The efficiency of a lamp can be expressed as“lumens (light output) per watt of electricity”

Approximate lumens per watt of main lamp types

Incandescent or Fluorescent

• A fluorescent lamp is up to six times more efficient than an incandescent lamp by emitting more light (lumens) per watt of electricity

• A fluorescent tube lasts up to fifteen or more times longer than an incandescent lamp

• The colour temperature and colour rendering of the light can be specified with fluorescent lamps

• Changing from incandescent lamps to compact fluorescent lamps is relatively simple and very cost effective

Incandescent or Halogen

• A halogen Lamp lasts up to six times longer than an incandescent lamp

• A halogen lamp emits up to fifty percent more lumens per watt than an incandescent lamp

• The cooler colour of halogen light is more acceptable in some situations than the warmer colour incandescent lamp

• Due to the smaller size of halogen lamps, many designer luminaires are available to create distinctive, attractive and accent lighting for different applications

Always consider the following in determining the right lamp for an application;

• Light output required – low/high

• Colour temperature – cool/warm

• Colour rendering – important or not

• Operating hours – short/long

• Lamp options available that would suit application

• Lamp running cost

• Cost of the lamp

• Replacement frequency, difficulty and cost