Before the invention of light bulbs, people used to use more primitive sources of light such as candles and gas burners. The first electric light bulb was invented in 1800 by Humphry Davy, an English scientist. With a combination of an electric battery and a piece of carbon, he was able to produce a glowing light; something which was later improved upon by English physicist, Sir Joseph Wilson Swan, in 1860, when he introduced his long lasting electric light bulb. Again this method was then further improved upon by American inventor, Thomas Edison, who was able to bring this invention to a mass scale, allowing it to be used commercially and socially.
Today, we have since completed a lot of research on the predecessor and have designed and developed many different types of light bulbs, using similar methods and the same principle; these new innovations are usually a lot more effective and efficient and each have their own specific applications and features. Some of the more common types available today, many of which are featured include; incandescent lights, halogen lights, fluorescent lights, LED lights and even a wide range of energy efficient lights.
Incandescent light bulbs are often considered to be a standard fitting, one of which the majority of people are familiar with. They operate by using electricity to heat a tungsten filament until it glows and the result is a steady warm light which is suitable for most household applications. A standard design will produce up to around 700-1000 hours and can also be used with a dimmer.
Halogen light bulbs are an adaptation of the design seen in incandescent bulbs and use a very similar technology and method. However, the difference between the two designs is that the halogen bulbs are often considered to be a little bit more efficient and often have a longer life; they are also dimmable, the same as incandescent bulbs.
Finally fluorescent light bulbs work by using a totally different method to the other designs. They pass electricity through a tube filled with argon gas and mercury. These light bulbs produce very little heat, making them a very efficient design and also have a very long bulb life of between 10,000 – 20,000 hours.
If you are looking for some new light bulbs, we recommend that you check out our entire collection of halogen capsule bulbs and lamps. If you are looking in particular for a fluorescent light, then you may want to check out what we have to offer in our wide range of compact fluorescent bulbs and lamps. Don't forget to check out our range of ceiling lights and pendant lights.
