bulb is a crucial factor in how well it illuminates a room or area. It is measured in lumens (lm), which quantifies the total amount of visible light emitted by the bulb. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. Understanding lumens allows you to choose the right bulb for your needs, whether you want to create a well-lit workspace or set a gentle mood in your living room. Typically, within homes, lumen levels will range from as low as 100lm all the way up to 1500lm. Numbers beyond this range are usually used for floodlights, security lighting and commercial/industrial-use lighting.

6. Other Factors to Consider...

Dimmable:

One crucial factor to consider when choosing a light bulb is whether it is dimmable or not. Dimmable bulbs offer a significant advantage by allowing you to adjust the brightness levels to suit your mood and needs. Whether you want soft, ambient lighting for a relaxed evening or bright illumination for focused tasks, dimmable bulbs provide versatility. 

However, it is essential to note that not all bulbs are dimmable, and dimming compatibility may vary depending on the type of bulb and the dimmer switch you have. Stores will usually say if a bulb/lamp is dimmable or not in either the name or the product description. 

Beam Angles:

The beam angle of a light bulb determines the spread of light it emits and plays a vital role in the effectiveness of your lighting. It is essential to consider the beam angle when selecting bulbs, especially for specific tasks or accent lighting. A narrow beam angle concentrates light in a focused area, making it ideal for spotlighting artwork or highlighting architectural features.

In contrast, a wider beam angle provides a broader distribution of light, suitable for general illumination in larger spaces. Understanding beam angles allows you to tailor your lighting to your needs, ensuring that every corner of your room receives the right amount of light. 

Energy Efficiency:

In an era of increasing environmental awareness, energy efficiency is a crucial factor to consider when selecting light bulbs. Energy-efficient bulbs not only help reduce your carbon footprint but also lead to cost savings on your energy bills. 

LED bulbs, in particular, have gained recognition for their remarkable energy efficiency, consuming significantly less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs while lasting much longer. By opting for energy-efficient lighting solutions, you contribute to a greener future and enjoy the benefits of reduced energy consumption without compromising on illumination quality. 

It's essential to stay informed about the ever-evolving landscape of energy efficiency ratings. As new lighting technologies and innovations continue to emerge, energy efficiency standards and ratings may change to reflect these advancements. Keeping up with the latest developments ensures that you're making well-informed decisions when selecting light bulbs. 

Frequently Asked Light Bulb Questions (FAQs)

What is a GLS light bulb?

A GLS (or General Lamp Shade) light bulb is one of the most popular light bulb types, with a familiar pear-shape and a range of cap fitting types, you will oftenly find GLS bulbs in homes and commercial settings. This pear-shaped bulb can often be referred to by other names such as an A19 bulb, standard/classic bulb. If you're unsure on the shape for your light fitting, you can have trust in buying a GLS bulb to make it feel homely and welcoming. Please note, that the old incandescent GLS bulbs are due to be banned thanks to their power wasting capabilities.

How to dispose of light bulbs?

To responsibly dispose of light bulbs in the UK, it is essential to understand the different types of bulbs and their disposal methods. While you can't simply toss them in a glass recycling bin because of their electrical and chemical components, recycling is possible. Modern bulbs like LED, fluorescent, and CFL bulbs, including energy-saving ones, are recyclable for both domestic and commercial use. They should be recycled alongside other electrical items through Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs), compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and fluorescent tubes are the three main types of bulbs you can recycle. LEDs can be disposed of with general waste but recycling is preferred as they can be crushed and their components separated for recycling (recycling centres will accept these too!). CFLs are considered hazardous waste due to trace amounts of mercury and should be recycled separately. Fluorescent tubes also require specialized recycling due to mercury content.

However, old bulbs like incandescent and halogen ones, with fine wires inside, are not typically recyclable and can be disposed of safely with general waste. If any bulbs are broken, handle them with care, wear gloves, and wrap the broken pieces in waste paper or fabric. Don't put old light bulbs in your home recycling bin; instead, consider WEEE bins, recycling centers, or select shops that offer light bulb recycling facilities. This eco-friendly approach ensures proper disposal while contributing to environmental sustainability.

What are the different kinds of light bulbs available?

Here are the types of light bulb technologies that exist; all stocked at Electrical2Go:

• Incandescent Light Bulbs: These are the traditional choice, providing a warm, ambient glow. However, they are less energy-efficient compared to newer options.
• LED Light Bulbs: Known for their energy efficiency and long lifespan, LED bulbs are a popular choice for modern lighting solutions.
• Halogen Light Bulbs: Offering a bright, white light, halogen bulbs are commonly used in specific applications.

Other types of light bulbs include smart bulbs and dimmable light bulbs!

Are lower wattage bulbs dimmer?

No, the wattage of a bulb represents the amount of electrical power it consumes, while the brightness or intensity of the light it emits is measured in lumens. In the past, with traditional incandescent bulbs, there was a direct correlation between wattage and brightness. Lower wattage bulbs produced less light, and higher wattage bulbs produced more light.

However, it is important to note that with the advent of energy-efficient lighting technologies like LED and CFL bulbs, the relationship between wattage and brightness has become less straightforward. 

These newer bulbs can produce the same amount of light (or even more) as traditional incandescent bulbs while consuming significantly fewer watts. Therefore, when using LED or CFL bulbs, it's more accurate to consider the bulb's lumens rating (a measure of brightness) rather than its wattage when determining how bright the light will be.

Are LED bulbs energy-efficient?

Yes, LED bulbs are highly energy-efficient, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice for your lighting needs. Top quality LED light bulbs tend to last longer too because of their efficiency in handling heat whilst still maintaining brightness and varied colour temperatures.

Are all LED bulbs dimmable?

No, not all LED bulbs are dimmable! It is important to check if it is dimmable before purchasing. This can be done by searching the product code/sku online and checking the manufacturers site on the product information page which should say if the bulb is dimmable or not. On our light bulb pages here at Electrical2Go, we make sure it is specified within the product listing name as well as within the product description and bullet points - so you can always be sure on the specifications of your purchase! You can also read on the packaging once it is delivered about whether it is capable of dimming.

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