Still, the consumer backlash booms, and not simply because CFLs are terrible, not very compatible, ugly, and unreliable. Evolutionary biologists think that human lighting preferences are the result of our trichromatic vision – rare in nonprimates – that makes us suited to daylight and the perception of primary colors. There’s an anthropological element as well: For 400,000 years, humanity has been banishing darkness with fire. And Edison’s light bulb is, at its root is a burning filament that casts the luminosity of a flame. Abandoning incandescent bulbs means leaving fire as our main light source for the first time in human history.

GE created the light-emitting diode in 1962. The first ones to appear in wide use – glowing a space-age red- turned up in the clock radios, calculators, and digital watches of the 1970s. Over the next couple of decades, additional colors came along.

LEDs are constructed more or less like any other semiconductor. Each diode is cut from a wafer of crystals coated over a base of silicon or sapphire. The crystal coat on early LEDs contained gallium arsenide or gallium phosphide, which gave the red-ish color.  Additional colors and improved brightness needs more control of layer composition and depth. Modern LED manufacturers achieve this by using precise ratios of indium, gallium, aluminum, and nitrogen for the crystal coat, which results in a bluish color.

But on their own, not even cutting-edge LEDs can produce anything appropriate for the living room. The blue- tinted illumination is fine for, say, a pen flashlight on a keychain, but it doesn’t come close to the warm light the human eye desires.

There are two ways LED manufacturers are able to create a pleasant white light, in the 1990s, the preferred technique was to combine red, green, and blue LEDs. But they all have different efficiencies and operational requirements. So now heat movement, power supply, and drivers – the bulbs’ controlling circuit boards – are getting more intricate.

The LEDs found in current home applications are blue diodes covered with a powdered undercoat called a phosphor, which contains rare- elements that filter blue light. The phosphor is commonly yellow, and depending on the structure of the phosphor and the portion of unconverted blue light, the resulting “white” light can range from the warm radiance favored for home use to cooler tints more suited to, say, retail and outdoor use.

• Long Life – 100,000 hours
• Color rendering – 85 CRI
• Color Temperature – 2,700K-6,500K
• Energy Efficient – 85+ Lumens per Watt
• Lumen maintenance – 70% of its light output at 100,000 hours
• Maintenance costs – go 10 years with out a change out
• Instant on Capability – Can be used with photocell or motion sensor
• High Output – 70W to 400W
• No flickering, No Strobing, No Noise
• Minimal Color shifting
• Starting temperatures as low as -40 degrees fahrenheit

Operating Principles Induction lighting is founded on technology that is essentially different from conventional gas sources or incandescent lamps. Instead of electrodes used in gas release lamps or the glowing filament of incandescent, light generation is by ways of induction – the transmission of energy by way of a magnetic field – combined with a gas discharge.

• Electrical Transformer Principle The principle is similar to that of an electrical transformer (Figure 1.). An alternating current (Ip) in the primary coil induces a corresponding alternative magnetic field in the core and the surrounding space. This magnetic field creates a current of the same frequency (Is) in the secondary coil. The larger the frequency of the alternating current, the higher the overall efficiency of the system, and the more compact the system will be.
• Induced Current in the Lamp Bulb The energy source in the induction lighting system – are equal to the primary coil of the transformer – is the lamp’s induction coil, which is driven by the high-frequency electronics in the HF generator. The secondary coil is represented by the low-pressure gas and metal vapor inside the lamp bulb (Figure 2.). The induced current triggers the acceleration of charged particles in the metal vapor. These particles strike, causing excitation and ionization of the metal vapor atoms, and increasing the energy level of the free electrons from these atoms to a higher, unstable state. As these provoked electrons fall back to their stable, lower-energy state, they emit ultraviolet radiation. This falls on the fluorescent coating inside the lamp bulb, resulting in light to be emitted.

Ultra-long lifetime The ultra-long lifetime of the induction lighting system is attributable to two primary factors:

1. There are no filaments or electrodes as in conventional lamps that are open to the effects of heat and high electrical potential, and as a result are subject to deterioration of performance and finally termination.
2. Because the induced magnetic field can easily pass through the glass wall of the lamp bulb, no throughput wires are needed as in incandescent or discharge lamps, where the glass/metal junction is another susceptible failure area.

