Tell me about lightbulbs - I'm confused....
Discussion
Lightbulbs used to be easy, 40W, 60W, 100W clear or pearl....I could cope with that but now it's so complicated!
I've bought some Ikea lights that take E27 bulbs and like a muppet I forgot to pick up bulbs in Ikea.
Soooo we're looking online and there is a variety of different wattage - 5W, 11W, 20W seem to be most common.
These lights are going on the stairs in Dad's "Grampa annexe" so we need bright light. The obvious conclusion is that the higher the wattage the brighter the light - is that correct?
What sort of wattage would you put in what situation? Is 5W OK for low light in a living room for example?
Help!
I've bought some Ikea lights that take E27 bulbs and like a muppet I forgot to pick up bulbs in Ikea.
Soooo we're looking online and there is a variety of different wattage - 5W, 11W, 20W seem to be most common.
These lights are going on the stairs in Dad's "Grampa annexe" so we need bright light. The obvious conclusion is that the higher the wattage the brighter the light - is that correct?
What sort of wattage would you put in what situation? Is 5W OK for low light in a living room for example?
Help!
In theory 11w energy efficient are like 60w standard, and 20w like 100w.
Energy efficient bulbs take some time (a minute or two) to come up to full brightness - personally I now find this preferable to the instant light from an incandescent. I don't have any standard bulbs left in my house, and now I don't worry if someone leaves say an 11w bulb on all the time,I think it works out at something like ten pounds a year if it was on all day and every day.
Energy efficient bulbs take some time (a minute or two) to come up to full brightness - personally I now find this preferable to the instant light from an incandescent. I don't have any standard bulbs left in my house, and now I don't worry if someone leaves say an 11w bulb on all the time,I think it works out at something like ten pounds a year if it was on all day and every day.
Fab thanks guys that's what I needed to know.
Another question re warm up time...these lights will be on Dad's stairs so it's important that they work quickly (although I'm probably going to suggest he just leaves the lights on in the stair way), IIRC, cheap bulbs have a longer warm up time than proper "branded" bulbs?
Another question re warm up time...these lights will be on Dad's stairs so it's important that they work quickly (although I'm probably going to suggest he just leaves the lights on in the stair way), IIRC, cheap bulbs have a longer warm up time than proper "branded" bulbs?
Piglet said:
Fab thanks guys that's what I needed to know.
Another question re warm up time...these lights will be on Dad's stairs so it's important that they work quickly (although I'm probably going to suggest he just leaves the lights on in the stair way), IIRC, cheap bulbs have a longer warm up time than proper "branded" bulbs?
There are other 'energy saving' bulbs, halogen bulb disguised as conventional. They are brighter, 75w is about t he same as the old 100w.Another question re warm up time...these lights will be on Dad's stairs so it's important that they work quickly (although I'm probably going to suggest he just leaves the lights on in the stair way), IIRC, cheap bulbs have a longer warm up time than proper "branded" bulbs?
http://www.enviro-lights.co.uk/?i=36679
Much better light than the energy savers, but baby polar bears are slaughtered every time you turn one on, just not as many as before
Now, coincidentally, I went to B & Q yesterday to see what bright lights were available for my dad, whose eyesight ain't what it used to be. He wants instant light, not something that takes a while to become bright. The favoured solution would have been 100W pearl, which you can no longer obtain. So I'm on the lookout for 60W clear as best solution. They only have pearl in stock.
I thought all tungsten filamemts were banned because of their inefficiency, yet you can still get 40W & 60W ones, and halogens in all shapes ,sizes and powers that eat juice like there's no tomorrow. How is just picking on the 100W pearl, a valuable product for those with failing eyesight going to save the bloomin' planet?
I thought all tungsten filamemts were banned because of their inefficiency, yet you can still get 40W & 60W ones, and halogens in all shapes ,sizes and powers that eat juice like there's no tomorrow. How is just picking on the 100W pearl, a valuable product for those with failing eyesight going to save the bloomin' planet?
eldar said:
Piglet said:
Fab thanks guys that's what I needed to know.
Another question re warm up time...these lights will be on Dad's stairs so it's important that they work quickly (although I'm probably going to suggest he just leaves the lights on in the stair way), IIRC, cheap bulbs have a longer warm up time than proper "branded" bulbs?
There are other 'energy saving' bulbs, halogen bulb disguised as conventional. They are brighter, 75w is about t he same as the old 100w.Another question re warm up time...these lights will be on Dad's stairs so it's important that they work quickly (although I'm probably going to suggest he just leaves the lights on in the stair way), IIRC, cheap bulbs have a longer warm up time than proper "branded" bulbs?
http://www.enviro-lights.co.uk/?i=36679
Much better light than the energy savers, but baby polar bears are slaughtered every time you turn one on, just not as many as before
pacman1 said:
He wants instant light, not something that takes a while to become bright. The favoured solution would have been 100W pearl, which you can no longer obtain.
