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Wattage Ratings
The third lamp characteristic is wattage rating. Watt is a measure
of the electrical power consumed by the lamp. Typically, the
higher the wattage rating, the greater the lumen output, and the
greater the operating cost. Most luminaires are marked as to the
maximum wattage lamp that should be used. This is to ensure that
the temperature limitations for the socket and wiring are not
exceeded.
Voltage Rating
Voltage is also important. Lamp Voltage should match the voltage
rating of the circuit on which it operates. Most UK household
circuits are rated at 240V, although this was "harmonised"
with Europe at 230V as from 1 Jan 1995. Beware, that although the
rating may become 230V, it is likely to still be 240V that is
supplied. Commercial and industrial applications also use 240V for
lighting, sometimes referred to as single phase.
Bulb Shapes
Incandescent lamp bulbs are made in many shapes. This is one of
the most easily recognised characteristics of a lamp. Many shapes
are given easy-to-remember names.
Examples:
·
mushroom
· candle
· pygmy
· striplight
Figure 2.3. Typical incandescent bulb shapes. |