Low Radiated Energy Levels The high frequency power supply to the main coil at 2.65 MHz – well outside normal broadcast and communication radio bands – guarantees highly efficient energy transmission between the induction coil and the gas and metal vapor filling of the lamp bulb. Radiated energy levels close to an induction lighting system are no higher than from a distant radio transmitter, while the UV radiated power is no more than that of a standard fluorescent lamp of the same power.

System Components The induction lighting system contains of three main components (Figure 3.), each of which can be replaced separately if service is required:

1. The lamp bulb or discharge vessel (Figure 4.) is a closed glass bulb containing a low-pressure insert gas filling with a small amount of mercury vapor. The walls of the vessel are coated on the inside with a fluorescent powder of any of the modern three-line phosphor types, providing a slection of color temperatures (3500K, 4100K, 4700k and 5000K). The discharge vessel is fixed to the power coupler by the lamp cap with a “click system”. These two components generally never need to be disassembled because of the long lifetime of the system.
2. The power coupler transfers energy from the HF generator to release the discharge inside the glass bulb, using an antenna that comprises the primary induction coil with its ferrite core (Figure 5.). Other parts of the power coupler are a plastic that support the antenna, a 40 cm coaxial linking cable that carries the current to the HF generator, and a heat conduction rod in combination with mounting flange. The mounting flange causesthe lamp system to be mechanically attached to the luminaire, and removes waste heat to a heat sink that forms part of the luminaire.
3. The HF generator (Figure 6.) produces the 2.65 MHz alternating current supply to the antenna. It contains an oscillator that is tuned to the characteristics of the primary coil in the antenna and the 40 cm coaxial connecting cable. The HF generator also includes preconditioning and filtering circuits to correct fluctuations in the voltage and frequency of the main power supply, and to prevent distortion from feeding back into the mains. All the generator electronics are stored in a metal box that provides screening against radio frequency interference and serves as a heat sink. The maximum permissible testpoint temperature is the other determining factor that contributes to the system’s long lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the induction lamp system and how does induction lighting work?
A: The induction lamp system uses a revolutionary technology of light generation that combines the basic principles of induction and gas discharge. Void of electrodes this new technology delivers an unprecedented 100,000 hours of high quality white light.

Q: What are the components of the system?
A: The system is comprised of three components; the generator, the power coupler and lamp. The power coupler transfers energy from the HF generator to the discharge inside the glass bulb using an antenna that contains the primary induction coil and its ferrite core. The power coupler also has a heat conducting rod with mounting flange. The mounting flange allows the Induction lamp system to be mechanically attached to the luminaire.

Q: Why Induction Lighting?
A: Induction lamps offer an amazing 100,000 hours life making it virtually maintenance free. It offers crisp white light with 80+ CRI and a choice of 3K, 4K, 5K and 6K color temperatures. The high CRI light makes colors look brighter, more vibrant and more attractive. It produces up to 80 lumens of light for each watt of energy. This 80 LPW efficacy makes it as energy efficient as high CRI metal halide systems. Induction lamps offer high reliability and instant on and off. With less heat output.

Q: Do induction lamps need a dedicated fixture?
A: Yes. Due to operating and thermal requirements the system needs to be properly installed in a suitable fixture.

Q: Can running a lamp interfere with computers or any other electronic device?
A: No. It runs at a low 210KHz and complies with FCC rules with no interference under normal circumstances.

Q: Will the induction lighting system interfere with telecommunication equipment?
A: No. The FCC standards are in place to protect navigation and radio communications. The system will not interfere with portable or cellular/mobile phones.

Q: Is the light output of an induction lamp affected by low temperatures? High temperatures?
A: The lamp’s amalgam fill technology and the heat conduction rod in the center create stable light output over a wide range of ambient temperatures, maintaining at least 85% of nominal lumens from -30° F to 130° F (for an enclosed fixture with heatsink). Induction lamps can start at temperatures as low as -40° F.

Q: Does operating position affect output?
A: No. The universal operating position does not affect the performance of the induction lamp system.

Q: Is the induction lamp system vibration-resistant?
A: Yes. The fact that induction lamps have no electrodes make them more reliable in high-vibration and gusty applications. The induction lamp system has proven its durability in bridges, tunnels, and signage applications.

