5 common lighting technologies compared

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We show the differences and advantages of the most common lighting technologies.

Everyone knows the first light bulb was invented by Thomas Edison in 1879. Since its EU-wide banning in 2012 the successor lighting technologies have gained more importance. Especially the always evolving LED technology offers more and more new applications in architecture projects and at home through its compact design and ability to be dimmed.

Comparison of the efficiency of lighting techniques in lumens / watt

In this overview, we explain the differences and benefits of the 5 most common lighting technologies, such as energy saving technology and LED. Older lighting technologies can be used for reference.

LED technology
Energy saving tech
Low-voltage halogen
High-voltage halogen
Incandescent light bulb

LED technology

The B612 table lamp presented at Light & Building 2016 in material wood produces a very harmonious light. (Source: bursztyn.fr)

The materials of this trend world are high-quality and functional, such as glass, aluminum and brushed stainless steel optics.

Definition

LEDs – the abbreviation stands for “Light Emitting Diode” or “Light Emitting Diode”. These electronic semiconductor devices convert significantly more energy into light than heat. Compared to traditional light bulbs they are enormously economical and environmentally friendly.

Lifespan

• 20.000 – 100.000 hours
• after that the bulb doesn’t turn off but significantly decreases its brightness after time

Available sockets

• E14 & E27
• G4, G9, GU4, GU5.3, GY6.35, GU10
• R7s halogen rods
• PAR30 & PAR38
• AR111 & G53
• T8 tubes and other versions

Advantages

• light source with no UV and infrared components
• extremely small size and thus applicable in many fields
• the light can be scattered with lenses and diffusers
• high light output with low power consumption (lm / W)

Available light colors

• all colors possible from cold white 6000K warm white 2500K to extra
• neutral warm light can be reached at 3000K

Dimmable

the light bulb must be designed for dimming

Energy saving tech

Definition

Also referred to as “compact fluorescent lamp”. An energy-saving lamp defines as any energy-saving bulb with a better energy efficiency than conventional bulbs. They have an integrated electronic control gear (ECG).

Lifespan

up to 10.000 hours

Available sockets

• E14 & E27
• G9, GU10
• R7s halogen rods
• PAR30 & PAR38
• T8 tubes and other versions

Advantages

• efficiency of fluorescent lamps installed in more compact forms such as E27, E14, etc.
• thermal output is 5 times as efficient as an old light bulb with the same light output (lumens)

Available light colors

all colors possible from cold white 6000K warm white 2500K to extra

Dimmable

the light bulb must be designed for dimming

Low-voltage halogen

The winged halogen lamp Lucellino (1992).

Decorative wall lights in the trend design copper by Catellani & Smith.

Definition

Bulbs that are working on a low voltage basis operate with a 12V transformer. Their architecture is similar to the old light bulb technology but a with halogen-gas. The advantage of the low voltage protection is obvious. It is basically allowing humans and animals to touch it and can therefore be used where standard 230V voltages are problematic, e. g. in bathrooms.

Lifespan

up to 3.000 hours

Available sockets

• GU5,3 & GU4
• G4 & GY6,35 (the numbers stand for the base spacing of the individual socket contacts in mm)

Advantages

• 2-5 times longer lifespan than old light bulbs
• dimmable (reverse phase control dimmer)
• compact design enable sophisticated lighting solutions
• use in damp rooms without problems (when used correctly)
• different beam angles available (spot effect)

Available light colors

most common colors: 2500-3000K

Dimmable

the bulb is dimmable as standard

Attention

banned since September 2016 in accordance with EU regulation which means only the stock models with an energy efficiency class of A-B are still available

High-voltage halogen

An elegant industrial luminaire with trendy rustic high-voltage lamps at Light+Building.

The pendant lamp design "Martini" by Viso impressed with its realistic glassimitation at the stand on the Light+Building.

Definition

High-voltage halogen bulbs are thermal light spots which can be directly connected to 230-240V, similar to convential bulbs.

Lifespan

up to 2.000 hours

Available sockets

• E14 & E27
• G9, GU10/GZ10
• R7s
• B15d

Advantages

• no transformer required
• dimmable (phase control dimmer)
• approximately twice as long lifespan as a conventional bulb

Available light colors

most common colors: 2800-3000K

Dimmable

the bulb is dimmable as standard

Attention

banned since September 2016 in accordance with EU regulation which means only the stock models with an energy efficiency class of A-B are still available

Incandescent light bulb

The oldest lighting technology available - the light bulb technology.

The incandescent lamp technology has long been used as it produces a pleasant warm light.

Definition

It’s a light bulb which produces light with a wire filament heated to a high temperature of 2.500°C by an electric current passing through it, until it glows. The lamp interior is filled with gas which prevents a burning of the filament.

Lifespan

up to 1.000 hours

Available sockets

E14 & E27

Advantages

• No transformer required
• dimmable (phase control dimmer)

Available light colors

most common colors: 2400-2900K

Dimmable

the bulb is dimmable as standard

Attention

banned since September 2016 in accordance with EU regulation which means only the stock models with an energy efficiency class of A-B are still available

5 common lighting technologies

We show the differences and advantages of the most common lighting technologies.

Contents

LED technology

Definition

Lifespan

Available sockets

Advantages

Available light colors

Dimmable

Energy saving tech

Definition

Lifespan

Available sockets

Advantages

Available light colors

Dimmable

Low-voltage halogen

Definition

Lifespan

Available sockets

Advantages

Available light colors

Dimmable

Attention

High-voltage halogen

Definition

Lifespan

Available sockets

Advantages

Available light colors

Dimmable

Attention

Incandescent light bulb

Definition

Lifespan

Available sockets

Advantages

Available light colors

Dimmable

Attention

Lighting

Technologies

Technical Terms

Specialized Knowledge

Tips for buying Lamps

Furnishing

Furniture Style Guide

Smart Home

Lighting

Technologies

Technical Terms

Specialized Knowledge

Tips for buying Lamps

Furnishing

Furniture Style Guide

Smart Home