Light sources / light bulbs

For many years, lighting was strongly associated with the traditional incandescent bulb. Today, a wide range of different light sources is available, including various LED lamps. LED bulbs are available in different shapes, light colours and designs. Our range includes different light sources for various requirements. Explore the available versions and choose a suitable option.

What types of light bulbs are available?

In addition to traditional incandescent bulbs, various other lighting technologies are now available. Below, we introduce different types of light sources. One relevant technical criterion is luminous efficacy. It describes the relationship between luminous flux and electrical power consumption and can be considered when selecting and planning lighting.

Incandescent bulbs

The traditional incandescent bulb was a commonly used light source for many years. Electric current passes through a tungsten filament, causing it to glow. A comparatively large proportion of the energy consumed is converted into heat. Certain traditional incandescent bulbs are subject to sales or efficiency restrictions in various countries and markets. Today, many alternative light sources with different levels of luminous efficacy and energy efficiency are available.

LED light bulbs

LED bulbs are now a widely used form of electric lighting. They produce light using light-emitting diodes. By combining different LEDs, various light colours can be produced. LED bulbs are available for a range of common lamp bases. At comparable light output, they may use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. The specified service life depends on the individual model and can be found in the respective product data. Unlike traditional compact fluorescent lamps, LED bulbs generally do not contain mercury.

Energy-saving lamps

Energy-saving lamps, often referred to as compact fluorescent lamps, generate light using a gas discharge. At comparable power consumption, they may achieve a higher luminous efficacy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Depending on the model, there may be a delay between switching the lamp on and reaching full brightness. The duration depends on the respective product and its technical characteristics. Compact fluorescent lamps are available for various common lamp bases. Dimensions and compatibility should be checked before purchase. Their energy consumption may be lower than that of traditional incandescent bulbs.

Halogen bulbs & halogen lamps

Halogen lamps operate on a similar principle to traditional incandescent bulbs. They use a filament that is heated by electric current until it emits light. The glass bulb contains a special gas mixture. Service life depends on the individual product and operating conditions. Depending on the model, halogen lamps provide a specified luminous flux that can be found in the product data. Their power consumption may be lower than that of traditional incandescent bulbs but higher than that of comparable LED bulbs.

Fluorescent lamps

Fluorescent lamps and fluorescent tubes operate on a similar principle to compact fluorescent lamps. A phosphor coating on the inside of the glass tube contributes to light production. Fluorescent lamps may achieve a higher luminous efficacy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Depending on the design, their energy efficiency may be lower than that of modern LED products. Because fluorescent lamps may contain mercury, the relevant safety and disposal instructions should be followed in the event of damage and when disposing of the lamp.

Special-purpose bulbs

Special-purpose bulbs are also available for specific applications. These include, for example, oven bulbs designed for elevated operating temperatures. Special bulbs are also available for different lamp bases and for applications such as model making and hobby use.

Which light bulb is the right one?

Incandescent, halogen, compact fluorescent or LED bulbs differ in terms of energy consumption, service life, light colour, dimmability and other characteristics. The most suitable option depends on the intended application and technical requirements. The following overview summarises typical features.

LED light bulbs

• Available with different specified service lives depending on the model
• May use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs at comparable light output
• Available in different shapes
• Suitable for different living and working areas depending on light colour, brightness and design
• Many LED bulbs reach operating brightness shortly after being switched on
• Service-life and energy-efficiency information can be found in the relevant product specifications
• Purchase prices vary depending on model and design
• Not all LED bulbs are dimmable

Energy-saving lamps

• Dimmable depending on the model; refer to the relevant product labelling
• May use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs at comparable light output
• Service life depends on the model and is specified in the product data
• Available in different shapes
• Requires appropriate disposal in accordance with applicable requirements
• Depending on the model, may not reach full brightness immediately after being switched on

Halogen lamps

• Dimmable depending on the model
• Specified service life depends on the model
• Energy consumption may be lower than that of traditional incandescent bulbs
• Purchase prices vary depending on model and design
• Available in different shapes
• Energy consumption, service life, light output and price should be considered when selecting a product

Which light bulbs are suitable for which rooms?

Different lighting technologies have different technical characteristics. Before purchasing a bulb, factors such as the intended location, required brightness, light colour, switching frequency, dimmability and lamp base should be considered. The following sections provide general guidance on possible applications.

LED light bulbs

Depending on the design, LED lamps can be used in different living, sleeping and working areas. Factors such as lamp base, power, light colour, dimmability and intended application should be considered when selecting a product. LED bulbs may be a suitable option depending on the application. The MAUL shop offers different versions for various requirements.

Energy-saving lamps

Compact fluorescent lamps may be suitable for applications where the light remains switched on for longer periods. As some models require a certain amount of time to reach full brightness, the manufacturer's information on switching cycles should be considered where frequent switching is expected.

Halogen bulbs

Halogen lamps generally reach operating brightness shortly after being switched on. They may therefore be suitable for applications where full brightness is required immediately. Energy consumption, lamp base, light output and intended application should also be considered.

Fluorescent tubes

Depending on the application, fluorescent lamps may be suitable for rooms requiring higher levels of light output. Where frequent switching is expected, the technical information relating to switching cycles and the intended application should be observed.

What should you consider when buying light bulbs?

When selecting bulbs for offices, living areas or bedrooms, various technical criteria may be relevant. These include the lamp base, luminous flux, colour temperature, dimmability and intended application.

Lamp base

Whether a bulb is compatible with a lamp depends in part on the lamp base. One commonly used screw base is E27, with a thread diameter of 27 mm. E14, with a thread diameter of 14 mm, is also widely used. GU10 bases, for example, are used for certain high-voltage reflector lamps and have two contact pins spaced 10 mm apart. Another option is GU9, with a contact spacing of 9 mm. Before purchasing a bulb, check the lamp base and other compatibility information for the luminaire.

Luminous flux

Luminous flux is another relevant selection criterion. Measured in lumens, it indicates the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source. A luminous flux of around 700 lumens may approximately correspond to the brightness of a traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb. In general, a higher luminous flux means that more light is emitted. This allows you to choose a bulb whose light output suits the requirements of the respective room.

Colour temperature

Colour temperature can also be considered when selecting lighting. It is measured in Kelvin and describes the appearance of the light colour. Warm-white light around 2,700 Kelvin is often selected for living areas, for example. Light below around 3,300 Kelvin is commonly described as warm white. Neutral white generally falls within a range of approximately 3,300 to 5,000 Kelvin, while higher values are often described as daylight white. The appropriate colour temperature depends on the intended use and individual requirements.

Dimmability

LED bulbs may also be dimmable. Whether a particular product is suitable for dimming can be found in the respective product labelling and technical specifications. If no corresponding information is provided, the bulb should not be assumed to be dimmable without further manufacturer guidance.

Order light bulbs from MAUL

MAUL offers different light bulbs for a range of applications. The range includes different shapes, lamp bases and technical designs. Compare the available products in terms of lamp base, luminous flux, colour temperature, dimmability and other product characteristics and select a suitable option. If you have questions about individual bulbs, our team will be happy to assist you with your selection.