Light source price

Types of Light Sources

Light sources are classified into two basic categories based on their operating principle. Namely, these are luminous bodies, which generate light, and illuminated bodies, which only reflect light. Of these, the former category is what encompasses all electrical light sources.

These electrical light sources come in three broad types, each with unique features and applications. These three types are:

• Lamps, which are stationary light sources
• Light fixtures, which integrate multiple lamps
• Portable light sources.

Stationary Luminaires

This first category of light sources incorporates lamps that are fixed and thus cannot be relocated. These lamps are thus integrated into a light fixture or an architectural element, such as sconces, overhead systems, or recessed ceilings. Common lamps used with these luminaires are fluorescent, incandescent, and LED and HID lamps.

Light Fixtures

These fixtures are used to hold, protect, and allow the operation of electric lamps. They include chandeliers, pendant lights, ceiling-mounted fixtures, wall sconces, and more complex systems like track lighting.

Light fixtures refer to more complex lighting systems that incorporate several design elements and engineering components. Besides the individual lamps, they comprise optics, reflectors, lenses, and architectural elements like diffusers. These components help control, soften, and direct the emitted light. Also, these fixtures have mounting devices, and thus, many resemble stationary luminaires.

These Light fixtures play a crucial role in determining the quantity and quality of light distributed to a space. Their design and structure influence an area’s illumination level and ambiance.

This feature of the fixtures additionally dictates their application in various settings, which are:

• Decorative fixtures, such as chandeliers and pendant lights, are mostly found in residential areas.
• Functional fixtures, such as ceiling-mounted lights and wall sconces, are typically found to incorporate in both residential and commercial areas.
• Specialized fixtures, like floodlights and track lighting, are often found in professional or retail environments.

Portable Light Sources

As the name suggests, these are movable light sources. They include lamps like table lamps, floor lamps, and task lighting, which are primarily powered by electricity. However, portable light sources can also be powered by other alternative sources, such as batteries. Moreover, these portable light sources have the advantage that they can easily be relocated and thus are ideal for task lighting.

These portable light sources are especially preferred in areas where constant change in lighting position is required, such as in offices, workshops, and residential interiors.

Durability and Materials of Light Sources

For any product, especially in the commercial setting, where it is of utmost importance that budgetary expenditures are minimized, the durability is thus paramount. Moreover, the materials used to make light sources significantly impact their longevity and efficiency. Therefore, as stated earlier, selecting the appropriate light source involves more than just convenience.

• Added benefits of durability include increased light sources’ operational cost-effectiveness and the potential for reduced environmental impact due to the longer lifespan of products.
• Also, durability is especially essential for industrial and commercial applications where lighting must be constantly operational. The lighting in these instances must be constantly operational to ensure safety and productivity.

Some of the majorly used materials when making light sources and their durability and efficiency, which they impact interrelate as follows:

• Bulbs: LED bulbs rank as the most durable due to their build quality. They have low heat generation, for instance, that reduces thermal stress on the materials constituting a bulb. These features enhance their durability. In addition, they are also one of the most efficient in lighting. Fluorescent and incandescent bulbs are also relatively durable, although not as efficient as LEDs.
• Reflectors and optics: These elements are typically made of glass or metals, such as aluminum. Both of which are very durable materials and have high-quality reflectors to work with. This durability ensures that the reflectors can withstand the heat generated by the bulb without warping or losing shape. Moreover, high-quality glass or coated aluminum reflectors are resistant to scratches and corrosion, maintaining their efficiency over time.
• Housing and casings: These are made of steel, aluminum, or high-quality plastics. Steel and aluminum are highly resistant to wear and paint, thus making them ideal for use in this application. Also, they have the added advantage of being corrosion-resistant. In cases where they are used in areas that are exposed to constant moisture or outdoor elements. Plastics, while lighter and more cost-effective, may not provide the same level of durability against impacts and extreme temperatures.
• Diffusers: These are mainly manufactured from acrylic or polycarbonate. Both of which are very impact-resistant. Polycarbonate is especially well-suited for environments where the light fixture is at risk of vandalism or rough treatment.

Commercial Use of Light Sources

Light sources are used for a myriad of commercial purposes across different industries. Below are some of these purposes:

• Retail Industry: Lighting has the capacity to greatly enhance a product’s aesthetic appeal. This functionality allows customers to more clearly see and relate to a product as it is meant to be portrayed. Thus, encouraging them to make purchases. The most commonly used retail lighting style is accent lighting. However, other lighting styles include task and ambient lighting.
• Hospitality Sector: In this space, lighting greatly influences the overall ambiance of a space, thus impacting customer experience. For instance, hotels and restaurants appropriately use warm lighting to make a space feel cozy and inviting. Conversely, bright lighting is preferred in areas that require efficiency, such as restaurant kitchens.
• Industrial Settings: Adequate illumination is vital for safety and productivity. For instance, bright working light conditions enable workers to clearly see and thus reduce work-related accidents. Industrial work areas, warehouses, and manufacturing plants commonly employ high-intensity discharge (HID) and LED lights due to their durability and brightness.
• Healthcare Facilities: hospitals and clinics require efficient and reliable lighting systems for surgeries and patient care.
• Office Spaces: Daylight-integrating lighting in office environments improves employee productivity and well-being. Task lighting is used in this space to reduce eye strain and increase work efficiency.

How to Choose Light Sources

As stated earlier, for any product, especially in the commercial setting, where it is of utmost importance that budgetary expenditures are minimized, the durability is therefore paramount. Moreover, selecting the ideal lighting solution involves careful consideration of various factors. These factors have to encompass not only the technical specifications but also the aesthetic and environmental aspects. Below are these various focal points one should have in mind when on the quest for the ideal lighting solution:

• Purpose: The primary goal of the space in question will heavily influence the choice of lighting. For instance, retail and hospitality areas require ambient and accent lighting to showcase products or create a welcoming environment.
• Brightness: The luminous efficacy of a light source should always match the purpose of the space.
• Energy efficiency: This has the potential to save significant costs in the long run.
• Longevity: Longevity saves money and reduces the hassle of constantly replacing the light.
• Heat emission: the amount of heat emitted by a light source can affect the comfort in the space where it is installed and how much cooling energy is consumed. Therefore, the less a light source emits heat the better.
• Color rendering: This refers to the accuracy with which a light source displays a surface color.
• Initial and maintenance costs: Maintenance costs refer to the costs incurred in replacing or repairing the lighting systems. The costs are, by extension, associated with labor, downtime, and materials. Hence, choosing light sources with low maintenance costs increases their affordability.
• Environmental impact: the environmental impact is also not worth neglecting. This influence is mainly done through choosing light sources, such as LEDs, that incorporate materials that can easily be recycled. Also, these light sources have low energy consumption, adversely affecting the environment.
• Aesthetics: Different lighting solutions to put in place have distinct designs that can complement or clash with the interior decor. This decor, in turn, influences the overall ambiance of the space.

Q&A

Q1. What is the difference between artificial and natural light sources?

A1: Natural lights are made from the sun, while everything that is not the sun but produces light is artificial light.

Q2. What is illumination?

A2: Illumination is putting light on something.

Q3. What is artificial light?

A3: Artificial lights are light sources that are not naturally occurring. They are, for instance, created using electric bulbs, sunlight, and many more.

Q4. What are the three qualities of light?

A4: There are three qualities of light. These are light’s intensity, color, and direction.