The Light Bulb Journey of a Thousand Miles - How It All Began?

Long before light bulbs were invented, people relied on kerosene lamps to provide light during nighttime. Going by the cumbersome nature of light lamps, it was time light bulbs took center stage to transform human life. From illuminating workspaces at night to increasing the average duties on a workday, light bulbs have continued to improve business processes and everything people do. It does not come as a surprise that minor adjustments on incandescent light bulbs (like the one manufactured for consumers) and Heavy Duty LED bulbs (like the one manufactured for industries by Phoenix Lighting) have disrupted traditional lighting.

Here is how it all started.

Incandescent bulbs gain an entry into the light bulb industry

In 1879, Thomas Edison invented the incandescent light bulb, though some theorists credit Nikola Tesla as the brains behind it. Over time, scientists have worked together to improve incandescent light bulbs, which still exist up to date. The bulbs' wattage ranges between 50 and 100. They first emit light by heating their filaments. The entire process of converting electrical energy to heat energy reduces the light bulb's life span. That means that if you were to start using an incandescent light bulb now, you would only enjoy its utility factor for only one year.

Incandescent light bulbs are relevant in applications such as flashlights, decorative lighting, and basic lighting at home. They come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. Disadvantages of using incandescent light bulbs include:

1. Environmental unfriendliness: These bulbs are made from non-decomposing substances such as mercury and sulfur, which emit dangerous wastes. Over time, mercury emissions from decomposing light bulbs can be harmful to people, animals and plants

2. Not energy-conserving- Incandescent bulbs work by converting electrical energy into heat energy to produce light. People using these types of bulbs may have to pay hefty power costs.

3. They have a shorter lifespan- On average, an incandescent bulb has a lifespan of one year. Users might need to spend more money on replacements each time the bulb burns out.

Halogen light bulbs with improved filament

Halogen light bulbs came long after incandescent light bulbs after inventors discovered the environmental and economic impacts of the former. Halogen bulbs rely on iodine or bromine to provide illumination. When it glows, it produces a residue instead of inert gas. The tungsten in the halogen goes back to the filament once you switch it off. The result is a longer-lasting filament that does not get affected by wear and tear.

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) disrupt incandescent and halogen light bulbs

Back in 1973, the world faced a major oil crisis that affected many industries. Inventors had to find a way to come up with the energy-efficient bulb. That is how CFL, which was made up of Argon and mercury vapor, was born. The bulb transmits current flow in a bent tube to emit white light. While some CFL bulbs come in different colors, the coloring of the tube defines the color, not the emitted light.

LEDs take the light bulb center stage

LEDs started as light lamps in 1968 and have since evolved into more functional bulbs. You will hardly find an energy-saving bulb other than LEDs. They only need to utilize 5% of the overall energy to produce heat. The remaining percentage converts into light, making the LED light bulb the best scientific invention to grace the lighting industry.

Unlike incandescent light bulbs, LEDs rely on energy-saving technology to save on power usage. They do not heat up when producing light. They can last between 8 and 10 years because the heat produced does not subject them to wear and tear. Since they do not get affected by fluctuating temperature changes, you will hardly find an LED light bulb with a lighting problem.

Due to the intelligent nature of LEDs, they fit most modern-day applications such as barcode lighting, traffic lights, and many others. As of now, giant companies dealing in marine life, government industries, mining, and aviation can rely on LEDs to improve their business processes. Their energy-efficient and eco-friendly properties make them ideal for commercial and industrial applications.

While LEDs are the smartest bulbs, it does not mean light bulb evolution will stop. The most important thing is saving on energy, getting value for your money, and protecting the environment. For now, LED light bulbs keep carrying the day.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or the management of EconoTimes