Q: What, if any, is the effect of voltage supply fluctuations on the performance of the induction system?
A: Due to the built-in pre-conditioner in the HF generator, which provides a well stabilized internal supply voltage (a wide operating voltage range of +/- 20V) to the HF generator, the light output, consumed power and system efficacy (efficiency) of lamp system vary by less than 2% as a result of mains voltage fluctuations. There is no noticeable effect (visual or measurable) on the color performance (color temperature, color rendering, etc.) due to supply voltage fluctuation.

Q: Will induction lighting fade or damage materials?
A: The amount of ultraviolet light generated by an 80W lamp is roughly equivalent to that of a regular fluorescent lamp per 1000 lux. The permissible exposure time (PET) is +40 hours per 1000 lux, generously above the norm (24 hours per 1000 lux). The damage factor for materials is rated at a low 0.3 so induction lamps can be used in open luminaries without any front glass.

Q: How far can the HF generator be remotely mounted from the power coupler/discharge vessel assembly?
A: The length of the coaxial cable connecting them (15″). Because the cable forms part of the oscillating circuit of the HF generator, the length of the cable cannot be modified.

Q: At the end of life, must all components be replaced?
A: All three components are separately replaceable, however, induction lights are almost always supplied as a three-component system, even for relamping. End of life usually means the generator must be replaced, and at the time, it is usually recommended to replace the bulb, as phosphor degeneration at 100,000 hours lowers lumen output up to 37%.

Q: Why is induction lighting technology worth more?
A: Induction lighting systems offer five to ten times the life of HID systems for only two to three times the cost of the HID lamp and ballast. In almost all cases the payback in maintenance savings will more than offset the additional cost of the initial system.

Lamp Comparisons: Deco Lighting’s Induction systems lasts up to 10 times longer than HID systems while providing superior lumen maintenance. After 60,000 hours, our systems still produce 80% of their original lumen output. Improve safety, improve quality of light, save energy, and reduces maintenance cost.

Elisa Marra’s name was randomly selected from nearly 28,000 entries at the end of last year after she arrived at Bright Light Design Center in Cape May Court House, NJ. Jennifer Roemhild, the showroom’s Branch Coordinator and Lighting Designer, facilitated Marra choose new lighting for her beach house in Wildwood Crest, NJ.

Roemhild says she and Marra started working together at the beginning of the year to compose a lighting design place.

“Elisa knew where she wanted the light, she just didn’t know what products to use and the new items that were out,” Remhild says. “She knew she wanted an upscale costal look, but she didn’t know about dimmers and LEDs and other new stuff, wo we definitely guided her in the right direction.”

Roemhild says they were able to imbed new lighting into almost every room in the house, including the master bedroom, stairway and kitchen. Roemhild recommended Ambience LED lights from Sea Gull Lighting for the kitchen, and used Lutron dimmers around the house to give Marra more flexibility. But Remhild says the most dramatic transformation was in the home’s living and dining area, where she used a combination of low voltage lighting and pendants to brighten up the open floor plan.

• Step 1: Check the national LED list to see if your product is already listed. If it is, STOP! You do NOT need to continue.
• Step 2: Check the LDL LED list to see if your product is already listed. If it is, STOP! You do NOT need to continue.
• Step 3: If your product is not listed on either of the above lists, complete the LDL LED Manufacturers checklist.
• Step 4: Submit the completed checklist and all required documentation listed (LM79 report, warranty, product spec sheet and NRTL certification) to ledlist@lightingdesignlab.com.
• Step 5: For an integral LED lamp, submit product sample within 30 days.

Please contact AlconLighting.com with questions in regards to the process or post your question as a topic at AlconLighting.com/Forum. Good Luck!

“It’s about what we can do to make it easier for people who are growing older, as far as making a home low maintenance and comfortable while maintaing a designers aesthetic appeal” says Alesha E. Churba, Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS).

“The Baby Booomer generation has now gone through trying to help their parents and moving them into assisted living or nursing homes, and what they know is that they do not want any of that.” Noell-Waggoner says. “Baby Boomers are also a little healthier than their parents were, so they have the physical and mental ability to stay in place.”

