Light sources / light bulbs

For many years, the topic of light sources was limited to the classic light bulb or incandescent lamp. Today, however, things are different. There is a wide range of different LED lamps. You can now obtain classic light sources in a wide variety of shapes and colours for your LED lamps. In our range, we offer you the complete range of lamps you need. Take your time to look at our wide range of products and be inspired.

What types of light sources are available

Although the incandescent lamp was the dominant light source on the market for many years, there are now adequate replacements. We would like to present the most interesting lamps in more detail below so that you can get an overview. The luminous efficacy plays a major role here. This luminous efficacy is the measure of the efficiency of LED light sources. This key figure therefore also plays an important role when planning your light sources.

Incandescent bulb or light bulb

For many years, the classic light source was the standard light bulb. In an incandescent light bulb, the current flows through a tungsten filament. This is made to glow. Part of the electricity is converted into heat, which is also the reason why the light bulb is actually very inefficient. For this reason, the incandescent light bulb has already been banned in some countries. In the meantime, it has also become clear that there are much more attractive lamps when it comes to luminosity and energy efficiency.

LED light sources

LED light sources are the most modern form of lamp. The history of these light sources goes back over 100 years, but they have been on the rise for around 10 years. LED light sources are now the alternative to a light bulb or incandescent lamp. Light-emitting diodes light up these lamps. These are small components that generate light. However, only in a limited number of colours. However, if several components in different colours are used, several light colours can also be generated. LED lamps also fit into conventional light bulb sockets. LED light sources consume considerably less electricity than a standard light bulb. They also have a significantly longer service life. Another advantage is the fact that LED lamps do not contain mercury. In the event of damage, the risk of health consequences is therefore significantly lower.

Energy-saving lamps

Energy-saving light bulbs or energy-saving lamps are also known as compact fluorescent lamps. They produce light by using electricity to make a gas glow. The amount of light is significantly higher than with incandescent lamps. This is because less electricity is converted into heat. One disadvantage of these lamps is that there is a delay between switching on the light and reaching full luminous intensity. How long the delay is depends on the manufacturer and model or the lumen value. The classic LED energy-saving lamps fit easily into normal light bulb bases, but they are often slightly higher and therefore protrude from the lampshade. Energy consumption is significantly reduced, which is why they are also known as LED energy-saving light bulbs.

Halogen light sources & halogen lamps

Halogen lamps or halogen lamps basically work in a very similar way to incandescent lamps. They are equipped with a filament. This is made to light up with the help of electricity. The glass bulb contains a special gas that protects the filament and prevents premature wear. The wire has a relatively long service life. A major advantage of halogen light sources is their high luminosity. The power consumption is lower than that of a normal light bulb or incandescent lamp. However, the halogen lamp consumes more than an LED light source.

Fluorescent lamps

Fluorescent lamps or fluorescent tubes work like energy-saving lamps. A special feature is located on the inside of the glass tube. This is where a phosphor is attached, which ensures that the light yield is increased. Fluorescent tubes are far more efficient than light bulbs. However, they are also less efficient than the popular LED light sources. Another problem is that fluorescent tubes need to be handled very carefully. They contain mercury. In the event of damage, this can cause serious damage to health.

Special light sources

There are also some special lamps on the market that are designed for limited areas of application. These include oven lighting, for example, which has to withstand extremely high temperatures. However, light sources that are suitable for any type of socket are also very popular. Especially in the modelling and hobby sector.

Which light source is the right one?

Bulb or incandescent lamp, halogen lamp or fluorescent lamp? There are many different light sources on the market - and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. While LED light sources are a clear winner in terms of energy consumption, energy-saving light sources have other advantages. We have summarised all the advantages and disadvantages for you so that you can get a quick overview of the individual benefits before you buy.