Yes you can... I stocked up with a lifetime supply of 100W 'proper' lightbulbs and have a few boxes extra - PM if interested.Ladies and gentleman I bring good news.
No longer do we have to put up with the poor performance of mercury containing energy saving light bulbs!
100W light bulbs in incandescent are available for "industrial" purposes. So you should be able to get them from screwfix for your "inspection lamps" as these are exempt from the new regulations
No longer do we have to put up with the poor performance of mercury containing energy saving light bulbs!
100W light bulbs in incandescent are available for "industrial" purposes. So you should be able to get them from screwfix for your "inspection lamps" as these are exempt from the new regulations
pacman1 said:
Now, coincidentally, I went to B & Q yesterday to see what bright lights were available for my dad, whose eyesight ain't what it used to be. He wants instant light, not something that takes a while to become bright. The favoured solution would have been 100W pearl, which you can no longer obtain. So I'm on the lookout for 60W clear as best solution. They only have pearl in stock.
I thought all tungsten filamemts were banned because of their inefficiency, yet you can still get 40W & 60W ones, and halogens in all shapes ,sizes and powers that eat juice like there's no tomorrow. How is just picking on the 100W pearl, a valuable product for those with failing eyesight going to save the bloomin' planet?
I *think* retailers are able to continue to sell what they have in stock so you maybe need to shop around to see if you can find 100W - I'd have thought corner shops or local ironmongers might be a good starting point...I thought all tungsten filamemts were banned because of their inefficiency, yet you can still get 40W & 60W ones, and halogens in all shapes ,sizes and powers that eat juice like there's no tomorrow. How is just picking on the 100W pearl, a valuable product for those with failing eyesight going to save the bloomin' planet?
pacman1 said:
Now, coincidentally, I went to B & Q yesterday to see what bright lights were available for my dad, whose eyesight ain't what it used to be. He wants instant light, not something that takes a while to become bright. The favoured solution would have been 100W pearl, which you can no longer obtain. So I'm on the lookout for 60W clear as best solution. They only have pearl in stock.
I thought all tungsten filamemts were banned because of their inefficiency, yet you can still get 40W & 60W ones, and halogens in all shapes ,sizes and powers that eat juice like there's no tomorrow. How is just picking on the 100W pearl, a valuable product for those with failing eyesight going to save the bloomin' planet?
On the subject of elderly fathers and failing eyesight, my optician suggested anglepoise lamps for reading and detailed work where possible. I thought all tungsten filamemts were banned because of their inefficiency, yet you can still get 40W & 60W ones, and halogens in all shapes ,sizes and powers that eat juice like there's no tomorrow. How is just picking on the 100W pearl, a valuable product for those with failing eyesight going to save the bloomin' planet?
I've bought a couple of http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/6015241... they are quite small and cheap and I've put them behind his chair and next to his table so that he can direct the light onto what he is looking at.
What he was doing previously was just turning up the room lighting so it was glaringly bright for anyone else but because it wasn't direct light it still wasn't sufficient for him as he really needs to illuminate what he is reading.
What he really needs is a headlight for some of the stuff that he does but he's much too stubborn to consider using one so I'm just continuing to put direct lights in where I see a need for them.
pacman1 said:
eldar said:
Piglet said:
Fab thanks guys that's what I needed to know.
Another question re warm up time...these lights will be on Dad's stairs so it's important that they work quickly (although I'm probably going to suggest he just leaves the lights on in the stair way), IIRC, cheap bulbs have a longer warm up time than proper "branded" bulbs?
There are other 'energy saving' bulbs, halogen bulb disguised as conventional. They are brighter, 75w is about t he same as the old 100w.Another question re warm up time...these lights will be on Dad's stairs so it's important that they work quickly (although I'm probably going to suggest he just leaves the lights on in the stair way), IIRC, cheap bulbs have a longer warm up time than proper "branded" bulbs?
http://www.enviro-lights.co.uk/?i=36679
Much better light than the energy savers, but baby polar bears are slaughtered every time you turn one on, just not as many as before
Piglet said:
pacman1 said:
Now, coincidentally, I went to B & Q yesterday to see what bright lights were available for my dad, whose eyesight ain't what it used to be. He wants instant light, not something that takes a while to become bright. The favoured solution would have been 100W pearl, which you can no longer obtain. So I'm on the lookout for 60W clear as best solution. They only have pearl in stock.
I thought all tungsten filamemts were banned because of their inefficiency, yet you can still get 40W & 60W ones, and halogens in all shapes ,sizes and powers that eat juice like there's no tomorrow. How is just picking on the 100W pearl, a valuable product for those with failing eyesight going to save the bloomin' planet?
On the subject of elderly fathers and failing eyesight, my optician suggested anglepoise lamps for reading and detailed work where possible. I thought all tungsten filamemts were banned because of their inefficiency, yet you can still get 40W & 60W ones, and halogens in all shapes ,sizes and powers that eat juice like there's no tomorrow. How is just picking on the 100W pearl, a valuable product for those with failing eyesight going to save the bloomin' planet?
