Light Bulb Glossary

Compact fluorescent light bulbs
Compact fluorescent is a reference to many different kinds of bulbs. CFLs use less than 20-40% energy compared to other bulbs and produce more light per watt. They are even color-adjusted to create light closer to real sunlight. They generate less heat and last much longer than incandescent bulbs, saving money directly on your energy bills. Their efficiency is regarded as a substantial help in limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Look for Energy Star labels on fluorescent fixtures and lamps for assurance of maximum savings, quality, and standards.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are often used in desk lamps, floor lamps, under-cabinet lamps, and actually, just about any kind of fixture you can imagine, indoors or out. The main limitation of compact fluorescents is that they cannot operate in motion-sensor fixtures or lights with a dimmer switch.

Types:
Plug-in Base CFL

• Double Twin-Tube 2-Pin
• Double Twin-Tube 2-Pin Outdoor 15mm Tube Diameter
• Double Twin-Tube 4-Pin
• Single Twin-Tube 2-Pin
• Single Twin-Tube 4-Pin
• Triple Twin-Tube 4-Pin

• Accessories & adapters
• Candelabra and globe: Candelabra bulbs generally fall under the Compact Fluorescent light bulb category, but not always. They are shaped to mimic a candle flame and are ideal for lamps requiring small light bulbs. This style of bulb is commonly used for chandeliers, table lamps, and torchieres.
• Covered, Outdoor & Bug
• Dark Sky: A lighting style that stops the light from spreading to unwanted areas such as a neighbor's yard, the street, or into the night sky.
• Dimmable: A lighting style which causes single or connected lamps to decrease in intensity.
• Reflector: A light source with a built-in reflecting surface.
• Spirals and Loops 23 watts and lower
• Spirals and Loops 25 watts and higher

Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Fluorescent light bulbs are known as some of the most efficient bulbs around. They use 20-40% less electricity than a standard incandescent bulb, and can last up to 20 times longer. Their compact style makes them ideal for task lighting and other versatile fixtures. Many are not screw-in, but screw-in types can be found to use in place of incandescent bulbs in your average lamp socket. Often, fluorescent light is associated with an unpleasant look, but the quality and warmth is improving.

These days, fluorescent light bulbs can be seen everywhere, from floor lamps to chandeliers.

Types:

• Circline Fluorescent Lamps: Circular-shaped lighting usually used in kitchens or bathrooms.
• T-12 Linear 06-21-inch
• T-5 Preheat & Standard Linear 6-58-inch
• T-5HO High Output Linear 22-58-inch
• T-12 Linear 22-33-inch
• T-12 Linear 33-36-inch
• T-12 Linear 48-inch
• T-12 Linear 60-84-inch
• T-12 Linear 96-inch
• T-12 U-Bent Fluorescent Lamps
• T-4 Ultra Slim Linear 9-46-inch
• T-8 Linear 06-21-inch
• T-8 Linear 24-32-inch
• T-8 Linear 33-47-inch
• T-8 Linear 48-72-inch
• T-8 Linear 96-inch
• T-8 U-Bent Fluorescent Lamps

Halogen Lamp Light Bulbs
Halogen light bulbs are increasing in popularity. These bulbs produce a whiter light and more light (lumens) per watt than household incandescent bulbs. They are appealing because their light resembles the color spectrum of the sun far closer than any other variety of bulb. And because they are so compact, many people prefer them at desks and other areas requiring detailed work.

The precision and control of halogen light bulbs makes them great for dramatic effect in highlighting details with pinpoint beams of light on artwork, architectural details, sculptures, etc. Halogen bulbs are usually low in voltage, 12 or 24 volts, and require the use of a transformer.

Because halogen light bulbs generate more heat than other types of bulb, special care is required. Today, all halogen lamps in the USA have been approved with safety shields to reduce the risk of fire. Before changing a halogen bulb, wait until the bulb cools enough to touch it. Use a clean rag to remove and install bulbs; oils in your hand may cause the bulb to burn hotter and affect the bulb's life. Examples: GU-10, MR-16, JC/JCD, G9, JDE-11, JT-3, JT-4, PAR.

Halogen lamp light bulbs can be seen in desk lamps, torchieres, floor lamps, accent table lamps, undercabinet lighting, bath brackets, and just about anywhere else. They are quite attractive and appealing in all types of decor.

