The most common in everyday life are incandescent lamps, invented in 1872 by A. N. Ladygin. The principle of operation of the lamp is based on the fact that electricity, passing through the tungsten filament, heats it, from which a bright glow occurs. Tungsten is a very refractory metal that melts at a temperature of two thousand degrees, so an incandescent lamp can last a very long time - several years.

Incandescent lamps differ in the size of the base, power, gas fillers. The dimensions of the base have already been mentioned above, these are the standards E-14 ("minion"), E-27 and E-40 ("Goliath"). In everyday life, the most common standards are E-14 and E-27.

As a rule, the E-27 standard is used for indoor lighting, lamps can have a power of 60, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 watts. The E-14 standard is usually used in luminaires that are designed for several lamps. The power of the minion lamp is 60 watts.

The incandescent lamp is designed for a life of 1000 hours. Already after 750 hours of operation, the luminous flux is reduced by about 15%. During operation, the tungsten filament of the lamp partially evaporates, while its cross section decreases and it soon burns out. Of course, you can also fix the lamp. To do this, turn it over so that the tungsten filament returns to the contact. The lamp will remain on for a while, but then it will still go out.

Incandescent lamps are very sensitive to power surges. Increasing the voltage by 6% cuts the life of an incandescent lamp in half.

An incandescent lamp must have a marking indicating the voltage range at which the lamp will work properly, as well as its power.

Incandescent lamps also differ in gas fillers. To prolong their service life, an inert gas argon or krypton is pumped into the lamp. Such lamps have better light output and are smaller in size compared to conventional lamps, however, they are more expensive.

Incandescent lamps also come with a matte or milky coating that scatters light. The light output of such lamps is less by 3% and 20%, respectively, they are used to illuminate a room without a ceiling.

For the time being, halogen lamps were used to illuminate large areas (for example, a stadium, a stage) or when it was necessary to have a bright light source (for example, for photographing indoors).

However, over time, halogen lamps began to be used in everyday life, as they turned out to be quite economical and convenient to use. A halogen lamp is essentially an incandescent lamp, only instead of a vacuum it contains a special mixture, usually containing bromine or iodine, which increases the light output of the lamp. At the same power as an incandescent lamp, halogen lamp has a smaller size, shines more brightly.

Halogen luminaires always have reflectors that concentrate the light in a certain direction, thereby increasing light output. Halogen lamps are widely used for lighting sales areas, pavilions, offices. They also have wide application at home. The most popular halogen lamps with a power of 40 watts, which have a cone shape and are installed on furniture, in hanging and stretch ceiling. One light bulb illuminates an area of ​​3-5 square meters.

The halogen lamp must be connected through a transformer. It is used to lower the AC voltage, since most halogen lamps operate on a lower voltage than the mains.

As a rule, a separate transformer is installed for each halogen lamp. It is small in size and easy to install. There are many misunderstandings associated with the transformer. For example, it is not uncommon for people to buy expensive halogen lamps for themselves, believing that they should be connected to a 220 V network. When they are first turned on, all the lamps burn out. Offended buyers turn to the store with a claim, but no one compensates them for the damage, since the lamps burned out due to the fault of the buyer.

Others are upset that the transformer costs twice as much as the lamp itself. You probably understand that the halogen lamp itself is quite expensive, and therefore many people have a reasonable question: why is a 40-watt halogen lamp so expensive, which also needs a transformer?

The answer to this question is that the production of halogen lamps is more expensive than the production of incandescent lamps, and it makes no sense to accuse the workers of the trade of driving up prices. The halogen lamp takes up less space, shines brighter, and therefore the calculation is based on the fact that the client will agree to spend money to purchase a more advanced lamp.

Another misunderstanding that happens when installing halogen lamps is that they quickly burn out for reasons that are not entirely clear to the consumer. The secret is that the halogen lamp must be perfectly clean. If there is at least one fingerprint on it, it overheats so much that the glass bursts, and accordingly the lamp itself deteriorates.

You understand that when installing the lamp, it is impossible not to leave fingerprints, and therefore it is recommended to pre-wipe the lamp with alcohol. It is not surprising that it does not occur to many to wipe the light bulb with alcohol before turning it on.

Otherwise, if done correctly, the halogen lamp will serve properly for a long period of time.

Another type of lamp is fluorescent. The light output of these lamps depends on a special coating - a phosphor, and therefore lamps are distinguished daylight(LD), lamps white color(LB), cold white lamps (LHB), lamps warm white(LTB) and others.

The advantage of fluorescent lighting is that with the same energy consumption, the light output of fluorescent lamps is greater, the lighting is closer to natural. Fluorescent lamps are less sensitive to power surges than incandescent lamps, and therefore last longer. The operating time of a fluorescent lamp is several thousand hours. Lamps operate the longest at room temperature and rated voltage.

Fluorescent lamps cannot burn without a starting mechanism, which consists of a choke and a starter. The service life of the trigger mechanism is approximately 10 years.

The trigger mechanism is arranged as follows. It has a choke that does not pass alternating current. D.C, converted from AC, enters the starter, consisting of a diode and a capacitor. The diode contains a bimetallic plate, which heats up and bends under the influence of electricity.

As a result, the contacts of the diode are in contact with each other, and the lamp starts to burn. In this case, the diode decays and the bimetallic plate returns to its place. As soon as this happens, according to the law of conservation of energy, the inductor begins to produce a stronger voltage, and the lamp continues to burn.

As a rule, fluorescent lighting is used to illuminate public buildings, staircases, offices, shopping pavilions, shop windows. Although it is generally accepted that fluorescent light harmful to the eyes, this does not interfere with the use of fluorescent lamps in everyday life.

However, the power of fluorescent lamps is relatively small, and therefore in many lamps they are installed in pairs. This is not caused by any features of the operation of fluorescent lamps, it simply increases the light output of the lamp in this way.

Fluorescent lamps can have any shape, this property is very widely used for shop windows, advertising posters. A horseshoe-shaped fluorescent lamp can often be seen on a household lamp, where it takes up little space at a sufficiently high power.

The only condition for their use is a plafond that scatters light, so all household lamps with fluorescent lamps have plastic shades that scatter light and protect the eyes. Fixtures without plafonds are installed in offices, trading floors, pavilions.

The most common model of such a lamp, produced in England, is designed for installation in suspended ceiling. Four lamps with a power of 18 watts are installed in the lamp. Behind the lamps is a reflector designed so that the light is scattered in different directions.

As well as a false ceiling, such lamps are not recommended for installation at home. This can be explained by the fact that they are designed to illuminate work areas, and therefore have a harder light due to the fact that the lamps are not covered with a ceiling. However, many are not embarrassed by this fact: a suspended ceiling with office lamps for an apartment is not at all uncommon. Some even manage to install such a lamp in the bathroom, which is completely unacceptable, since in rooms with high humidity, such as a bathroom and a toilet, or a combined bathroom, lighting fixtures must have special shades that would protect the lamps from moisture.

Even if you hear such a judgment that there will be nothing from high humidity, as it heats up and moisture simply does not settle on its surface - do not believe it, high humidity still affects the life of the lamp.

Lighting devices with fluorescent lamps, designed for use in everyday life, must have plastic shades that protect the eyes. Some brands may be an exception. table lamps, which have reflectors that cover the lamp so that the light hits the table, and the person himself is in the shade.

In general, fluorescent lamps in everyday life are used very widely. For example, there is a special lamp that is designed to be installed above the sink. When the hostess washes the dishes, she usually has her back to the light source, so the kitchen lamp gives her additional lighting. Such a lamp has only one lamp, but this is enough to solve the problem. The kitchen light also has a built-in socket, which has a design that protects against moisture. It is also very convenient, since there are usually no outlets near the sink and cutting table, and if necessary, use a food processor or other household appliances you have to connect the carrier or work on the kitchen table.

At home, you can install an emergency light. The name speaks for itself. The lamp has a battery that allows it to work for several hours. Very compact, it does not take up much space, but in the event of a power outage, it is simply irreplaceable. As a rule, a person needs light for only a few hours, so a battery charge for four to five hours is enough to live a day without light. For a longer time, electricity is usually not turned off.

Daylight lamps are also used to illuminate the apartment. The design can be anything, it can be a floor lamp, wall or ceiling lamp. In all cases, there is a plastic cover that diffuses light. Such lamps are best installed in an apartment if you want to create a modern urban design.

And so friends.
Today I will tell you, or rather share. What lamps to choose for your car so that they are like xenon. As I promised, I tested LED H7 low beam lamps and LED parking lamps.

To begin with, not one option does not shine and does not look 1 in 1 like a xenon lamp with an ignition unit. If xenon is not prohibited in your country, feel free to install it. I personally installed Chinese analogues and they shine beautifully. Do not listen to those who have it blind. It only dazzles when the headlight is on. If you do not have a hydraulic corrector, you need to unscrew the headlight and put washers in order to tilt the headlight.
short on my list At the first place xenon lamps already tested a long time ago. I had Show-Me 4300s.

I categorically recommend 4300k light. Because once we were driving with a friend in the city in heavy snow. Visibility was very limited, and so he had lensed optics and xenon 6000k, he did not see a damn thing. I saw everything perfect. The headlights were white. They shine brightly and your car can be seen far away. In General, 4300k - we will not even consider the rest of the temperatures. In general, xenon takes the first place in our rating. It is not expensive, it shines just fine, that you do not need to turn on the far one. In short, perfect.

BUT we are not going to praise xenon here, but to look at other lamps.
I advise you to think about halogens or LEDs only when it is not possible to install xenon lamps.
In case: if in your country it is prohibited not in the lens (in this case, you can hide the ignition blocks under the bumpers or fenders), BUT if you have a temperature check like in Germany, then you simply won’t get MOT if you put it in a reflex headlight xenon. Here it is defined.
The second case, i.e. mine, if you have a motorcycle and you do not want to interfere with its device, load the Generator and the relay regulator. Although in fact a xenon lamp gives less load than a conventional lamp.
But I don’t have a headlight on my motorcycle, so I can’t put xenon on it either.

Considering halogens.
Here the choice is Huge, but I advise Either Philips Blue Vision Ultra

Or
osram cool blue hyper 5000k

Or
Philips X-treme Vision +130

All of them seem to be good and they shine not bad, BUT they cost around 25 euros per pair and are very short-lived. From six months to a year and then one burns.
Rarely do they last longer.

Well, in last place we have LED =)
Well, you didn’t think that lamps for 7 euros could be on the first one?)))
In their defense, I will say that such a lamp shines no worse than the stock, ordinary yellow, in dry weather.

In Wet and God forbid in snow or fog - I don’t even know if you don’t have fogs and high beams, such a trip is unlikely to give you pleasure.
Next, I did an experiment.
Bought LED lamps. I will say right away that I did not have hopes that it would shine better than the factory, but the result was better than I expected. =)
I'll start with the bad =))))
Dimensions in the headlight did not fit into the seat at all)))
WELL, I smiled and thought, China, why am I surprised. Although they got on the motorcycle =)

By the way, they shine very pleasantly and beautifully, they look like 5000k. In short, it's beautiful
For dimensions, I strongly recommend LED lamps.
Then I unpacked the dipped headlights, the H7 base, in short, you don’t need to redo anything.

Stock looked like this

In terms of brightness, they are about the same with the drain.

On a motorcycle

Difference with high beam

as seen from afar

Then it's time to ride at night

Yes, the latest initiatives of the traffic police do not leave the “collective farmers” a choice: they need to return the halogen to its place, or install the correct headlights (if there are any, and if there is, then for a lot of money), an auto-corrector and a headlight washer.