A survey done earlier this year by The Hartford Financial Services Group and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) AgeLab discovered that, while 96 percent of people were aware of adjustments they could make to their current home to make it more comfortable as they age, only 26 percent have actually made those modifications.

“The Boomers have new demands for old age,” said Joseph F. Coughlin, Ph.D., Director of the MIT AgeLab, in a statement.” While they may choose to stay in the homes where they have their memories, marriages and mortgages, this will not be their parents’ retirement. It’s important that Boomers think about their current living situation today and ask themselves: Is their home quipped to be a home for a life time?”

While much of this talk revolves around home design elements like single-floor living, counter heights and handrails, lighting is also a key consideration.

The main thing to keep in mind, according to Churba, is that seniors need more light to see.  “As you get older, the lens in your eye is harder and also starts to yellow with age, like a newspaper,” Churba says. “Your pupils also get smaller, so what once was adequate lingting when you were younger isn’t adequate anymore.” Noell-Waggoner concurs, pointing out that the new lighting handbook from the Illuminating Engineering Society needs twice as much light on a work counter for ages 65 and older compared to the 25 to 65 age group.

Noell-Waggoner suggests a house with plenty of windows and skylights in order to take advantage of daylight. In addition to giving seniors sufficient light to read or work, being exposed to greater levels of natural light also develops better sleeping habits and reduces likelihood of depression. Homeowners can also maximize available daylight by converting to sheer window coverings and painting the walls a lighter color so that they’ll reflect more light.

Sheer window coverings are also helpful in decreasing glare, which is also a big concern, as aging eyes can’t adjust as rapidly to changing light levels. Glare can also be reduced by using softer or indirect light and less-reflective surfaces.

“A lot of time, task lights are so big and not adjustable,” she says. “My hope is with the LEDs coming out, we’ll get better task lights that give off more light from a better task light head. These types of lights are mostly made for the office environment, but I want one for old people.”

Churba also suggests having a switch by every room entrance to prevent tripping in the dark while looking for the light switch. She also recommends installing switches lower and outlets higher to make them easier to access.

Task lighting is very valuable in the kitchen, says Ben Pfeiffer, President and founder of Housingfor Seniors.com. Under-cabinet lighting is growing in popularity and he’s seen a lot of houses that are being retrofitted with fluorscents or LEDs.

“The bonus of LEDs is that it means less changing light bulbs, less climbing up on a ladder and fewer falls,” Pfeiffer says.

Churba also suggests choosing warmer lighting for the kitchen in particular. “A lot of times as people get older, they lose their appetite,” Churba says. “Colder, bluer light tends to make food look less appetizing.”

A primary concern is the bedroom is keeping seniors from falling if they get up in the middle of the night. There are several solutions: Churba recommends using night-lights or mounting a light switch near the bed.

“One huge thing that I recommend throughout the house is rocker light switches with a backlight or night light in them, so that if you’re in the dark, you can find the light switch easily,” she says.

Noell-Waggoner advises a low-level light that’s triggered by a motion sensor, so it will turn on automatically when someone gets out of bed. This also stops people from being blinded when a bright light turns on or off at night because older eyes can’t adjust as quickly.

One area that is often gone unnoticed is the closet. Churba says older eyes need more light to be able to differentiate between colors, so brighter lights are preferable in the closet and laundry room.

In the bathroom, too, task lighting is key.  “Instead of just a single source above the mirror, it’s better to have a light on either side because it helps light up their face better and illuminate the room more,” Pfeiffer says.

Churba agrees, adding that overhead light produces shadows under the chin, which can make shaving difficult as facial hair turns white or gray and becomes harder to see.

Steps and walkways are the primary areas to be aware of in regards to exterior lighting.

“Outdoor lighting is important not just for seeing but also for safety,” Churba says. “At the entry, you don’t want the lights to be so bright that you’re blinded, but you do need to see the door locks. Lighting that projects downward instead of outward is better because it’s lighting the ground that you’re walking on – falling is such a concern.”

Outdoor lights that turn on automatically are particularly useful. Churba suggests light with motion sensors, while Pfeiffer suggests solar-powered step lights because they don’t have to be plugged in. When it come to marketing theses types of changes to the Baby Boomer generation, Churba and Noell-Waggoner agree that education is key.

