Applications of the Incadescent

Incandescent Light Bulbs

Incandescent light bulbs are the most commonly found light source in homes. Also called the "Edison Bulb," incandescents have been lighting America for nearly 150 years. Incandescents are popular because they are dependable and affordable.

One of the amazing things about incandescent light bulbs is their simplicity. Incandescent bulbs have a tungsten filament, which is attached to two stiff wires and is held up by a glass mount. The tungsten is arranged into a double coil, which, if straightened, would be 6.5 feet long. Coiled, it is less than an inch long. The filament and wires are encased in a glass bulb, which is filled with a combination of argon and nitrogen gasses. When connected to a power supply, the electric current flows through the wires and filament. As electrons move through the filament, they heat it to 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

As the tungsten heats, it begins to evaporate. Without the inert gasses (argon and nitrogen), the tungsten particles would collect on the inside of the glass, causing it to darken. The gasses, however, collect the tungsten particles and send them back to the filament.

While the incandescent bulb has been the most popular form of lighting for the past one and a half centuries, it is starting to give way to more efficient compact fluorescent and LED light. This is because 90% of the energy generated by an incandescent bulb is released as heat, not light. Therefore, incandescent bulbs require much more energy than more modern lighting alternatives.

Incandescents, like other light bulbs, are measured in 1/8 inch increments. Therefore, an A19 would measure 19/8 or 2 3/8 inches at its widest point.

General Service Bulbs (A and PS)

These are the bulbs you're most likely to be familiar with. A bulbs go from A15 (1 7/8 in.) to A23 (2 7/8 in.) and can be between 15 and 200 watts. An A19 is the standard bulb you will find in almost household socket in America. The smaller A15 bulbs are commonly used in appliances and ceiling fans. PS bulbs are identical to A bulbs, except that they are larger and have a longer neck. They are more commonly used in recessed lighting and commercial applications. They go from PS25 (3 1/8 in.) to PS52 (6 1/2 in.) and are between 200 and 1500 watts.

Tubular

Tubular lights are most often used as lights above pictures and art. They are also used in home aquariums and other animal habitats. Tubular lights come in T4.5, T6, T6.5, T7, T8, and T10 sizes.

Sign Bulbs

Sign bulbs come in three sizes: S6, S11, and S14. They are most often used in signs and as indicator lights. Because of their small size, they only come in low wattages.

C7 Commercial

C7 bulbs are most often recognized as Christmas bulbs, but they are also useful as lighting for electronic message boards, marquees, and scoreboards. They are available in 4, 7, and 10 watts.

12 & 24 Volt Bulbs

12 and 24 volt bulbs are specially designed to be connected to either a 12 or 24 volt circuit. Never plug a 12 or 24 volt bulb into a regular socket without an adapter, as it will cause it to fail or create an unsafe electrical environment.

3-Way Bulbs

3-Way bulbs are used in sockets that can perform at three different wattages. This allows you to choose which degree of light to use in different situations. While a high wattage may be good for reading, a softer light might be wanted for dining. 3-Way bulbs are available in 30/70/100 watts and 50/100/150 watts.

Shatter Resistant

Shatter resistant bulbs can be called anything from shatterproof to safety coated to ShardGuard. Tuffcoat protects the bulb from shattering in the case of external shock and is one of the strongest forms of bulb coating.

Rough Service

Rough service bulbs are excellent in places that require a more resilient bulb. Rough service bulbs are made to be extra durable and to withstand vibration.

Bug Lights

Bug lights are popular outdoor lighting because insects cannot see the yellow light as easily as white and blue light. This reduces the number of insects that are attracted to the lit area.

Decorative

Decorative incandescent bulbs typically come in either globe or chandelier shapes. Globe bulbs come in G8, G12, G16, G25, and G40. While colored bulbs add life to lighting arrangements, silver bowl globes are practical for vanity mirrors by providing indirect light, which reduces glare.

Chandelier bulbs come in either bent or straight tip and can feature a flicker flame. Flamed glass and satin string chandelier bulbs have a special coating on the bulb to produce a different effect.

Antique Bulbs

Antique bulbs are replicas of some of the first light bulbs. The oldest replica is the "Victorian" bulb, which mimics a bulb from the mid-19th century. It is also has a low wattage to imitate the glow from the original lamp. There is also an 1890 and a 1910 version available.