Different Types of Electric Lamps and Their Features

An electric lamp is a device that can generate artificial light by consuming electric energy. There are different types of lamps available in the market, which include −

  • Incandescent Lamp

  • Fluorescent Lamp

  • Compact Fluorescent Lamp

  • Sodium Vapor Lamp

  • Mercury Vapor Lamp

  • Halogen Lamp

  • Metal Halide Lamp

  • Neon Lamp

  • LED Lamp

  • LASER Lamp

In this article, we will compare and contrast the various features of these lamps.

Incandescent Lamp vs. Fluorescent Lamp vs. CFL

The following table compares the features of incandescent lamp, fluorescent lamp, and CFL.

Basis of Comparison Incandescent Lamp Fluorescent Lamp CFL
Principle of operation Heating effect of electric current Gas discharge (or ionization of gas by electric current) Gas discharge
Color of light emitted Yellow White White
Production of heat during operation More Less Moderate
Cost Less More More
Need of starting device No Yes No
Starting time Starts immediately Requires some time, around 5 seconds Starts immediately
Lifespan 2000 hours 12000 hours 800 hours
Lamp Efficiency 15 to 20 lumens/watt 50 to 60 lumens/watt 50 to 75 lumens/watt
Environmental friendly Yes No, as it has mercury content No, again due to toxic metals
Applications Used for Residential and other indoor lighting Used for residential and commercial lighting Used for residential and commercial lighting

Sodium Vapor Lamp vs. Mercury Vapor Lamp

The following table compares the features of sodium vapor lamp and mercury vapor lamp.

Basis of Comparison Sodium Vapor Lamp Mercury Vapor Lamp
Principle of operation Gas discharge Gas discharge
Color of light emitted Pale yellow Diffused white
Production of heat during operation Moderate Moderate
Cost More More
Need of starting device Yes Yes
Starting time Requires some time, around 10 minutes Requires some time
Lifespan 20000 to 30000 hours Around 24000 hours
Lamp Efficiency 80 to 150 lumens/watt 28 to 50 lumens/watt
Environmental friendly Yes No, due to presence of mercury
Applications Used for street lighting Used for street and garden lightings

Halogen Lamp vs. Metal Halide Lamp vs. Neon Lamp

The following table compares the features of halogen lamp, metal halide lamp, and neon lamp.

Basis of Comparison Halogen Lamp Metal Halide Lamp Neon Lamp
Principle of operation Heating effect of electric current Production of electric arc through gaseous mixture Emission of electrons
Color of light emitted Yellow Yellow Yellow
Production of heat during operation High Moderate Moderate
Cost More More Less
Need of starting device No No Yes
Starting time Starts immediately Requires some time (around 3 to 5 seconds) Requires small time
Lifespan 2000 hours 10000 to 20000 hours 25000 hours
Lamp Efficiency 22 to 33 lumens/watt 60 to 115 lumens/watt 50 to 65 lumens/watt
Environmental friendly Yes No (due to mercury) No
Applications Used for flood lighting and outdoor lighting Used for flood lighting, Sports stadiums, High bay interior Used for display applications and indicators

LED lamp vs. LASER lamp

The following table compares the features of LED lamp and LASER lamp.

Basis of Comparison LED Lamp LASER Lamp
Principle of operation Electro-luminescence Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation
Color of light emitted Available in many colors Available in many colors
Production of heat during operation Least More
Cost High High
Need of starting device No No
Starting time Starts immediately Starts immediately
Lifespan 50000 hours Depends upon type of LASER lamp and application
Lamp Efficiency 50 to 100 lumens/watt Depends upon the types of LASER lamp
Environmental friendly Yes Yes
Applications Used for residential, commercial, street and decorative lightings Used for medical instruments, metal process industries, media lighting, etc.
Updated on: 2022-04-27T12:02:00+05:30

6K+ Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements