Halloween Lighting
September 28, 2020
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October 12, 2020
A light bulb is a light bulb is a light bulb, right? Just grab one and screw it into the fixture and wahlah! You have light! Hold on for just one minute. If only things were that simple. There are many different types of light bulbs and many different wattages for different fixtures. Screw the wrong wattage bulb into your light fixture and you could have a problem or a fire. First and foremost, read the label on your light fixture and find out what type of bulb it requires and what wattage as well. This will help you to know what to buy.
There are four basic types of common lightbulbs: incandescent, halogen and CFL (compact fluorescent light) and LED. Beyond there, there are also different sizes and different wattages for different types of fixtures. For instance, your refrigerator, stove, and other appliances take a specific kind of appliance bulb. They are usually smaller in size and wattage than other types of bulbs. Your living room lamp might take a Type A 60 watt bulb and your outdoor flood lights might take something like a 90 watt flood light bulb. There are different price points as well. Once I bought a really nice looking and inexpensive desk lamp from IKEA only to find out it took a specialty bulb which cost about $5 each! I still like the lamp but I hate paying that much for a bulb!
With the new green initiatives, things get a little more confusing. You may have a lamp which requires a 60 watt type A bulb but all you can find is a 60 watt “equivalent” bulb that is “eco friendly.” And, it’s more expensive. The 60 watt “equivalent” bulb will still work, it’s just how things are rated and labeled now due to “energy conservation” initiatives.
If you’re having trouble figuring out light bulbs or any other lighting issue, give Peter a call. He has over 30 years of experience when it comes to anything electrical. Peter is an expert!
