All types of incandescent lamps

The good old incandescent lamps, which were once in great demand and were in every home, are now gaining popularity again and are becoming relevant, despite the fact that the production of such products is gradually dying out. Many buyers choose these light sources for their durability.

There are frequent cases when old light bulbs left over from grandfathers and grandmothers last for 5-10 years. Most consumers believe that modern options cannot boast of such a service life, therefore, the selection of light bulbs should be approached, knowing all their nuances and features.

The history of the invention of incandescent light bulbs began back in 1840, when the Englishman Deparue invented the world's first incandescent lamp with a platinum spiral. By 1874, Russian engineer Alexander Lodygin received a patent for a filament lamp. In such a model, a carbon rod in a vacuum vessel played the role of heating. Such lighting devices were improved in 1875 by W. F. Didrikhson. He has sucked all the air out of them and will apply a small amount of hairs.

In the 70s and 80s of the XIX century, the American inventor Thomas Edison was engaged in research on the improvement of incandescent lamps and developed models that could last at least 40 hours. At that time, such devices were a real sensation and quickly gained widespread popularity.

Over time, incandescent lamps were constantly improved and already in 1910, William Coolidge invented a more advanced manufacturing method with a special tungsten filament. A little later, this detail replaced the previous types of threads.

The principle of operation of such lighting devices is based on heating the incandescent body with the help of charged particles. A metal such as tungsten has the highest melting point, so it is used in the design of such bulbs. In this case, this material is made in the form of a wire coiled into a spiral.

Also in the design of incandescent bulbs there are parts such as a bulb, a holder and current inputs. To prevent tungsten from oxidizing, the filament is insulated in a closed glass vessel, which is filled with a substance such as an inert gas. Most often, argon is chosen for this, but krypton or even nitrogen is quite suitable. In glass flasks, there is always a special holder required for the heating body. With the help of a closed base, the necessary electrodes are held to this part. Also in this design there are special molybdenum holder hooks that constantly contact with the tungsten spiral.

It is also worth noting that in all incandescent bulbs there is such an important detail as the base. Such components are absent only in special versions for vehicle lighting. In both the Russian and European markets, there are incandescent lamps in which the base is threaded.

Like any other lighting fixture, an incandescent light bulb has its own pros and cons.

First, let's get acquainted with the advantages of such products:

• The main advantage of incandescent bulbs is their low cost. Many different types of lamps can be found in stores today, but the most affordable of them are the good old Ilyich lamps;
• In addition, such products are instantly turned on and off. You don't have to wait for them to heat up and catch fire;
• Such light sources work not only from direct, but also from alternating current;
• Many consumers note that such bulbs do not flicker, which means that they do not negatively affect the vision and the general condition of the household;
• Incandescent bulbs boast an unrivaled level of color rendering;
• In many versions, you can independently change the luminous flux power. To do this, you just need to stock up on a special dimmer.

Despite the considerable number of advantages, such lighting devices have their own drawbacks.

These include the following:

• Not the longest lifespan. This is especially true for modern incandescent bulbs;
• In addition, such sources of lighting are not the most economical, therefore, with their regular use, bills with a rather large amount may come by the end of the month;
• It is worth noting the fact that incandescent light bulbs are "afraid" of power surges. Often such events lead to their burnout.

The main technical properties of incandescent bulbs are as follows.

Unfortunately, incandescent light bulbs do not have a long lifespan. In this matter, they are inferior to almost all other types of lamps. Similar problems are associated with a filament that is located in the inside of a gas-polluted bulb. Such parts wear out rather quickly and stop working. It should be borne in mind that the main power of the luminous flux of such lamps is in the infrared field invisible to the human eye. In the process of burning, material evaporates from such bulbs, because of this, the tungsten thread becomes thinner and one day it simply breaks.

The temperature of the light of incandescent bulbs has only one manifestation, in contrast to the LED versions. However, here it is impossible not to notice that the illumination from the Ilyich light bulb is warm and very comfortable. Its shade is close to light yellow. Color rendition refers to the level of correspondence between the natural colors of an object and its shade under the "rays" of artificial lighting. In this matter, the color spectrum is at least 100%.