“Technology keeps getting better, but some of my older clientele are very fearful for the new technology and don’t trust it,” Churba says. “So, we have to reassure them and educate them on why it’s important to do theses things.”

“It would be so helpful if these were light vignettes to see the different lighting options so they could try out different fixtures and see what lighting type would work for them,” Noell- Waggoner says.

Candela: Luminous intensity, measured in candela (cd), is the amount of light produced in a specific direction. Graphically, this information is compiled into polar formatted charts that pinpoint the intensity of light at each angle away from 0° lamp axis (nadir). The numeric information is also available in tabular form.

Candelas/meter2: Luminance measured in candelas/meter2 (cd/m2) is the quantity of light that leaves a surface. It is what the eye perceives. Luminance will reveal more about the quality and comfort of a design than illuminance alone.

For questions about photometric terms, feel free to post your question either as a comment below or as a topic in Alcon Lighting’s Forum: www.AlconLighting.com/Forum.

Photometric information is generally provided by a manufacturer with each fixture to assist in the lighting layout.

Efficiency: Compares how much light is emitted from a luminaire given its wattage consumption; however, efficiency does not indicate the quality of light or visual comfort of a luminaire.

Efficiency % =  Lamp Lumens / Total Wattage Used

Unit LPW: Indicates total system efficacy; however, unit LPW provides no indication of the light’s direction or quality. Some luminaires with a lower LPW may produce a more desirable lighting effect than a luminaire with a higher LPW.

LPW = (Lamp Lumens x Luminaire Efficiency) / Luminaire Watts

Candelas: Polar candela diagrams graphically illustrate the light intensity at specific directions from nadir. Intensity is on the vertical axis, and radial lines indicate elevation angles at 30,° 60° and 90° from nadir. For symmetrical downlights, only one half of a plane of data is shown; for wall washers, both wall and downlight data are shown. Consult specification sheets for full diagrams of non-rotationally symmetric units.

Luminance: Average luminance numerically indicates the brightness of the aperture. Luminance is provided for various viewing directions, the 0° direction being where the wall wash or accent light is aimed. To convert the preferred cd/m2
measure to the older footlamberts, multiply by 3.462. Typically, luminance reveals more about the quality and comfort of a lighting system than illuminance alone.

Downlight: These cones of light provide single-unit performance with no inter-reflections from surfaces. Data listed is for mounting height, footcandle values at nadir, and resulting beam diameter. Please note:
1. Mounting heights are from the fixture plane to the illuminated work plane (task).
2. Footcandle values are at nadir (0°).
3. Beam diameter is defined as 50% maximum footcandle values. This allows rapid spacing of units for uniform illumination, allowing overlapping of 50% levels.
4. Maximum footcandle values may not always occur at nadir; batwing distributions produce maximum values surrounding nadir.
5. Proration factors are provided for other reflector finishes.

Beam Aiming: Beam aiming diagrams allow a designer to easily select the proper distance from a wall to locate a luminaire and get the center beam of the lamp where desired. For lighting art objects on a wall, the 30° aiming is preferred. At this angle, 1/3 of thebeam’s length will be above the CB point, and 2/3 will be below it. Thus, if a painting is three feet tall, plan for the CB to be aimed 1 foot below the top of the painting. For increased modeling of three-dimensional objects, two lights are typically used, a key light and fill light. Both are aimed at least 30° elevation and are located 45° off axis.

Accent: Patterns of light from adjustable accent luminaires are dependent upon the lamp type, wattage, lamp tilt and location of illuminated plane. Single-unit performance data is provided for horizontal and vertical planes, with the lamp tilted at either 0°, 30°, or 45° aiming. Please note:
1. Aiming angle is measured from nadir.
2. D is distance from the floor or wall.
3. Footcandle values are maximum values.
4. Effective Visual Beam (EVB) is determined by 50% of the maximum footcandle level.
5. Beam length and width based upon the EVB.
6. CB is the distance at which center beam of the lamp occurs either from the ceiling or nadir.

