choosing a light source - information on the different light sources

For domestic purposes, there are two ways of producing light:

Incandescence - occurs when an electrical current passes through a filament held in a gas, causing it to heat up and glow.

Examples - tungsten, tungsten halogen & low voltage tungsten halogen.

Fluorescence – occurs when an electrical charge passes through a gas-filled tube. The charge excites the gas, causing it to emit invisible radiation, which then reacts with a phosphor coating inside the tube to produce a glow.

Examples - fluorescent tubes

Compact Fluorescence – Similar to Fluorescence but on a smaller version. Works in the same way and means smaller lamps can be produced to replace incandescent lighting.

Examples - energy saving lamps

LED - Light Emitting Diode – LED have been around for many years. They have been used in electrical equipement as indicators. In recent years clever people have made the low energy using components brighter and they continue to get bright. Although not a light source to replace incandescent or fluorescent lamps, there are many uses around the home and garden. This area of lighting is growing fast.

Examples - LED GU10, LED golfballs the list goes on.

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