Electrical 101

Incandescent Bulbs

Today’s incandescent light bulb is about the same as the one Thomas Edison developed and demonstrated in 1879. The incandescent bulb uses standard household line voltage to operate. It generates light from running an electrical current through a tungsten filament making it white hot and producing light. Since it uses heat to generate light, most of the energy produced is wasted.

The incandescent bulb is a good choice if it will not be left on for more than about 10-20 minutes at a time. They work very well with dimmers, electronic timers, and photocells. Incandescent bulbs have a very good dimming range and dimming will extend the life of a bulb and save energy.

Standard bulb

Flood

Decorative bulb for chandelier

How to Remove a Broken Light Bulb

Before removing a broken bulb from a socket, power to the bulb needs to be turned off. You can use needle-nose pliers to remove the bulb. A raw potato can be used by pushing it into what is left of the bulb and turning counter clockwise to remove the stem.

Incandescent Bulb Chart

Misc Articles

Light Bulbs

Light Bulb Packaging Info

Color Temperature

Beam Angle

Incandescent Bulbs

Fluorescent Lights

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)

Fluorescent Tubes

Halogen Bulbs

LEDs

Automotive Headlights

Christmas Lights