This factor is mainly influenced by the power of the incandescent light bulb. This parameter is determined by watts. For example, with a product power of 50 W, the electricity consumption level will be 50 W / h. If the power of the light bulb is 100 W, then it will consume twice as much energy. As a rule, such bulbs work at least 6-7 hours a day. It turns out that one device with a power of 100 watts per day will consume about 700 watts.

The light part in the incandescent light bulb is connected to the appliance through a special functional element called the base. Such parts have a different design and structure, but the most common are Edison's versions with carvings. On packages, these components are designated by the letters "E" or "K". To these values, as a rule, numbers are added indicating the diameter of the base. The most common at the present time are parts with the following markings: "E14", "E27", and "E40". Some modern bulbs are fitted with a G-base.Such a part has a structure similar to two small pins with contacts.

To make the light radiation of the device more powerful and bright, an inert gas is used in the production of incandescent bulbs. A glass flask is filled with it. During combustion, this filler creates a rich glow. Of course, not only inert gas is pumped into the Ilyich's bulbs, but also a mixture of nitrogen or argon. This filling creates a minimum level of glow.

In expensive specimens, xenon or krypton is located in the inside of the flask. Such substances are characterized by weak thermal conductivity, due to which the light output from the device is stronger.

There are several types of incandescent bulbs.

Let's consider them in more detail.

• Vacuum. Such lighting fixtures are among the simplest and most common. These common models are called Edison bulbs. In their inner part there is a thread made of metal or tungsten. When heated, such parts emit light;
• Argonous. Such incandescent bulbs have argon in the inside of the bulb. It is often combined with nitrogen. Such options are also called nitrogen-argon;
• Krypton. These models are in many ways similar to argon ones, however, the bulbs in them are filled with krypton, which allows the lamp to give out a brighter and more saturated radiation spectrum;
• Xenon. These bulbs are among the brightest and most saturated. The light emanates from them in the process of burning xenon.

Also, incandescent bulbs are subdivided according to their main purpose.

• General purpose. These are the simplest bulbs that can be used for both main and decorative lighting. Modern built-in structures are often equipped with similar types of lamps. However, at present, many consumers refuse to buy such products, as they consume too much electricity. The main technical qualities of such models can be seen in the tables below;

• Decorative. As a rule, in such products, the flask has an intricate and unusual shape, far from the usual options. The most common and popular are candlestick patterns;
• Local lighting. This type of lighting is most often used for hand-held lighting devices or in industrial premises. These devices do not consume a lot of energy and have a low voltage;

• Illuminated. Such lighting fixtures, as a rule, have bright colors and look very elegant. These options are painted by covering the outer surface with a special varnish. However, it should be noted that this finish is not the most durable. Also, many manufacturers use a more practical method of applying paint by spraying paint on the inside of the vessel;
• Mirror or reflex. Such specimens are ideal for localizing the light flux, since in them one part is always covered with a special reflective mirror layer (silver dusting). Such bulbs are often used to illuminate shop windows, shelves and other similar objects;
• Searchlight. This is the name of the electric lamp, which is characterized by high voltage and powerful luminous efficiency. As a rule, such options are used for street lighting. Most of them are dust and moisture resistant, which makes them durable and wear resistant. Often, motion sensors are present in such lighting fixtures;

• Transport. These special-purpose bulbs are used in a variety of vehicles. They are also resistant to moisture and dust;
• Designer. Otherwise, such options are called interior. These bulbs are suitable for home environments. They are hardly suitable for street lighting;
• Shimmering. In such options, a special bimetallic switch is installed in series with the filament, thanks to which the bulbs work in a flickering mode.

A dimmer is a dimmer for lighting in your home. Typically, this item is controlled by a remote control. It can be either push-button or touch-sensitive. Using such a device, you can extend the life of an incandescent lamp by "softening" the light and the sharpness of its inclusion.

All dimmers are classified into two types:

1. Mechanical;
2. Electronic.

Such a useful dimmer rarely comes with any kind of lighting fixture. It usually needs to be purchased separately. Such lamps are equipped with motion sensors. These details are most often used in street lighting. Such devices notify the owners of the dwelling about the penetration of a stranger or animal into their territory with the help of light.