LED light sources

• Lasts up to 50 times longer (up to 50,000 hours)
• Consumes around 90 per cent less energy
• Available in various shapes
• Suitable for all living rooms and bedrooms
• Achieves 100 per cent luminosity immediately after switching on
• Extremely durable and environmentally friendly at the same time
• More expensive to purchase
• Not all light sources in luminaires are dimmable

Energy-saving light sources

• 100 per cent dimmable
• Uses around 80 per cent less energy than an incandescent bulb
• Offers a service life of around 15,000 hours
• Available in several forms
• Requires special disposal
• Does not reach full luminosity immediately after switching on

Halogen lamps

• 100 per cent dimmable
• Two times longer service life with up to 2,000 hours
• Consumes around 30 per cent less energy
• More favourable than incandescent bulbs
• Available in many shapes
• Not convincing in terms of price-performance comparison

Which light sources are suitable for which room?

The different light sources offer various advantages and disadvantages. There are certainly many factors that are decisive when making a purchase. But before you get down to the details, you need to consider which light source you need - this always depends on what you require from the light and where it is to be used. Below we have summarised the rooms for which the individual light sources are most suitable.

LED light sources

LED lamps can be used in all living rooms and bedrooms. Even if they are to burn for longer periods of time. In general, there are no restrictions on the use of LED light sources. It is therefore advisable to choose an LED light source. Take a look around the MAUL shop and choose the right light source for your needs.

Energy-saving light bulbs

Energy-saving lamps are primarily suitable for rooms where you need continuous light over a longer period of time. As it takes a while for the energy-saving lamp to reach its full brightness, they are not intended for rooms where the light needs to be switched on and off frequently.

Halogen lamps

Halogen lamps reach their optimum brightness in no time at all and are therefore suitable for use in rooms where the light is not constantly on - i.e. is switched on and off several times a day. You benefit significantly from these lamps when you need the full light output immediately. They are therefore the complete opposite of energy-saving lamps.

Fluorescent tubes

Fluorescent tubes - or fluorescent lamps - are perfect for rooms where you need a lot of light and where you would like to use indirect light. Even if the light is switched on and off frequently, the fluorescent tube can impress.

What to look out for when buying light sources for luminaires

Do you need lamps for the office, living room or bedroom? Then there are a few points you should consider when buying. Find out below which factors are particularly important so that you can realise the optimum lighting.

Lamp base

Whether the light source fits always depends on the lamp base. That's why you need to pay particular attention to this when buying. The most common type of base is a screw base with a diameter of 27 mm (E27). This is immediately followed by E14 - a screw base with a diameter of 14 mm. This is particularly suitable for the use of narrower light sources. For high-voltage reflector lamps, it should be a GU10 base. A base equipped with two pins 10 mm apart. Apart from this, there are also GU9 bases where the spacing is 9 mm.

Luminous flux

Another decisive purchasing factor is the luminous flux. The lumen rating always provides information about how brightly the lamp or luminaire shines. If you buy an energy-saving lamp with 700 lumens, this corresponds to a light bulb or incandescent lamp with 60 watts. The higher the lumen rating, the brighter the lamp will shine. Accordingly, you can choose a light source that perfectly fulfils the requirements for the room.

Colour temperature

For optimum lighting, you should also pay attention to the colour temperature. Kelvin is a value that provides information about light temperature and light colour. This is important when it comes to optimal lighting. There are big differences here. In the living room, for example, warm light is ideal, which is why a lamp with 2,700 Kelvin is perfect. Below 3,300 Kelvin, the light is warm white. Neutral white light is between 3,300 and 5,000 Kelvin. Above 5,000 Kelvin is referred to as daylight white. The term warm white is also known when it comes to colour temperature.

Dimmability

Many consumers prefer light sources that are dimmable. LED light sources can also offer this advantage. However, LED light sources are only dimmable if they are labelled accordingly. If the "dimmable" labelling is missing, you can assume that this light source is also not dimmable.

Order light bulbs from MAUL

If you are looking for high-quality, high-performance light sources, MAUL is the right place for you. We offer you a large selection of different light sources so that you can always realise the lighting you have in mind. It doesn't matter which light sources you want to buy - you're sure to find what you're looking for here. This applies to every type of light source and socket. Compare the individual light sources and then go for it. If you have any questions about the light sources, you can contact our employees at any time. We will be happy to advise you in detail.