Types of Artificial Lights

Lighting has an important psychological effect on us and has done for centuries. In ancient times people slept in the hours of darkness and got up with the first rays of sunlight and spread out to work and earn their livelihood under the bright sunshine. In the evenings, the dimming light of the moon and stars made people feel easy, cosy, safe and sleepy. That was the effect of natural light in their lives.

But as we evolved, the technology and advancement brought us such artificial lighting systems through which we can create different moods and effects at any hour of the day and night. So it is very important to choose proper lighting system for every zone of an interior space, whether its for residential or commercial purpose. Fortunately we have a wide range of lighting system, forms and fixtures to choose from.

In the begning it was only incandescent lighting system which was more power consuming and the lights had a very short span of life. It wasn't very pleasant for eyes too.

Soon it was replaced by fluorescent lights which re more energy saving, long lasting, functional and has a soothing effect. It comes in very pretty forms and different shapes and sizes of tubes and bulbs.

Kinds of flourecent lights are

CFL - compact fluorescent light and

CCFL - cold cathoe fluorescent light.

These lights are ruling the market and is used by everyone and everywhere.

While the purchase price of a CFL is typically 3–10 times greater than that of an equivalent incandescent lamp, but a CFL lasts 8–15 times longer and uses two-thirds to three-quarters less energy.

There is another lighting system which is called LED - light-emitting diode lights. These lights have a lifespan and electrical efficiency that is even more better than fluorescent lights.

Some of these light fixtures and its holders comes in such beautiful forms that you won't even feel the need for a chandelier or a lamp-shade. These lights are preferably used in large commercial buildings like malls and business hubs, etc, because of its highly sufficient lumen and great amount of energy saving benefit. Manufacturers of LED are challenging that soon it is going to capture the whole market and takeover other contemporary lighting systems.

But I personally think that the business of fluorescent lights is not going to sink like the incandescent lights. Because the fluorescent lights fulfills the required amount of luminosity in residential buildings sufficiently. Its also cost effective than the LED lights

I know it can be a bit confusing. But here is a quick analysis chart for your better understanding of the difference in-between. Have a look.

Minimum light output lumens Electrical power consumption - watts (wt)

Luminosity (lm) Incandescent Fluorescent LED

450 40 9-11 6-8

800 60 13-15 9-12

1,100 75 18-20 13-16

1,600 100 24-28 18-22

Lifespan in hours 1000 10,000 20,000-50,000

Purchase price in ratio 1 3 6

Effects Hot, Cool, Warm and cool both

Hurtful to eyes, Soothinng are available.

Creates a lot of soothing

shadows.

Of course the price list varies based on companies and brand names.

How and Where to use these lights?

Now I can help you with some tips which is my personal experience and my professional view too.

One thing is certain, "better the quality, higher the price". So if you are looking for quality then LED is the best. It is suitable for big commercial buildings, where more lighting is required. It will cost you. But the longevity is more and power consumption is less than any other lighting system. It is a saviour from paying high electric billls. You can alo use LED in residence. Specially in those areas where more light is required. Like study room, kitchen and other working areas. Rest of the house could be lit up by fluorescent lights. If the budget is really tight then you can also include incandescent bulbs in areas where less light is required and those areas are not in use all the time. Lkie Bathroom, toilet, terrace, door-ways and passages. Because of the less consumption, it won't effect the electric bills too. But never to use these bulbs in commercial areas. Specially in shops and offices because it produces reddish-yellow light which hurts the eyes and also changes the actual colour of the objects.