Types:

• ALR Aluminum Reflector
• Capsule High-Voltage (100+ Volts)
• Capsule Low-Voltage (6, 12, 24 Volts)
• Double-Ended Linear - Long
• Double-Ended Linear - Short
• Halogena & Post lamps
• HMI - Double-Ended Quartz Arc Tube
• HMI - Single-Ended Quartz Arc Tube
• Infrared Energy-Efficient Products (IRC, HIR)
• JCR Bulbs
• JDR Bulbs
• MR-16 (2-inch) - No Lens
• MR-8 (1-inch) - All Types
• PAR-16 (2-inch)
• PAR-20 (2.5-inch)
• PAR-20 (2.5-inch)
• PAR-30 (3.75-inch) - Long Neck
• PAR-30 (3.75-inch) - Short
• PAR-36 (4.5-inch)
• PAR-38 (4.75-inch)
• PAR-46 (5.75-inch)
• PAR-56 (7-inch)
• PAR-64 (8-inch)
• MR-11 (1.375-inch) - All Types
• MR-16 (2-inch) - Lensed
• Single-Ended
• Tubular Heat Lamps

Incandescent light bulbs
Incandescent light bulbs are still the most commonly used bulbs today because they are so inexpensive and widely available. Incandescent bulbs vary from 15 to 150 watts and produce a soft yellow-white light, emitted in all directions. These bulbs are available in a wide variety of styles, namely clear, frosted, or colored.

Standard incandescent bulbs generate light when a filament is heated to incandescence (illumination) via an electric current inside of a glass bulb. Incandescent reflector bulbs provide overall illumination and are usually called floor or spot lights.

Standard ambient lighting often calls for a basic incandescent light bulb, and higher wattages can be used for task lighting. Incandescent bulbs must never exceed the maximum wattage recommended for your lamp. Examples: G25, G16.5, T Bulb, BR/R, Standard Medium Base, Standard Candelabra.

There are scores of uses for incandescent lamps; among them are general house lighting, task lighting, wall sconces, and exterior lighting for your yard or patio.

Types:

• "Regular" 15-37 Watts (A-Shape)
• "Regular" 40-60 Watts (A-Shape)
• "Regular" 67-100 Watts (A-Shape)
• "Regular" Over 100 Watts (A-Shape)
• Standard base 100W Edison bulbs (E-type)
• 3-Way
• Decorative Torpedo & Flame Tip
• Director" (K-Shape)
• Elliptical Reflector (ER-Shape)
• Exit & Display (T-Shape)
• Fiesta (F-Shape)
• Globe (G-Shape)
• Indicator & Sign (S-Shape)
• Industrial (PS-Shape)
• Night Light & Holiday (C-Shape)
• PAR-38 (4.75-inch)
• Reflector (BR-Shape)
• Reflector (R-Shape)

PAR Lamps
Parabolic Aluminized Reflector is known as a PAR lamp. A PAR lamp can be incandescent, halogen, or an HID and has a parabolic, precision-pressed glass reflector that reflects light from the filament. Both internal reflectors and prisms in the lens help create the intense, focused light of a PAR bulb.

Halogen PAR bulbs have a mirrored reflector to control the light. Halogen PAR bulbs are ideal for task lighting because of their focused light and long life.

Types:

• PAR-16 (2-inch)
• PAR-20 (2.5-inch)
• PAR-20 (2.5-inch)
• PAR-30 (3.75-inch) - Long Neck
• PAR-30 (3.75-inch) - Short
• PAR-36 (4.5-inch)
• PAR-38 (4.75-inch)
• PAR-46 (5.75-inch)
• PAR-56 (7-inch)
• PAR-64 (8-inch)
• PAR-38 (4.75-inch)

Other bulbs

• Black Light: A fluorescent light that emits invisible ultraviolet (UV) light.
• Heat Lamps: Increases the temperature in a focused area. You've seen these often in the food industry and outdoor waiting areas.
• Krypton Lamps: High-quality light bulb that uses krypton gas instead of argon.
• Shatter-Resistant, Silicone- & Teflon-Coated, Etc.: This style of bulb is designed for safety using tough materials to reduce shattering and breakage.
• Full-Spectrum Daylight: Full-spectrum light bulbs create totally natural light and are considered by some health professionals to be quite beneficial to your health. Natural light is known to alleviate stress, depression, and headaches and is often what is needed when you just feel like getting outside.
• Germicidal Lamps: This is ultraviolet technology that makes up a non-chemical approach to disinfection. This method of disinfection makes for a simple, economical, and very easily maintained form of cleanliness.

Xenon Light Bulbs
Xenon is a rare gas used in lamps made especially for their long life. Known to last up to 10,000 hours, they are by far the bulbs with the greatest longevity. A xenon bulb can be touched with a bare hand, unlike halogen bulbs.

Xenon light bulbs are used in path lighting or anywhere where changing the bulb is troublesome or inconvenient.

Types:

• Festoon Bulbs: Typically a low-voltage bulb, a festoon bulb is recognizable by a unique shape. It comes in frosted or clear glass. If using festoon lamps for task lighting or indirect lighting, frosted lamps are best. Clear lamps are ideal for uses when you want to put something prominently on display, such as jewelry, china, or crystal.
• LED (light-emitting diode): This small electronic light is known for its incredibly long lifespan and efficiency. LEDs work via a small electronic device that lights up when electricity is passed through it. This type of light emits a light that is red, green, blue, or white in color. LED bulbs are typically used for display screens on electronic devices, but can be used in many other applications.

Conversion chart for incandescent to fluorescent light bulbs