Light sources: the basics
By Lisa / April 15, 2024
From creating the right atmosphere in our living spaces to providing essential lighting in workplaces - light sources are indispensable. What exactly is a light source? Read on to learn all about light sources!
A light source is an essential component of a lighting system that produces light. These sources can vary in lumens.
The difference between a light source and a lamp
Unlike light sources, which produce the actual light, fixtures serve as the housing of a light source. Luminaires can take many forms, from simple lampshades to abstract fixtures. But they do more than just be functional. These fixtures are also designed to look beautiful. They can diffuse light in a certain way to create the right atmosphere or to aesthetically enhance a room.
In short, light sources provide the light and the lamp (fixture) determines how the light is presented.
What should you look for when buying light sources?
When buying light sources, there are a number of things to look out for. We list them for you so you can purchase the perfect light source:
- Lumen: Check the light output of the light source, which is expressed in lumens. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light will be.
- Kelvin: The color temperature, expressed in Kelvin, determines the warmth or coolness of the light. Lower Kelvin values indicate warmer light (yellowish), while higher Kelvin values indicate cooler light (bluish). Choose a color temperature that suits the mood you want to create in the room.
- Energy efficiency: Check the energy label to see how much energy the light source consumes. For example, LED bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Lifespan: Look at the estimated lifespan of the light source. LED bulbs generally have a much longer lifespan than traditional incandescent bulbs. So you don't have to replace LED bulbs as often, saving you costs in the long run.
- Compatibility: Make sure the light source is compatible with the fixture in which you intend to use it. Check that the socket and wattage match.
How do I compare the wattage of old light sources?
To compare the wattage power of different light sources, we can create a table. Below we have provided a general table that compares the wattage power of different types of light sources. In this table, you can see the wattage power in watts of incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs and energy-saving bulbs for different wattages of incandescent bulbs.
|
Bulb (watt) |
LED lamp (watt) |
Energy-saving lamp (watt) |
| 15 W | 3-5 W | 5-8 W |
| 25 W | 4-9 W | 6-11 W |
| 40 W | 6-12 W | 9-14 W |
| 60 W | 10-15 W | 13-18 W |
| 75 W | 11-15 W | 18-20 W |
| 100 W | 14-20 W | 23-30 W |
How can I replace a light source?
Changing a light source is a simple job. Changing a light source is simple in itself: you unscrew the old bulb from its socket and insert the new light source. However, it is important to check beforehand whether the new bulb is suitable for your fixture. Some essential specifications for this can always be found on the packaging of the new lamp.
In addition, it is important to note that not all modern light sources are compatible if you are still using older dimmers. Modern LED bulbs, for example, can cause problems when used with older dimmers, which can result in flickering or buzzing. Therefore, it is crucial to check beforehand that the new bulb is compatible with your fixture and any associated dimmers.
How should I dispose of the light sources?
You can hand in energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LED bulbs, energy-saving bulbs and fluorescent lamps, separately at collection bins in various stores. This way you ensure that the small amount of mercury in energy-saving and fluorescent bulbs is disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. LED bulbs also belong in collection bins for small electrical appliances because they contain valuable materials. Be careful with energy-saving bulbs and fluorescent tubes to avoid breakage. Old incandescent and halogen bulbs can be safely disposed of in the trash.