The most popular and beautiful are the following forms of lighting fixtures with incandescent bulbs.

• Leaf shape;
• Spiral options;
• Candle shape in the wind;
• Spherical and tubular specimens;
• In the shape of a maple leaf;
• Flowers and plants;
• Christmas trees;
• Hinges.

The sizes of such lighting fixtures may vary. If you are looking for a lightweight and mobile option for a small room, then it is better to give preference to mini-lamps that are lightweight and unobtrusive in design. Their shape can be very different, from round to angular and long. In most cases, the diameter of the rounded variants is as small as the entire model.

If you are looking for a large and solid model for a spacious room, then miniature lamps are unlikely to suit you. In such conditions, it is possible to deliver a more impressive lamp of the original form.

On incandescent lamps, not only mirror, but also colored sprays are often applied. For example, it can be the following colors: blue, orange, red, white, yellow, green, purple, gold, silver, hot pink, matte colorless.

Retro style lamps feature a non-trivial tungsten filament shape. Often, such models have impressive dimensions and considerable weight. They can be used not only in retro interiors, but also in vintage and even classic ensembles. Vintage lamps can be both rounded and elongated. These models often contain bases made of aged metals. It can also be a beautiful imitation of bronze, stylized in antique style.

Lamps with angular details and coiled tungsten filament will look great in an attic loft style. Lamps on a cord or rails will perfectly fit into modern interiors (high-tech, minimalism). They can be completed with chrome or matt metal shades.

Should list several popular firmsproducing beautiful and high quality incandescent lamps:

• JSC "V. A. V. S. "(Russia);
• Online (Russia);
• Svetlov (Russia);

• Economics (Russia);
• Tungsram (Hungary);
• Philips (Netherlands);
• JSC "Brest Electric Lamp Plant" (Belarus).

Modern incandescent lamps can be used in any environment, be it a living room or a backyard. So, the most common today are recessed spotlights due to their small dimensions. Such models can be installed in any ceiling: suspended or suspended.

Incandescent lamps are often installed in elegant wall sconces, and they can be found both inside and outside the home.For street lighting, it is worth choosing a sealed lamp that will not be afraid of rain, wind and temperature changes.

Incandescent lamps can also be installed on ceiling chandeliers. They can have many horns and a bulb should be purchased for each. During operation, such an item will not be the most economical, but it will give the household a pleasant and warm light.

Incandescent lamps are used to illuminate terrariums. For example, it may be the home of small turtles or hamsters. For industrial and fire hazardous premises, it is recommended to select local lighting. Sometimes incandescent lamps can be found in watches - such a design solution can take on the role of a bright accent in the interior.

Before purchasing an incandescent light bulb, weigh the pros and cons that it possesses. Yes, it gives a pleasant and non-annoying light, but it is completely uneconomical and consumes a lot of electricity. Decide on the power of the device. Do not forget that the more powerful the light bulb, the more electricity it will consume. If you want to bring a beautiful and original product into the interior, then turn to curly options for interesting shapes (candles, Christmas trees or leaves).

Each turning on of such bulbs is a great stress for them, since the resistance level inside their bulb rises sharply, thinning the springs. You can extend the life of an incandescent lamp only with a special dimmer or dimmer. Such devices provide a smoother turning on of the light bulb, which has a positive effect on its service life. In addition, it is not recommended to install such models in rooms subject to temperature extremes.

When deciding how to dispose of light bulbs that have lost their consumer properties, it should be remembered that they often contain an inert gas. It is not so dangerous to human health, but still requires disposal. To do this, you need to collect all non-working light bulbs and take them to a special collection point. There are such in every big city. In these organizations, specialists carry out the safe disposal of light bulbs.

Incandescent bulbs look great in many styles. They can be either strict and solid, or smart and cheerful.

The first option includes discreet lamps, which are often found in offices or elegant living rooms. As for the more positive and "windy" models, they include multi-colored garlands of lamps.

Correctly selected lamps look good in the kitchen. They can also be placed in the bedroom, in the area near the bed. For this, it is better to choose discreet and harmonious models.

How to make a retro-style garland from incandescent lamps with your own hands, see below.