LED, energy-saving lamps, etc. The advantages and disadvantages of different light sources

The fact that the light bulb is out of date spread to everyone at the same time. In 2009, it gradually withdrew from circulation. Since 2018, halogen lamps have disappeared from the range of light sources. Especially LED lights have become the light source of choice in our homes. We clarify which technologies you can invest in with confidence.

Bulb

At the end of the 19th century, Thomas Edison invented a simple and safe light source. An electric bulb is a powerful light source with an output power of 25 to 60 watts. The light color of the bulb is warm and pleasant, with a color temperature of 2,600 to 3,000 Kelvin. However, less than 150 years later, the euphoria disappeared, because the average life of the bulb was only 1,000 hours. Then it eventually becomes hazardous waste. In addition, to say the least, their energy balance is a disaster. So it goes to the end of the light bulb of course.

The light bulb works

Electricity flows into the base through the cable. Here, the current is conducted through the filament through the fixed wire. This causes the tungsten wire to heat up, which can reach a temperature of up to 2,500 degrees Celsius. This makes the filament glow.

Advantage:

• warm light
• Versatile in daily use
• Dimmable

Disadvantage:

• High energy consumption
• Short life
• Completely banned since 2012

Halogen lamp

Halogen lamps are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Variants with plug-in bases are especially well known because they rarely use screw bases. They can be found in bathroom cabinets, for example, in the form of small plugs, while halogen dots are very popular in living rooms. Their trademark is a particularly bright white color temperature, however, this makes their light look less welcoming. Although a halogen lamp is about 20% cheaper than a light bulb, and the burning time is twice as long as 2000 hours, it still consumes 6 times more energy than a light bulb. Lighting. Halogen lamps are used to provide energy efficiency grades B to F, but since 2018, only ecological models with energy efficiency grade B are allowed to be used. They have an output power of 7 to 60 watts and emit a bright white light of 3,000 Kelvin.

The halogen lamp works

The principle is very similar to that of a light bulb. However, the filament here is surrounded by halogen liquid, which ensures that the tungsten filament does not wear out quickly.

Advantage:

• White light in the work area or kitchen
• Various socket types

Disadvantage:

• High-voltage lamps have been banned from 2016
• The use of low-voltage lamps is also banned from 2018

Fluorescent tube

Fluorescent tubes have a bad reputation. It is considered a sterile, flashing office lamp. Their color brightness is between 3,300 and 5,300 Kelvin; this is relatively bright. Due to modern technology and multiple color changes, this lightweight tube can now also be found in private homes. 10,000 hours of use, fluorescent tubes are very durable. However, their way of working is not environmentally friendly because they use toxic mercury to emit light. With the new EU mercury regulations coming into effect in 2018, it is expected that fluorescent tubes and halogen lamps will gradually cease to be used.

The working principle of fluorescent tubes

More precisely, a fluorescent tube is a metal halide lamp coated with phosphor powder. When the power is turned on, mercury vapor is released, which emits ultraviolet light. The fluorescent coating converts ultraviolet light into our visible light. Modern fluorescent tubes are equipped with electronic ballasts, so flicker is no longer noticeable.

Advantage:

• All light colors, from cool to warm
• save space
• Bright light
• Ideal for plants and aquariums
• Low energy consumption
• long life

Disadvantage:

• Conditionally dimmable
• Contains mercury
• Fully glows only after a few seconds

Energy-saving lamps

Few people should know that energy-saving lamps are a small version of fluorescent tubes, which is why they are also called compact fluorescent lamps. This of course also means that it contains mercury. Due to its small size, the number is much smaller than its "big brother". Since 2012, it has been officially stipulated that the mercury content of energy-saving lamps shall not exceed 2.5 mg. Their advantages are obvious: energy-saving lamps consume 80% less electricity than halogen or incandescent lamps, and their lighting time can reach 15,000 hours. The store offers a variety of color temperatures ranging from 2,700 to 6,000 Kelvin, which means that energy-saving lamps can also be used as ambient lamps.

The working principle of energy-saving lamps

The working principle of energy-saving lamps is a fluorescent tube. They use less energy and have a longer service life.

Advantage:

• All light colors, from cool to warm
• Provide all common socket types
• Low energy consumption
• Very long life
• Medium to high light intensity

Disadvantage:

• Conditionally dimmable
• Contains mercury
• Only slowly brightens

LED lights

Energy-saving lamps are often confused with LED lamps-this is because both are particularly energy-efficient. LED lights even lead in terms of power consumption. This is about 90% lower than traditional light bulbs. Why some people still choose energy-saving lamps, mainly because the purchase price is slightly higher. However, in the long run, the investment in LED lights pays off: the service life is 15,000 to 25,000 hours. LED lights are suitable for all common socket types. For example, halogen spotlights can now also be equipped with GU10 LED spotlights or fluorescent tubes can be replaced with LED downlights.

Are there disadvantages to LED lights? In terms of production, LED lights are more complicated than bulbs and require rare raw materials. However, according to OSRAM's research, the production process should only account for 2% of the total energy balance.

The working principle of LED lights:

Simply put, LED is like a vibrant firefly. The only difference is the way the atoms move inside. Oppositely charged crystals play a role in LED lamps. There are extra electrodes on one side and defects on the other side. If the crystal is operating in the forward direction, the excess electrons will flow to the other side. This can be seen in the form of light.

Advantage:

• All light colors, from cool to warm
• All common socket types
• Lowest energy consumption
• Very long life
• Medium to high light intensity
• Dimmable

Disadvantage:

• Expensive for the first time
• Production requires the extraction of rare raw materials