How to improve the light of halogen headlights ?!

1. Check the condition of the glass and reflector: cloudy plastic can be polished, and the glass can only be replaced with a new one. A peeling and darkened reflector cannot be restored, it can only be changed. On most modern cars, this can only be done by changing the entire headlight. No matter how trite it may sound, but this is the most the right way get the most light from the halogen.

2. Install the headlight washer. There is a lot of controversy regarding its necessity and effectiveness, but obviously, with good equipment, it is clearly better to ride on a muddy track than with a rag and constant “wipe” stops.

3. Adjust the headlights on the device!

4. Lamps.

There are two ways:

Lamps with increased light output at standard power.

It is not known who first came up with the idea of ​​making such lamps, but it all started with models that promised 30% more brightness, then 50%, and today even up to + 90%. Yes, these lamps are indeed brighter than standard ones, but only at certain control points. This is achieved by “overheating” the helix and fine winding of a thinner thread. Lamp life is sacrificed. (Mainly, power surges affect the lifespan.)

For example, a list of standard power lamps for the H4 base from the most famous and common manufacturers Philips and Osram:

1. Standard lamp (ordinary lamp)

Philips 12342
Osram 64193

2. Long life lamp. It doesn't shine very brightly. Designed for permanent use. Vibration-resistant and more resistant to shaking.

Philips LongerLife 12342LL, HeavyDuty 12342HD
Osram LightDay 64193D, HeavyDutyBilux 94193

3. All-weather lamp. It has a characteristic yellow color of the flask. Glows a little yellower than usual. Designed for more comfortable driving in difficult weather conditions (fog, rain, snow.)

Philips NightGuide 12342NG
Osram All Season 64193ALS

4. Lamp "for xenon". styling solution. The declared color temperature is ~4000K (for information, a conventional lamp is 3200K, factory xenon is 4300K, the sun is about 5800K at noon). It has a characteristic blue color of the flask. It shines whiter and "colder" than usual. In bad weather, it illuminates worse than usual, but in dry weather on the track, the eyes get tired less, because. the light is closer to daylight.

Philips BlueVision 12342BV
Osram CoolBlue 64193CB, this series also has Osram CoolBlue Hyper 62210CBH lamps but they are prohibited for road use common use!

5. Lamps of increased light output. They shine brighter than usual due to overheating of the thread. As a result, I work the less, the more I overwork. +30% are the most optimal in terms of price, light and durability.

Philips Premium+30% 12342PR, VisionPlus+50% 12342VP, X-tremePower+80% 12342XP
Osram Super+30% 64193SUP, SilverStar+50% 64193SVS, NightBreaker+90% 64193NBR

Lamps of increased lamp power (more than standard 55W).

There are two standard "levels" above 55W - 65W and 90W. In the vast majority of cases, samples of the great Chinese industry with a declared power of 90/100W (for H4 lamps) are presented in retail. Often, these products do not meet the elementary requirements for product quality, and such lamps shine worse than normal 55/60W.

A headlight rated for 55W most likely will not withstand long work at 90W: the reflector will either melt or peel off. And if the headlight glass is plastic, then he will get it too.
65W lamps (e.g. H4 Osram 64205) generate 15% more heat, but are about 30-35% brighter than standard Night Brakers, but with longer life. Experience shows that even in a plastic headlight they work without fatal consequences for the optics. Do not forget that the headlight wiring is also under heavy load. If, nevertheless, there are concerns about the legality and safety of the headlight, then your choice is for lamps with increased light output.

They shine brighter due to a thicker and longer spiral. When using such lamps, the normal light distribution of the optics is disturbed (the cut-off line blurs, the illumination above this border increases). Therefore, officially the use of these lamps on public roads is prohibited, as written on the lamp itself.

Philips 100/90W 12569
Osram 100/90W 62204, 130/90W 62218