Incandescent bulbs, which appeared at the end of the XIX century, have not lost their relevance. But they began to be gradually replaced by modern counterparts on LEDs. Let’s find out what the difference between these sources of artificial lighting and that for the house is better: incandescent or LED lamp?
The Design of Light Bulbs
Externally, the design of both lamps is almost the same. At the bottom they have a threaded base, which has the same marking. So if you decide to switch from conventional bulbs to LEDs, you will not have to change the chandelier or insert another socket. The upper part of the devices is also inherent in the external similarity. However, inside there are design differences, which we will talk about in the comparison below.
What is the Difference Between an LED Lamp And an Incandescent Lamp
Let’s compare the device and the principle of operation of both devices. An ordinary light bulb includes the following elements in its construction:
- the base (screwed into the socket);
- glass bulb filled with inert gas (protects the tungsten filament from the influence of the external environment);
- electrodes with hooks (current-conducting elements and devices for fixing the tungsten filament)
- filament (source of radiation);
- shtengel (device in which electrodes are fixed);
- insulating materials.
When voltage is applied, the tungsten filament is heated to 3000 degrees. At this temperature, it begins to glow. The device and principle of operation of modern retro incandescent lamps are similar. But compared to conventional bulbs, they have a stylish design. They are distinguished by an unusual (antique) shape of the bulb, which can be made of transparent or golden glass.
The device of the LED analogue:
- base;
- aluminum housing;
- plastic protective cap;
- ballast transformer;
- LED board;
- control and power board.
Compared to the incandescent lamp, the LED analog has a different principle of operation. Light is emitted as a result of contact between two heterogeneous materials that are energized. The main condition for the formation of the light flux – one material must be negatively charged, the other – positively.
Correspondence of Capacity of Incandescent And LED Lamps – Table
LED and incandescent light fixtures have different efficiencies (efficiency). This indicator tells what percentage of electrical energy is converted into light, and what percentage – into heat. The higher the efficiency, the less the bulb heats up, and the brighter the radiation.
Efficiency of light sources compared:
- Incandescent – it takes 4-5% of the energy consumed to produce light;
- LED lights – on average, 75% of the power consumed is converted into light waves (sometimes the efficiency factor reaches 95%).
Because of the large difference in efficiency, with the same power a regular light bulb gives a dimmer light. That’s why LEDs are used to create full-fledged indoor lighting. Here is the correspondence of incandescent and LED lamps in terms of power with equal luminous flux in the table.
Table of correspondence of wattage of incandescent and LED lamps
| Luminous flux (Lm) | Power ratings (W) | |
| Incandescent | LED | |
| 220-250 | 25 | 2 |
| 400-420 | 40 | 5 |
| 560-620 | 60 | 6,5 |
| 800-880 | 75 | 10 |
| 1000-1040 | 100 | 12 |
Lamp Life
The service life of light sources depends on their type. The leader in this indicator belongs to LED lamps, which provide uninterrupted lighting up to 50,000 hours. If you turn on the LED lamp for 10 hours every day, it will last up to 14 years.
Classic incandescent bulbs are significantly inferior to LED bulbs. They can last up to 1,000 hours. Therefore, with a daily switch on for 10 hours, incandescent bulbs will last a little more than 3 months. Retro incandescent bulbs of modern production are devoid of this disadvantage. They belong to the long-lasting retro electrics – their service life reaches up to 2500 hours.
Which Lamp is Better in Terms of Fire Safety
A tungsten filament converts only 5% of the energy consumed into light. The other 95% of the energy is released as heat. Therefore, the glass bulb gets very hot. The temperature of the glass part when switched on depends on the power. At 25 watts, the bulb heats up to 100 degrees, 40 watts – 113 degrees, 75 watts – 268 degrees. In contact with it, it melts plastic products and easily ignites the following materials:
- wool;
- paper;
- cotton.
The temperature of the LED analogue reaches 60-65 degrees. Therefore, from a fire safety point of view, it is safer to use LEDs for lighting houses and apartments.
Warning. The strongest heating is at the top of the bulb. With the transition to the base (socket) temperature index decreases: up to 80 degrees with incandescent lamps, and up to 36-37 degrees with LED analogs.
How to Dispose of Lamps?
Many electrical appliances require special disposal. For example, fluorescent, sodium, halogen and metal halide devices contain mercury, which is harmful to nature and human health. Therefore, they cannot be disposed of as household waste by simply throwing them in the trash. They should be taken to special recycling centers.
LED lights, classic and retro incandescent bulbs do not contain mercury and other harmful substances. Therefore, they can be thrown away in the trash for solid household waste.
Tip: Despite the safety of LEDs and incandescent bulbs, you can dispose of them for the benefit of nature. To do this, turn in the failed lamps in the recycling and production of recyclable materials.
Advantages And Disadvantages of Lamps
LED and classic lamps differ not only in design, but also in performance, aesthetic and other qualities. Therefore, their pros and cons are also different. The main advantage of incandescent bulbs is the low cost – depending on the power they can be bought for 10-50 rubles. Stylish retro lamps have a higher cost. However, it pays off with high aesthetics and extended service life.
The advantages of LED lamps include:
- Long life – LEDs last on average 10-50 times longer.
- Insensitivity to voltage fluctuations – the light does not burn out during power surges.
- High efficiency, as 75-95% of electrical energy is converted into light.
- Low power consumption – due to low power LEDs consume about 10 times less energy at the same light flux.
- Low heat emission – luminaires do not heat up too much, so there is no risk of easily flammable materials.
Warning. Incandescent light bulbs only emit yellow light. LEDs can emit both white (daylight) and yellow light.
From the comparison, you can see that the classic light sources are inferior in terms of the main indicators LED-lights. But with the popularization of retro style in the interior, the production of improved retro incandescent lamps was scaled. They last longer, shine brighter and have an unusual design that takes you back in time.