1.

Incandescent Lamp
2. Incandescent Lamp
The incandescent light bulb, incandescent lamp or incandescent light globe is a source of electric
light that works by incandescence (the emission of light by an object as a result of its being heated to
a high temperature). An electric current passes through a thin filament, heating it to a temperature
that produces light. The enclosing glass bulb contains either a vacuum or an inert gas to prevent
oxidation of the hot filament. Incandescent bulbs are also sometimes called electric lamps, a term
also applied to the original arc lamps.
3. Incandescent Lamp Parts
Outline of Glass bulb
Low pressure inert gas
Tungsten filament
Support wires
Contact wires
Stem (glass mount)
Cap (sleeve)
Insulation (vitrite)
Electrical contact
4. Parts and functions
contact wire - Electric conductor carrying the current to the filament.
inert gas - Gas inserted in the bulb to slow down evaporation of the filament.
base - Metal end of a lightbulb inserted into a socket to connect it to the electric circuit. (bayonet
base ,screw base)
stem - Button support.
button - End of the stem; the filament supports are attached to it.
support - Metal wire holding the filament.
filament - Very thin metal wire, usually made of tungsten, emitting light rays when an electric current
passes through it.
bulb - Gas sealed in a glass envelope into which the luminous body of a lamp is inserted.
5. History (evolution)
Platinum Filament
1801; 1809
Sir Humphy Davy
Carbon Arc lamp
1840
Warren De la Rue
Vacuum Tube enclosure
1841
Frederick de Molens
Powdered Charcoal Filament
1854
Carbonised bamboo filament
Heinrich Gobel
1873
Vacuum Tube enclosure
Joseph Wilson Swan
Gas filled globe
1875
Woodward & Evanx
1880
Thomas Edison
Long lasting filament
1882
Lewis Latimer
Better filament production
1910
William David Coolidge
Tungsten Filament
6. Efficiency
Approximately 90% of the power consumed by an incandescent light bulb is emitted as heat, rather
than as visible light.
7. Incandescent vs. CFL
Regular bulbs (also known as incandescent bulbs) create light by heating a filament inside the bulb;
the heat makes the filament white-hot, producing the light that you see. A lot of the energy used to
create the heat that lights an incandescent bulb is wasted (less than 10% of the energy consumed
by incandescent bulbs is for lighting).
A fluorescent bulb on the other hand, contains a gas (mercury vapor) that produces invisible
ultraviolet light (UV) when the gas is excited by electricity. The UV light hits the white coating
(phosphor) inside the fluorescent bulb and the coating changes it into light you can see. Because
fluorescent bulbs don't use heat to create light, they are more energy efficient than regular
incandescent bulbs.
8.
9. Types & Uses
Decorative Chandelier light bulbs are not only for chandeliers. Many modern fixtures specify the use
of a Type B light bulb.
Fiesta Bulbs can be used in almost any light fixture where you use a regular light bulb. These bulbs
add a bit of elegance to outdoor residential fixtures, and can add atmosphere to businesses like
restaurants.
Code Beacon light bulbs are a specialty bulb for radio and television towers. Rated for long life. The
most popular is the 620PS40.
10. Photoflood light bulbs are specialty light bulbs for use in photography. These bulbs have a very
intense white light.
Half Mirror and Silverbowllight bulbs are used in restaurants, homes and other applications where
glare reduction is needed. The top part of the bulb is chrome on the half mirror bulb and opaque
white on the silverbowl bulbs. These bulbs reflect light up if used in an inverted position. Commonly
used above restaurant tables, bathroom vanities, and other decorative applications where function
and fashion are important.
Rough Service Light Bulbs are often used in garage door openers, machines and applications where
the bulb has to tolerate vibration
11. PS25 and PS35 light bulbs are very large incandescent bulbs with relatively high wattage ranging
from 300-500 watts. These are often used in churches and buildings with older high wattage fixtures.
Full spectrum and neodymium light bulbs reveal the true colors of objects in the lighted area. These
bulbs simulate daylight and have whiter light than regular light bulbs.
High and Low Voltage specialty bulbs. This category contains 12 volt and 220 volt light bulbs that
look like a regular light bulb. The 12 volt versions are often used for recreational vehicles.
Globe shape light bulbs are often used for bathroom vanities or in pendant fixtures. We stock the
most popular sizes and wattages in both clear and white ranging from 1-1/8 to 5 inches in diameter.
12. Reflector Flood light bulbs are available in a wide range of sizes and wattages and are usually used
in recessed can fixtures and track lighting.
Colored Light Bulbs add atmosphere to businesses and are great for parties and holidays. We have
a large selection of bulb types and colors including red, blue, green, amber, yellow and pink.