New Home Owner Glossary Of Lighting

Congratulations on buying your first home! However, once you are free from the rental cycle the doors are opened to a new wave of responsibilities. Replacing things such as the boiler, broken appliances and even light bulbs are now down to you, without a landlord or maintenance team to jump to the rescue!  

When heading online to purchase your replacement bulb it can be a daunting task, with so many terms and phrases to decipher. Here, we’ve put together a light bulb glossary to clear up any confusion.

If you need any more help, give us a call at 01473 716418 or contact us online!

Technical Terms:

On the box of a light bulb or on the product description, you will see these technical terms. They describe the specification of the light bulb you are looking at.

Amps

What is it? The unit that currents of electricity are measured in.

Why does it matter? 13 amps is the standard measurement for many household light bulbs in the UK. If you go over this, you could blow the light bulb! (also good to know - amp x volt = wattage of a bulb)

Wattage

What is it? The unit that electrical power is measured in.

Why does it matter? A high wattage light bulb will use more energy than a low wattage bulb. Certain fittings need certain wattages to work safely.

Wattage equivalent

What is it? The original wattage that this light bulb can be used to replace.

Why does it matter? If you want to reduce energy consumption (by lowering wattages used), you know the light bulbs that will work as a direct replacement.

Lumens

What is it? The amount of light that is visible to the human eye.

Why does it matter? If you need a bright or a dimmer light, use lumens to help you choose the right light bulb.

Colour temperature

What is it? Describes the colour or ‘warmth’ of the light that is emitted.

Why does it matter? A cooler temperature will shine whiter than a warmer temperature, which will be more yellow.  Use it to ensure you get the right light bulb for the look you want to create.

Voltage

What is it? The power that the product can run at.

Why does it matter? Similar to amps, getting the voltage wrong could result in a blown light bulb!

Base Types

At the bottom of the light bulbs, this connects it to the lighting fixture.

Bayonet Cap

**Or you might see: **BC, B22d

Small Bayonet Cap (SBC)

Or you might see: SBS, BA15d, BA15s

Edison Screw

Or you might see: ES, E27

**Small Edison Screw

Or you might see: **SES, E14

Light Bulb Types:

LED

**Fact: **LEDs are the most energy efficient source of lighting, lasting for up to 50,000 hours. Almost every style of light bulb is now available in LED format!

You might need it for these rooms: Living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, office, garage

Fluorescent

Fact: Uses low-pressure gases to create a chemical reaction, forming a glow.

You might need it for these rooms: Kitchen, bathroom, office

Halogen

Fact: This type of light bulb is being phased across Europe. When existing stocks run out, replacement LED light bulbs will be the only option.

You might need it for these rooms: Living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, office, garage