I've bought a couple of http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/6015241... they are quite small and cheap and I've put them behind his chair and next to his table so that he can direct the light onto what he is looking at.
What he was doing previously was just turning up the room lighting so it was glaringly bright for anyone else but because it wasn't direct light it still wasn't sufficient for him as he really needs to illuminate what he is reading.
What he really needs is a headlight for some of the stuff that he does but he's much too stubborn to consider using one so I'm just continuing to put direct lights in where I see a need for them.
Daylight effect bulbs are available in all flavours........
linky
If you want light and not candle power try the Philips Eco Classic - http://www.lighting.philips.com/gl_en/news/press/i...
They do a 70w bulb that puts out the light of an old 100w bulb, and they are proper turn on bulbs not one of these new pieces of crap that take a few secs to getbright dim and stay dim.
Different wattages as well, 42w = old 60w, and 28w = old 40w. Normal bulb in clear or opaque also different shapes, bayonet or screw fixes.
Homebase sell them.
They do a 70w bulb that puts out the light of an old 100w bulb, and they are proper turn on bulbs not one of these new pieces of crap that take a few secs to get
Different wattages as well, 42w = old 60w, and 28w = old 40w. Normal bulb in clear or opaque also different shapes, bayonet or screw fixes.
Homebase sell them.
Simpo Two said:
pacman1 said:
He wants instant light, not something that takes a while to become bright. The favoured solution would have been 100W pearl, which you can no longer obtain.
Yes you can... I stocked up with a lifetime supply of 100W 'proper' lightbulbs and have a few boxes extra - PM if interested.CFL's (energy-savers) can also be bought in higher wattages (25, 30w) but high street stores don't tend to stock these- an electrical wholesaler or google will turn them up. These are worth trying before dismissing CFL as useless due to the optimistic equivalence ratings they put on the side.
Flourescent light can be very good, it's a shame and somewhat prejudicial to the "cause" that cr4ppy CFL's are being pushed as the main replacement. Oh, and the "ban" only covers retail and is a somewhat self-supported by retail keen to show their green commitment, you'll still be able to buy 100w incandescent lamps wholesale and indeed online, along with 150w, 200w, 250w etc. And evan if they were banned proper you'd just go on ebay to buy them, as you would to buy pirate cable decoders and all the other illegal stuff openly sold...
ETA Oh yeah, and I'm still paying about 10pence trade or suchlike for 100w lamps, don't get caught by the sharks making a good old markup on this "dwindling" commodity...
Flourescent light can be very good, it's a shame and somewhat prejudicial to the "cause" that cr4ppy CFL's are being pushed as the main replacement. Oh, and the "ban" only covers retail and is a somewhat self-supported by retail keen to show their green commitment, you'll still be able to buy 100w incandescent lamps wholesale and indeed online, along with 150w, 200w, 250w etc. And evan if they were banned proper you'd just go on ebay to buy them, as you would to buy pirate cable decoders and all the other illegal stuff openly sold...
ETA Oh yeah, and I'm still paying about 10pence trade or suchlike for 100w lamps, don't get caught by the sharks making a good old markup on this "dwindling" commodity...
Edited by hairyben on Thursday 21st January 14:43
A few weeks ago I bought an inspection/work lamp thing at B&Q, and the label said a "rough service" GLS lamp was recommended.
Do B&Q do those? No.
Did they do any CHEAP edison-screw CFLs? No.
They had these funny mini-sized incandecent bulbs at 99p for four. So I bought a pack, since I needed to use it that day.
They are UTTER CRAP! The filaments must be weak because they run so hot, and I blew three just through normal use.
I eventually found some ES CFL's at Dyas (their 10p deal) so will be using those.
Do B&Q do those? No.
Did they do any CHEAP edison-screw CFLs? No.
They had these funny mini-sized incandecent bulbs at 99p for four. So I bought a pack, since I needed to use it that day.
They are UTTER CRAP! The filaments must be weak because they run so hot, and I blew three just through normal use.
I eventually found some ES CFL's at Dyas (their 10p deal) so will be using those.
Piglet said:
What he really needs is a headlight for some of the stuff that he does but he's much too stubborn to consider using one so I'm just continuing to put direct lights in where I see a need for them.
That's the crux, they're too bloody stubborn!He needs a bright light to read, but then complains about the glare. I got him a poker style elasticated peak, but he won't wear it. A head light would be perfect, but I stand no chance of him using that either.
Edited by pacman1 on Friday 22 January 08:27
pacman1 said:
Piglet said:
What he really needs is a headlight for some of the stuff that he does but he's much too stubborn to consider using one so I'm just continuing to put direct lights in where I see a need for them.
That's the crux, they're too bloody stubborn!He needs a bright light to read, but then complains about the glare. I got him a poker style elasticated peak, but he won't wear it. A head light would be perfect, but I stand no chance of him using that either.
Bless...I suspect I'll be just as stubborn as him at the same age
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