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Buying Guides Information

  • What is a Watt (wattage)?

    A wattage is a unit of electrical power. It defines the energy consumption by the light bulb when it is in operation. Watts are a measurement of power, describing the rate at which electricity is being used at a specific moment. Since modern energy savings lamps and LED lamps consume far less power to achieve the same brightness.

  • What are Lumens?

    Lumens are the measurement of the total amount of visible light form a light bulb or light source. The light may be emitted in a specific direction or in 360 degrees. The higher the lumen rating the brighter the light bulb will appear.

    • Lumens (non-directional lamps)
      This is the total luminous flux of a lamp in all directions.
    • Useful Lumens (directional lamps)
      The EU’s latest approach is to promote lamps that have good efficacy for lighting a task, and therefore focus the maximum amount of light into the useful 90-degree cone. This will tell you the amount of ‘useful’ light emitted from a directional light.
  • What are Candelas?

    A wattage is a unit of electrical power. It defines the energy consumption by the light bulb when it is in operation. Watts are a measurement of power, describing the rate at which electricity is being used at a specific moment. Since modern energy savings lamps and LED lamps consume far less power to achieve the same brightness.

  • What is a colour temperature?

    A number indicating the degree of ‘yellowness’ or ‘blueness’ of a white light source. This is measured in Kelvin (K). Generally light sources are described as very warm white (2700K), warm white (3000K), cool white (4000K) and daylight (6500K).

  • What are beam angles?

    The beam angle of a light bulb is the angle at which light is emitted. Light bulbs with narrow beam angles are primarily designed to focus light onto an individual location whereas a lamp featuring a much larger beam angle will spread over a much larger area.

    For most domestic household lighting a beam angle of 30 – 40 degrees will be sufficient given the height of ceilings and the range, spread and number of lights in that particular area or room.

    Consumers may decide to choose light bulbs with a narrow beam angle in order to focus the light on a particular area or feature to provide an impact.

    https://www.thelightbulbshop.co.uk/Shop/DichroicMR16Bulbs/Product/Decostar51Standard-MR16GU53DichroicBulb.aspx

 

Bases and Caps –

GU10

GU10 bulbs are often u sed for spot lights and in recessed downlighters. They are mains voltage bulbs running at 240V. GU10 are ones of the safest types of mains voltage lamp holder as all the electrical live parts are concealed even when the bulb is removed. Various wattages and colours available including eco-halogen GU10 bulbs.

 

GU5.3

Also known as MR16. GU5.3 bulbs are low voltage usually running at 12V, the pins are 5.3mm apart. The most common use for this lamp cap is for spotlights, in recessed or decorative fittings. As the GU5.3 offers a wide variety of styles and beam angles it is a popular choice among consumers.

 

G9

G9 halogen bulbs are light bulbs that have looped metal prongs instead of screw-in bases. They come in a variety of sizes and wattage ratings and can be used in different applications including accent lights, desk lamps and small appliances. The pins are usually 9mm apart.

 

G4

G4 bulbs are the smallest type commonly used bulb, the pins are just 4mm apart. They are low voltage bulbs usually requiring 6V, 12V or 24V. They are very common is household lighting often used in decorative light fittings. In addition, they can be used in small utility lighting.

 

GU4

GU4 fittings are commonly found on the low voltage/ wattage lamps and have often a push lift action. They have a 4mm distance between pins and used in spot lighting.

 

GY6.35

GY6.35 bulbs are low voltage halogen capsule bulbs, but generally run at a much higher wattage than G4 bulbs. The higher wattage versions of these bulbs are often used in specialist applications such as projectors.

 

G53

Aluminium reflector for better beam control, metal cap over the filament to avoid direct glare. This powerful performance reflector lamp gives precise lighting and reduces glare. It is widely used in retail applications particularly when good colour rendering is paramount. Diameter for the AR111 is 111mm.

 

E14

Small Edison Screw (E14) has a base diameter of 14mm. Due to its small base it is often used in small decorative fittings, chandeliers and appliance bulbs.

 

E27

Edison Screw (E27) has a base diameter of 27mm. The popular screw base is easy to maintain which makes it a popular bulb within the UK. Ideal for domestic lighting and applications.

 

B22

B22 bulbs have a bayonet twist and lock 22mm diameter base. Typically found in the UK, the bayonet b22 bulbs are ideal for domestic applications, hotels and restaurants.

 

B15

B15 bayonet bulbs have a 15mm diameter. They are perfect for lighting domestic and commercial properties which uses fittings such as chandeliers/ decorative fittings where style is important.

 

R7s

Linear mains voltage double ended linear halogen lamps provide a powerful light source for compact fittings used for floodlighting, architectural lighting and security. They delivery powerful light and also deliver excellent lumen maintenance and stable colour temperature.

 

G23

G23 2 pin base for a base which plug into a socket, as opposed to screwing into a socket with screw in base bulbs.

The G23 bases include the normal press-in, secure wire terminal connection on the bottom. 2 pins positioned on either side of the plastic housing with single snap connector.

 

G24d

The G24d series have two pins which are 24mm apart.

The G24d-1 has a nib in the centre, and is usually 13W or lower. The G24d-2 has a nib to the left, and is usually 18W. The G24d-3 has a nib to the right, and is usually 26W.

 

G24q

The G24q-1 has a nib in the centre, and is usually 13W or lower. The G24q-2 has a nib to the left, and is usually 18W. The G24q-3 has a nib to the right, and is usually 26W.

 

G5

T5 Fluorescent tubes comes in standard size of 16mm with the G5 fitting with 5mm between the two pins. The mini bipin base lamp comes in a range of wattages and lengths for commercial demands. Ideal for general, decorative, or architectural lighting.

 

G13

T8 Fluorescent tubes comes in standard size of 26mm with the G13 fitting with 13mm between the two pins. These are known for their ability to provide bright and steady light over a larger surface area than a traditional bulb.

 

2G7

Single ended four pin plug in 2G7 base. Short and compact pin-base lamps with single-turn tubes. Ideal for public buildings, offices, shops, hotels and restaurants.

Slim design making them versatile for almost universal use.

 

G12

Single ended Ceramic Metal Halide lamps are made to provide symmetrical beam distribution using the axial configuration of the discharge arc.

Ideal for shop interiors, shop windows, foyers, reception areas, museums and exhibitions.

 

IP Ratings

What are IP Ratings?

Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, developed by the European Committee for Electro Technical Standardisation. The ratings are used to specify the environmental protection an enclosure provides to the electrical equipment inside it. An IP Rating normally has two numbers associated with it:

  • Protection from solid objects or materials
  • Protection from liquids (like water)
 
IP Ratings Table -
 
Protection against solid objects and dust Protection against fluids
First Number Description / Test Second Number Description / Test
0 No Protection 0 No Protection
1 Protection against solid objects over 50mm, e.g. accidental touch by hands 1 Protected against vertically falling drops of water
2 Protected against solid objects over 12mm, e.g. fingers 2 Protected against direct sprays of water up to 15 degrees from the vertical
3 Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm (tools / wires) 3 Protected against sprays to 60 degrees from the vertical
4 Protected against solid objects over 1mm (tools / wires / small wires) 4 Protected against water sprayed from all directions - limited ingress permitted
5 Protected against dust - limited ingress (no harmful deposit) 5 Protected against low pressure jets of water from all direction - limited ingress permitted
6 Totally protected against dust 6 Protected against strong jets of water, e.g. for use on ship decks - limited ingress permitted
    7 Protected against the effects of immersion between 15cm and 1m
    8 Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure