Sources of Light

Sources of light are the integral and very important part of all lighting fixtures. Their function substantially affects not only the light the fixture emits, but also the overall impression it gives. Let us therefore deal with sources of light in more detail.

Light bulbs for general use

Light bulbs for general use are currently the most widely used light sources. A low price and the widest selection of types and shapes are their major assets. On the other hand, high electricity consumption and a low efficiency are their main drawbacks.

One of the important features primarily of classical lighting fixtures is the design of the bulb. Therefore, to achieve the classical impression of the fixture, candle-shaped or other decorative bulbs are mostly used. Reflector bulbs form a special group. Giving spotlight, they are especially suitable for the lighting of shops, shop windows, restaurants and exhibition and museum halls. All classical bulbs emit warm, softly yellowish light and can be dimmed.

Halogen light sources

It is a standard practice to use either low-voltage (12V), or common mains voltage (230V) halogen bulbs. The main asset of this type of bulb is, first and foremost, its price and brilliant illumination of the selected room at that. Lit up by the sharp and cold halogen light, glossy surfaces of silver or chromium-plated objects shine very brightly, concurrently giving an illusion of colors being lighter. It is therefore advisable to use halogen bulbs in chandeliers with PREMIUM trimmings as their light brings out the brilliance of machine cut and polished full-lead crystal.

Compared to classical light sources, halogen bulbs have a longer lifetime, give more light using the same wattage, and assure an unchanged quality of light throughout their lifetime. These sources can also be dimmed. The special advantage of these bulbs is their small dimensions, the correct angle of the emitted light and, first and foremost, their suitability for use in small lighting fixtures. Their lower wattage and small size enable them to be arranged over the entire fixture. On the other hand, they have higher electricity consumption and emit considerable heat. In designing lighting fixtures fitted with halogen bulbs of the secondary voltage of 12V, it is necessary to use a transformer as a part of the fixture.

Examples of halogen light sources

Fluorescent lamps

Fluorescent lamps fall into two groups: economical lamps and compact lamps. Economical lamps have low electricity consumption saving almost 80% of power compared to filament bulbs. They are easy to maintain thanks to their compact shape, and have a fifteen times longer lifetime compared to common light bulbs. Currently, there is a wide variety of types and shapes, e.g. fluorescent lamps fitted with a voltage multiplier and with screw caps to be easily screwed in the E14 and E27 sockets. Fluorescent lamps are usually used in technical lighting fixtures as required by the customer. The disadvantage of this type of lamp is the impossibility of dimming and a comparatively high purchase price, however compensated by savings of electricity power.

Compact lamps are economical as well, but,
compared to the former group, they do not need a voltage multiplier. They require fixtures to have special sockets (e.g. G24), a voltage multiplier, and possibly a starter if the lamp does not contain it. Provided the lamps are equipped with a corresponding electronic voltage multiplier, they can also be dimmed. There are several types of lamps differing in the color of light they emit.

Example of a compact lamp

Optical fibers

Optical fibers are conductors of light, i.e. transparent fibers of different diameters. With the source of light (projector) placed either inside, or outside the lighting fixture, its light enters the fiber on the end to which the projector is connected, and then proceeds inside the fiber to its other end in compliance with the principle of the reflection of light.

Luminous effectiveness of the system oscillates between 15 - 20%, with the emitted light being exploited without any loss. Optical fibers emit either cold white light, or light of various colors. Their disadvantage is a high purchase price.
Every optical fiber system consists of a source of light, which is the only active part of the system based either on halogen, discharge or LED (Light-Emitting Diode) principle, optical fibers of various diameters and lengths, and a terminal. There are two types of the system: with a shining terminal, or a shining surface of the fibers. These systems are used primarily in modern lighting fixtures to emphasize the fixture's design, e.g. fixtures of the 'waterfall' type.

Example of optical fibers

LED sources

Light sources based on LED (Light-Emitting Diode) emit cold light and surpass classical electric bulbs in low electricity consumption (0.9 - 1.5 W), long lifetime (1000 000 hours) and high shock and vibrations resistance. LED diodes are equipped with common screw caps, e.g. E14 and E27, and made in a variety of colors, e.g. white, yellow, green, blue and red.

Led diodes are easy to install and are suitable for the lighting of corridors, for spot lighting of various interiors, and to serve as indicator lights. Thanks to their low overall demands, diodes save energy as well as maintenance and operation costs.

LED modules of various sizes and using various light sources are an integrated, compact system for advertising  surposes replacing fluorescent lamps and other standard light sources.