An incandescent luminaire is a light source where electric energy is applied to heat a wire or filament until it starts to glow. The wire or filament only starts to glow after it is hot enough. The process occurs in a vacuum glass shell or globe. The vacuum is vital for protecting the wire or filament from burning in the presence of oxygen. Sometimes, the glass shell or sphere is filled with an inert gas. In incandescent lighting, most of the electric energy goes into heating the bulb.
Commonly asked questions about incandescent lighting
In recent years, LED lighting has taken the market by storm. This has led to other lighting types like incandescent lighting losing their popularity. Therefore, most people in the current generation know very little about incandescent lighting. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about incandescent lighting.
Is incandescent lighting a novel invention?
This is far from the truth; incandescent bulbs are the earliest lighting inventions. The first incandescent bulb was invented in 1879 by Edison. Over the years, a lot has changed, and the bulbs have advanced significantly. However, they are not novel inventions. People think they are an unknown lighting type because they lost popularity when more energy-efficient lighting options came into action. However, modern incandescent luminaires are slowly showing up in households again, and people love them.
Are incandescent light bulbs banned?
In 2007, the Energy Independence and Security Act declared that all light bulbs must meet a minimum energy efficiency standard. Most incandescent bulbs at the time did not meet this requirement. Such was banned. This also applies to other lighting types, not only incandescent bulbs. However, there are a few that meet these standards. For instance, modern incandescent luminaires are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Furthermore, the standards exempted many incandescent bulbs, like three-way, appliance, and chandelier bulbs. Therefore, incandescent bulbs are not banned.
Why are incandescent bulbs not as popular as they were?
Previously the bulbs were not popular, but that is not the case today. One of the most significant challenges with traditional incandescent bulbs was their energy efficiency. The bulbs used more than 90% of their electric energy to heat the filament instead of producing light. As the world moved towards energy-efficient practices and sustainability, incandescent bulbs were left behind. As a remedy, modern incandescent luminaire manufacturers have been working toward creating energy-efficient alternatives. The bulbs now available are quite different.
Where can you buy incandescent luminaires?
You can purchase incandescent lighting bulbs from online and offline retail stores. Alibaba is a great place to start if you do not know where to look. The benefit of buying these bulbs online is that you get a variety, and there are crazy deals that will allow you to save money. If you want to be spoilt for choice, get the best, and pay less, shop online.
Conclusion
A luminaire is a complete lighting unit composed of a lamp and lighting mechanisms. Therefore, an incandescent luminaire is an entire lighting unit with a filament, glass shell or globe, and electric input.
