subject: The Business Of Light Bulbs [print this page] The Business of Light Bulbs The Business of Light Bulbs
When it comes to light bulbs, there are various kinds to choose from, and you want to make sure you make the best selection for your wallet, and lighting performance. You will want to know the safety features of the light bulbs to make sure they do not propose a fire hazard, or any other hazards in your household. This will keep your family safe, and maybe save energy every month in your bill.
The light bulb has been around for 120 years, and there are different brands of light bulbs that you can buy depending on price, type, watt size, and your personal preference. The preference of light bulb depends on the performance that you are looking for with the light bulb. Different light bulbs provide different lighting features, and give the user an assortment of shades, looks, and feel of the light bulbs.
Incandescent Light Bulbs
These light bulbs are the most commonly used in households. They were the light bulbs that first came out, and were introduced to the general public. They provide lighting in different watts; the user can choose the watt size when they purchase the bulbs. They are also the cheapest to buy, and burn out quicker then most other bulbs that can be purchased. The bulb is made from glass, and the light comes from a tungsten thread that burns slowly within the glass bulb. This transmits the electricity, causing the light that you see when you use it.
These can be purchased in blue, yellow, or pink tinged light bulbs for desired performance. The light bulbs are made with a base on the bottom of the glass bulb that allows you to screw the bulb into electrical outlets that charge the wire inside the bulb to allow it energy to light. Energy is used mostly from these bulbs, so they are not the most energy efficient bulbs to go with. They have an average life span of 750 hours. You are able to get the glass globe in various sizes and shapes when you are buying them, depending on what the bulb is going into.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
These bulbs can come in larger sizes, down to small sizes that you are able to plug into regular adapters. As well as the incandescent lights, these come in various watt sizes which either brighten, or make the room darker depending on the watt size you are in need of. This light bulb is widely known for its energy saving capabilities. It may be more costly in the store compared to the traditional incandescent light bulb, but the life of the bulb is longer, and it saves money every month in the energy bill.
You are able to buy these in different sizes, and shapes to make sure you get the best one for your outlet or lamp. There is a gas filled tube inside a fluorescent light that helps pump the electricity to the wire within it which makes it light up. This can be dangerous if the bulb inside were to break, so take caution. Their life span is around 6000 to 15000 hours of lit time. This is eight to fifteen times greater than the usual light bulb.
Black Light Light Bulbs
These light bulbs are used for various reasons, not only can you spot fingerprints, but they are fun to glow in. Black lights make white objects glow in the dark, and also fluorescent objects seem brighter to the viewer in a black light. There are rays of ultraviolet light causing the effects on the white and fluorescent objects. You are able to get these in various sizes, and shapes to correspond with the lamp, or plug in that you are placing it in. Like the other choices of lights, black lights are too, made of mercury and gas bulbs, so there are additional hazard warnings that should come along with your new black light.
There are many uses for black lights such as:
- Detecting Counterfeit Money
- Reentry into a Club or Amusement Park
- Finding Fingerprints
- Forgeries of Antiques
- Leaks in Mechanics
The phosphors in everything around you make them glow in the black light. The black light picks up on the phosphors and in turn makes them glow. This can work for any phosphor around you, not just the ones in your room, or on your body. A black light is made up of the same material that a white, traditional light bulb is made from; the only difference is the color of the outside casing. The glass bulb on a black light is a dark purpler look, while the traditional light bulb is white.
Light Bulb Safety
Being safe while using your light bulbs should be top priority regarding them. One of the largest safety hazards with light bulbs is when you go to screw them in the outlet. Number one, you do not want to have the electricity switch on when you do so, this can cause you to become electrified. Number two, make sure you are not holding the bulb too firmly, it is glass, and it will break. Light bulbs are made from mercury, which can be hazardous if thrown away. You will want to make sure you follow your states rules on throwing out mercury light bulbs to ensure that everyone is safe.
Certain light bulbs can become very hot; this can cause a fire in your home. You will want to make sure that you unplug or turn off your light bulbs when they are not in use. When using fluorescent light bulbs, you should take in mind the materials they are made of; you do not want to get any of these materials in your face, eyes, mouth, etc. This can cause damage in many ways. When you screw in a light bulb, take your time, look away, and gently hold and twist the bulb in place. This will prevent future accidents, and make sure your light bulb is securely in place in order to use it correctly each time you turn the switch on.
