How To Choose A Light Source

Choosing a Light Source Ever stalled while shopping for lighting, staring blankly at what seems like hundreds of options? You're not alone. Use this infographic for an easy, comprehensive guide on the most popular light sources. You can compare lifetime, color temperature, pros & cons, and more. Fluorescent Incandescent Halogen AHalogen Gas Filament Filament When electricity passes through mercury vapor in a glass tube, the invisible light given off interacts with the coating in the glass and produces visible light. When electricity passes through a metal filament to the point of "incandescence", the filament gives off light as well as plenty of heat. Similar to incandescent, except that a small amount of a halogen gas has been added to the inside of the glass envelope. 6500 Fluorescent Midday Sun Incandescent Midday Sun Halogen Midday Sun Color Temperature Color Temperature Color Temperature CONS PROS Inexpensive Dimmable PROS I CONS QI PROS I CONS Rarely dimmable Old models give off gray-green light Contains mercury Emits lots of heat Energy suckers Short lifetime Dimmable Easily focused Compact Great for lighting art Efficient Touching bulb lowers life Bright Newer models give off warm white light Warm light Emits lots of heat Emits little heat Halogens have become increasingly popular because of their ability to light well. The "daylight" varieties (with a bluish tint) are closer to outdoor light than typical incandescent light bulbs. New fluorescents with new coatings give fluorescent lights a MUCH more flattering glow. Xenon LED Candle Flame Cloth wick DIODE, DIODE Wax Filament- When electricity passes through certain diodes (electronic components), they give off light and become Light Emitting Diodes. Cloth wick surrounded by wax has a small burning flame that often "flickers" Very similar to incandescent, except a small amount of xenon gas has been added to the inside of the glass envelope. 5S00 6500 1500 6500 Xenon Midday Sun Midday Sun Candle Midday Sum Color Temperature Color Temperature Color Temperature CONS CONS PROS I Long-lasting Uber-efficient PROS I CONS I PROS I Dimmable Warm light Lasts longer than Emits some heat Not very efficient Fire hazard Rarely dimmable Expensive to purchase Inexpensive operation Technology still evolving Flattering Zero electricity Needs frequent replacements incandescent Emits minimal heat Xenon fixtures are becoming VERY popular for under cabinet lighting LEDS are becoming a stan- dard in car dashboards, traffic lights, and taillights; home LEDS often require extra parts to operate. Almost everyone looks better in candlelight. Candle Comparing the Light Sources by Estimated Lifetime Incandescent These lifetime comparisons represent estimated ranges for each light source. Halogen Xenon Fluorescent LED |II|||||| ||I||| ||||| III|||| |||||||I| ||||| |II||I ||||||| || |||||||| Hours 0 10,000 20,000 30.0000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 90,000 100,000 Which light to choose? Now that you are familiar with each light source, the next step is to choose the best type of light to use for your project. Choose Fluorescent... Choose Xenon... When you want to be blown away by the amount of light output generated by very little electricity. If you're looking for low-profile, very bright, long- lasting lights, go with fluorescent. When you want the "warm look" of incandescent lighting but would prefer a bit more efficiency in your light source. Very popular in under cabinet lighting; plus, xenon is dimmable which is a great benefit. Choose Halogen... Choose LED... When you need crisp lighting that renders colors perfectly. Often the light source of choice for illuminating artwork and displays, and very popular in recessed lighting. When you want your light to be ultra-energy efficient, long-lasting, and cool to the touch. It seems like every day there are more and more choices in LED lighting so it is probably a good idea to look at your LED options for your situation. Choose Incandescent... Choose Candle... When you want to stick with what you know best. Also, incandescent light bulbs are available in decorative styles (i.e, clear globes) that you can't always find in other light sources. When you're going for romantic appeal - or pretending you live in the 19th century. www.Pegasuslighting.com | 800.392.4818 PEGASUS LIGHTING http://www.facebook.com/Pegasus.Lighting OPegasuslighling