Incandescent Lamps
Incandescent lamps are the most familiar type of lamp used in numerous indoor and outdoor lighting applications. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes they offer particular qualities of light to suit specific lighting applications. Incandescent lamps by the nature of their operation have a relatively short lamp life, but are inexpensive and therefore often used when the initial set up cost is important.
Colours
Unless you require a specific colour i.e. red, green, blue etc. Incandescent lamps come in number of standard finishes and these are explained below.
PRL
- Pearl
CLR
- Clear
OPL
- Opal (Similar to Pearl but generally used in candle lamps).
FRO
- Frosted (Usually found in special shape candle lamps).
PRL
(Pearl)
CLR
(Clear)
OPL
(Opal)
FRO
(Frosted)
Clear Lamp
Pearl Lamp
Opal Lamp
Frosted Lamp

 

Common Lamp Caps
Standard Designation IEC Designation Description
BC B22d Bayonet cap
SBC B15d Small bayonet cap
3 pin BC B22d-3 3 pin bayonet cap
ES E27 Edison screw
SES E14 Small Edison screw
GES E40 Giant Edison screw
MES E10 Minature Edison screw
BC
(B22d)
SBC
(B15d)
3 Pin BC
(B22d-3)
Bayonet Cap
Small Bayonet Cap
b22d
 
GES
(E40)
ES
(E27)
SES
(E14)
MES
(E10)
Giant Edison Screw
Edison Screw
Small Edison Screw
Mini Edison Screw
 
Linear Fluorescent Tubes
Linear fluorescent tubes produce a more diffused light and together with their high effeciency levels makes them ideal for lighting applications in large open spaces such as offices, warehouses and public buildings.
Halophosphate or Triphosphor?
Standard fluorescent tubes use a halophosphate coating which is less expensive to produce and therefore is a consideration when a low initial cost is the most important factor. However more and more tubes are now sold with a Triphosphor coating as they provide a higher quality colour lighting rendering significant energy savings
How can the performance of a tube be improved?
The life of a fluorescent tube can be adversely affected by excessive switching, variable temperature conditions and the use of low quality ballast units (electronic ballasts are recommended). Limiting any or all of these conditions will enhance the life and performance of the fluorescent tube.
 
T5
(G5)
T8
(G13)
T12
(G13)
T5
T8
T12
Colour Appearance
Ref Temp Appearance
880 8000K Skywhite
865 6500K Daylight
840 4000K Cool White
835 3500K White
830 3000K Warm White
827 2700K Interna
965 6500K Tropical Daylight
950 5400K Daylight
940 3800K Cool White
930 3000K Warm White
 
Compact Fluorescent Tubes
A long life and low energy solution to many lighting applications. With the added benefit of low maintenance costs, compact fluorescent lamps are frequently used as direct replacements to standard incandescent lamps.
Colour Appearance
Ref Temp Appearance
827 2700K Extra Warm White
830 3000K Warm White
835 3500K White
840 4000K Cool White
865 6500K Daylight
 
Tungsten Halogen Lamps
Halogen lamps are designed to give compact, high output, crisp white light that makes it ideal for display purposes. Using halogen gas the lamp will burn more brightly without having as detrimental effect on the lamp life. More effecient than standard incandescent lamps and much smaller in physical size they prove very popular for accent, display and general lighting in both domestic and commercial applications.

Tungsten halogen lamps are low voltage thus energy saving in their operation. They last up to 6 times longer than standard incandescent lamps, give a far crisper, whiter light and have a better beam control. Being smaller in size they have numerous uses in accent, display and general lighting in both commercial and residential applications.
IMPORTANT HANDLING INFORMATION
Any surface contamination, notably fingerprints, can damage the quartz envelope when it is heated. Contaminants will create a hot spot on the bulb surface when the bulb is turned on. This extreme, localized heat causes the quartz to change from its vitreous form into a weaker, crystalline form which leaks gas. This weakening may also cause the bulb to rapidly form a bubble, thereby weakening the bulb and leading to its failure or explosion, and creating a serious safety hazard. Consequently, quartz lamps should be handled without ever touching the clear quartz, either by using a clean paper towel or carefully holding the porcelain base. If the quartz is contaminated in any way, it must be thoroughly cleaned with rubbing alcohol and dried before use.
G4
GY6.35
G9
R7
G4
GY6
G9
R7
High Intensity Discharge Lamps
All high intensity discharge lamps offer outstanding efficiency and long life however there are distinct differences in performance. The following 2 charts are designed to help you understand the differences of each type and therefore assist you in making the right choice for your lighting application.
Temperature Chart
Type Colour Temperature
Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) 3000 (WDL)
Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) 4200 (NDL)
Metal Halide (MH) 3000 (WDL)
Metal Halide (MH) 3500 (BDL)
Metal Halide (MH) 4000 (NDL)
Metal Halide (MH) 6000 (DL)
High Pressure Sodium (SON) 2000
Mercury (MBF) 3500
Mercury (MBF) 4000
Low Pressure Sodium (SOX) 1800
 
Major Applications
Type
Retail Display
Comm Interior
Sports
Lighting
Stadia
High Bay
Industry
W/house
Amenity
Floods
Security
Street
CMH
*
*
   
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
MH
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
SON
       
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
MBF
           
*
*
*
*
*
SOX
                 
*
*
 
Energy Lamp Rating Guide
Energy Rating Guide