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In the variety of manufacturers and models of LED lamps, it is often difficult to choose. Buyers do not know what types of products are, what are their features, and what points to pay attention to when buying.
Below we will deal with the basic criteria that every potential buyer should remember.
plinth
This is a part necessary for mounting the lamp in the lamp and supplying voltage to it. Cartridges for fixing products are made for certain types of plinths.
It is important to consider that many of the product options have different designs and are not compatible with each other. For example, in the CIS, standard E27 plinths are used in full size, but E14 are a smaller version.
As for the E40, it is more suitable for industrial applications, and G-marked bases are often used in special lighting applications, such as spotlights, fluorescent lamps, etc.
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Let’s briefly consider the most popular types of plinths:
- E14 – designed for small lamps (common name – minion). Structurally, they have much in common with the E27, but fundamentally differ only in a diameter reduced to 1,4 cm.
- E27 is a standard type of base, equipped with a central contact with a diameter of 2,7 cm. Simply put, this is a standard mounting type for incandescent lamps.
- GX53 – Popular in round and flat lights. It implies the presence of a ledge in the form of a circle with two contacts (located on both sides). Contact connections are provided specifically for fixing in the curly recesses of the cartridge at the moment the light bulb is turned.
- GU3 – base with two pins, between which a distance of 5,33 mm is provided. They are usually used in small lamps. They differ in appearance and design features. In most cases, they work on a voltage of 220 V.
- E40 is an enlarged version of E27, when the main contact from the central part has a diameter of 4 cm. It is used in powerful large lamps with a lot of weight and high requirements for fixation quality.
- E10 is the most compact of all threaded bases. As a rule, it is used in garlands and flashlights.
- E12 is a small base with a diameter of 1,2 cm. It is most often installed in refrigerators and to illuminate the inside of other equipment, such as ovens.
- GU10 – has two pins located at a distance of 1 cm. They are used, as a rule, in low-power LED lamps.
There are also other types of socles, namely G70, G24, R7s, B22, 2G7, G4, G5 and others.
flask and mold
Modern lamps are available in several versions.
Frosted glass
The use of such an element reduces the brightness, but “softens” the light. The option is useful in a nursery or other room where exactly this type of lighting matters (without increased eye strain). Also, this option is optimal for shades with a matte finish.
Transparent
Such flasks guarantee the maximum efficiency of the light source and give the most sharp light.
As a rule, they are used in combination with transparent shades and lamps equipped with faceted or decorative elements. Thanks to the refraction of light, a stylish appearance is provided.
candle shape
Today, almost all manufacturers produce light bulbs in candle-shaped form. Some variants even have twists at the end, duplicating the development of fire in the wind.
The base diameter of such candles is at the level of 3,7 cm, but the length may be different. They can be used both for solving decorative tasks and in small shades / lamps for which ordinary lamps are not suitable.
Another color
Recently, multi-colored flasks have been gaining popularity, which are used for interior decoration, for theatrical performances, photo and video filming.
A separate category includes “black” light bulbs that give out “UV” light.
Such lighting is used to give originality to any interior elements (entertainment, decorative). They can be used in the chemical and medical fields.
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Consumption
This parameter includes the amount of electricity that the lamp consumes during operation. According to this indicator, one can judge the cost-effectiveness of the product. As for the brightness, it is difficult to draw precise conclusions here.
The reason is that the efficiency of certain types of lamps may differ. To study the brightness, another parameter is used – an analogue of LON.
When searching online, different power ranges are available. The minimum is below 5 W, and the maximum is from 30 W and above.
Luminous flux (brightness)
Shows the brightness of the lamp light. The larger this parameter, the brighter different objects are illuminated, and the larger the area of the room the light bulb is able to illuminate.
When choosing a product according to this indicator, you need to understand that increased and decreased brightness is bad.
You should not buy models with obviously high luminous flux, if this is not necessary.
When choosing a lamp by brightness in the online store, many ranges are available. The minimum is less than 200 lm, and the maximum is more than 2000 lm.
Colorful temperature
By this indicator, you can judge what the glow from the lamp will be – warm or cold. It is worth considering that the higher the color temperature, the “colder” the light.
When choosing a light bulb for this parameter, it is important to focus on your own preferences, the room where the lamp will be installed, and the design.
For example, in rooms with a retro design, products with a low color temperature are more often used, in high-tech – with a high one.
Softer light helps to relax, but more “cold” – to focus on what’s important. Color temperature is an important consideration when choosing a light source for professional use.
