Lamps are devices designed to illuminate space and create an artificial light source. They differ in shape, size, power, rating and type of voltage used, as well as the method of obtaining lighting. The most popular is a traditional incandescent lamp. In addition to it, halogen, luminescent, energy-saving, neon, xenon, quartz and other types of lamps are used.
Currently, an incandescent lamp can have different power, size and operating voltage. These devices are arranged as follows. In a glass flask is a metal arc (usually from tungsten) through which an electric current flows. During the passage of electricity, heating occurs, and the incandescent lamp begins to radiate a large amount of thermal and light energy. The main disadvantage of this device is the release of a large amount of heat.
When replacing devices immediately after turning off or during operation, you can burn yourself if you do not use protective equipment. In addition, lamps cannot be used in luminaires that are limited in temperature level. For example, a 100 watt incandescent lamp should not be installed in a night sconce. However, the devices have many advantages. Firstly, this is a large range of capacities (from 15 to 1000 watts). In addition, the bulbs can be powered by various voltage sources (AC or DC, from 1 to 240 volts). An incandescent lamp may have diffuse and transparent bulbs.
Halogen lamps are similar to their counterparts, only in their flasks there are vapors of bromine or iodine. A small improvement allows you to increase light output and increase the life of the device by half. The rest is a normal device.
An incandescent lamp lumen also contains gas, which, thanks to a special coating (phosphor), causes visible light radiation after the passage of current through it. The advantage of these devices is the increased supply voltage, reaching 380 volts. Also, these devices have a low heating temperature (up to 40 degrees), and their service life is much higher.
The fluorescent lamp is mainly used in production conditions for lighting industrial premises, creating light that is as close to natural as possible.
An energy-saving lamp is a device that has reduced energy consumption. By its design, it is a gas discharge. This device uses up to eighty percent less electricity than a conventional incandescent lamp, while the service life is increased by 5 times. In addition, energy-saving lamps do not heat up much. The main disadvantage is their relatively slow glow and high cost. Despite this, they are gaining popularity among consumers.
Ultraviolet and quartz lamps are used in special areas of human activity. For example, in medicine, quartz performs a bactericidal function or is used to treat patients. Ultraviolet is used in forensics, commerce, as well as in tanning salons to obtain a tan.