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Lamp & Lighting Facts

 

Jim Hoyle - Lamp Doc article by Jim Hoyle

Lamp & Lighting Facts

A- Thomas Edison did not invent the light bulb but largely improved the design.
Some historians suggest that dozens of inventors may have developed versions as early as 1802.
Edison filed his patent October 14, 1878.

B- 3 way light bulbs work like this:
1st click - The smaller filament is turned on alone creating the lower light level.
2nd click - The larger filament is turned on alone (and the smaller off) creating the higher light level.
3rd click - Both filaments are turned on creating the highest light level.
3 way light bulbs burn out faster because alternating cooling and heating of the two metal filaments shortens their lifespan.

C- Wattage is not a measurement of light output but a measurement of electricity usage.

D- Lumens is the measurement of brightness or light output.
Lumens per watt ratio (divide lumens by watts) is the way to compare light bulb efficiency.

E- 2 way lamp has two separate bulbs with 2 levels of light. (Many Hoyle Fine Lamps have optional hi-lo in-line switch that provides 2 levels of light from just a single ordinary bulb!)

F- 3 way lamp has a 2 circuit socket and bulb that provides 3 levels of light (B above).

G- 6 way lamp has a combination of 3 way lighting (G above) and 3 additional bulbs which are controlled by a 2 circuit switch: 1 bulb on, 2 bulbs on, 3 bulbs on, then off.

H- Lamp Finial is the very top crown decorative piece that sits on top of the shade.

I- Lamp Harp is the "U" shaped wire piece that attaches the shade onto the lamp.
Lamp Harp size must be matched with the lamp shade size for a proper fit.

J- Lamp Shades are measured: top diameter x bottom diameter x side length, along with a description of the shape.

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When To Turn The Lights Off - Incandescent, Fluorescent and Led Light Bulbs

Saving money is always in style. You can save regularly by developing good habits regarding your lighting use. You hurry into a room, flip on the light switch, grab something you need then leave the room. Should you leave the light on if you plan to return shortly ?

It depends on the bulb type and how long before you will need the light again.
Incandescent Bulb: Turn it off when not in use for over a few minutes.
Fluorescent Bulb: Leave it on if you will need it again within 20 minutes.
LED Bulb: Turn it off when not in use for over a few minutes.

Incandescent bulb life is not significantly effected by turning on/off whereas the fluorescent bulb life is reduced each time it is turned on.
Additionally, repeated starting of fluorescent ballasts reduces the fluorescent life span as well as uses more energy.
LED bulbs are not greatly effected by turning on/off so turn them off when not in use, the same as incandescents.

LED bulbs are changing the way we light our world. Except for special applications, LED bulbs are the smatest way to light up your home or business. They not only save energy and money, they emit much less heat. LED bulbs can add years of extra life to your lamp shades and extra money in your wallet. For best color choose LED bulbs with KELVIN color temperature rating around 2700.