The main options are:
- Warm light – less than 3000 K.
- Daylight – from 3000 to 6000 K.
- White-blue – above 6000 K.
Duration of work
This term refers to the real life of LED lamps.
When choosing in online stores, this option is usually divided into several categories:
- less than 10 years;
- from 11 to 20;
- 25;
- 30;
- 35;
- 40;
- 50 years.
Depending on the type of outlet, the classification may differ. By this indicator, you can judge how much the device will work while maintaining the original characteristics.
This parameter should not be confused with a guarantee, because the manufacturer cannot promise the product to work for 20 or 30 years. Most often, the warranty period is indicated in hours.
A common option is from 10 to 30 thousand hours. In rare cases, the manufacturer guarantees operation for 50 hours.
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Illumination Angle
The second name is the angle of dispersion. It shows at what angle the light flux diverges from the light source. Depending on the type of lamp, this parameter varies from 15 to 360 degrees.
At a small angle, the light is concentrated on the area near the lamp and captures a small strip. Some LED lamps have an illumination angle of 360 degrees Celsius.
In total, there are three categories of LED lamps according to the angle of illumination:
- up to 60 degrees – a narrow beam of light to illuminate a small area, for example, to highlight some area in the kitchen or in the dressing room;
- from 60 to 90 degrees – universal light sources that are used in sconces and floor lamps, providing diffused light at the edges;
- above 90 degrees – provide uniform illumination of the room.
When buying lamps with a small scattering angle, it is advisable to take products with the ability to rotate to direct the light in the right direction.
Dimensions (length and diameter)
When choosing LED lamps, it is necessary to take into account the diameter and length of the product. These dimensions can vary over a wide range.
For the first case, from 10 to 100 mm (sometimes more), and for the second – from 60-70 to 200 or more millimeters. These indicators are very important when buying a product for a specific lamp.
More options
In addition to those discussed above, it is worth paying attention to a number of other characteristics.
Let’s highlight the main ones.
Set
Many LED lamps are sold in groups of two to ten. This option is convenient when you need to purchase a large set of light bulbs (more than one).
The advantage of the kits is that the buyer saves money, because each of the products is cheaper. In addition, this option is more convenient in storage and transportation.
Brightness control
Many LED lamps have the option of changing the set brightness using a special regulator or switch. We are talking about dimmers, which are always supported by incandescent lamps.
With regard to LED products, you need to be careful, because not all models support dimming.
Diffusion
This group includes lamps that scatter light at an angle of more than 180 degrees. In other words, such products illuminate the area not only in front of them, but also above.
In such cases, the lighting area is limited only by the elements of the ceiling, if it is provided for by the design.
Directionality of light
This category includes LED and other lamps, the scattering angle of which is less than 180 degrees. Simply put, such products shine in only one direction.
The option is useful for table lamps or when implementing different ideas in design matters.
Multicolored
This group includes light bulbs that shine in blue, green, red. Their feature is the presence of a special scheme that allows you to adjust the shade in a wide range.
To control such a light bulb, a special application on a smartphone or a remote control is used.
Among the main functions, various options can be distinguished, for example, setting the flashing light.
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Apple Home Kit support
The presence of such an option indicates the possibility of connecting the LED light bulb to the smart home eco-system.
The use of a special application opens up a number of additional possibilities, for example, changing lighting modes, adjusting the color hue and glow intensity.
In many models, you can program the on / off time.
Google Home support
By the name, you can understand that such light bulbs can work with the Google Home smart home. Thanks to this feature, you can use your phone to control all lamps and other smart devices through the program.
With the help of the software, it is easy to change the color, flow strength, turn-on time, etc. In addition, the program’s capabilities allow you to create complex scenarios with different light indicators. For example, set a profile for leisure, work, watching movies, etc.
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Voice assistant
The bottom line is the ability to control the LED light bulb using one of the voice assistants. This, in turn, allows you to give voice commands. It is important to note that there is no microphone in the lamp.
It is installed in a smartphone or smart speaker that receives a command and then sends the corresponding channel.
The most popular voice assistants are Apple’s Siri, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana and Amazon Alexa.
Results
The information in the review is enough to understand the choice of LED lamp and make the right purchase.
In addition, we note that in rooms with people it is necessary to use models that give out warm light. As for “cold” lighting, it is more relevant in work areas.
Remember that each manufacturer and product has its pros and cons, so when choosing it is important to focus on specific parameters. With this approach, you can choose the best option and not overpay money.