Wall Wash Data:
Asymmetric wall wash distributions are provided with two types of performance charts. A single-unit performance chart plots the illuminance levels at one-foot increments along and down a wall. Multiple-unit performance charts report the performance of the middle units computed from a four unit layout. Illuminance values are plotted centerline of unit and centered between units.
1. Illuminance values are cosine-corrected initial values.
2. No room surface inter-reflections contribute to illuminance values.
3. Changing unit spacing will affect the illumination level.

New FC = (Existing Spacing x Average Table FC Level) / New Spacing

Light Loss Factors: Many variables affect the illumination level after installation. Two of the greatest factors are Lamp Lumen Depreciation (LLD) and Luminaire Dirt Depreciation (LDD). Additional light loss factors affect the illumination level over time. It is the designer’s responsibility to understand and apply the appropriate factors. Lamp lumen depreciation accounts for the reduction in lumen output that all lamps experience as they age. Typical factors are listed in the following chart.

Luminaire dirt depreciation accounts for the reduction in light output of a fixture
due to accumulation of dirt on the surfaces of the fixture. The three factors that
determine the luminaire dirt depreciation are the optical distribution, cleanliness
of the environment and its cleaning cycle.

Effects of Lower Operating Voltage on Lumen Output: Any incandescent (including halogen) lamp operating at less than its designed voltage will produce less lumens and a lower color temperature than stated. This effect can be of great magnitude with low voltage lamps. The formulas below will create the multipliers to apply to photometric calculations and predictably plan the light levels of a given space. The table summarizes the more common voltages experienced. Formula to correct output for lower secondary voltage.

(Actual Xfr Output/Lamp Voltage)3.6 = % of published output e.g. (10.6 / 12.0)3.6 = 64%

Note: If using Excel simply enter =POWER((10.6/12.0),3.6)

Formula to correct color temp for lower secondary voltage:

(Volts Running / Volts Rated).42 = % of rated color temp e.g. (10.6 / 12.0).42 = .95%

Note: If using Excel simply enter =POWER((10.6/12.0),.42)

For in-depth information about the contents of the How to Read Photometrics – Photometric 101 (Part 2), engage one of Alcon Lighting’s designers by posting your question in the Ultimate Energy Efficient Lighting forum: www.AlconLighting.com/Forum

Residential Lighting: Where do you start when you’re consulting?
Charlie Alter: I always ask, “What is it about you business that wakes you up in the middle of the night?” Almost inevitably, the answer is how to sustain the business and grow it, particularly with the headwinds we face. I then follow up the discussion with the first step to take a hard, dispassionate and objective look at the current state of the company. Since it’s the end of summer, do a mid-year progress review of your business. Particularly, find out how profitable the company is. Figure out how you’ve been able to grow.

RL: How can we identify opportunities for development?
CA: Once you’ve evaluated your progress, you have to identify the most important things you can do today or for the next six months to make a difference and get traction. Start with your marketing and sales group. Find out what is getting in their way.
One thing, from my experience, is having too many non-customer- oriented activities. Sometimes, sales has all these ancillary responsibilities and not much time to sell. Find out what percentage of their time is spent genuinely selling – I mean direct contact with customers – and not just going to meetings, filling out forms and reports and other things. Gallup did a study on this and found that it’s not unusual for sellers to spend less than 10 percent of their time in GST – Genuine Selling Time.

RL: And other opportunities?
CA: Innovation. How do you explain new technology so that the end0use customers understand the changes and how it impacts them? What value proposition do you offer?

It’s nota all about product innovation. There is innovation in terms of shipping, logistics, and finding ways to decrease supply costs. Just find ways to offer greater value to the customer and lower cost, which becomes an innovation opportunity for them. The key term is “disruptive innovation.” You want you products and services to be disruptive in the marketplace – that is, they disrupt the market incumbent’s products and services by offering equal or better value at lower price.

RL: You advise “streamling and simplifying.” Explain this?
CA: Simplifying and streamling means aligning everyone to make progress. First, identify the key priorities for growth in the company. Make sure everyone understands his or her individual responsibilities to the program. They need to think: What can I do to support theses three growth priorities? When you make progress against these priorities, you can pick three more priorities.

Second, look at the current state of the company. Think expansively. Where are we really going as a company? Where do we want to be? What vision do we have for this business?

With those two “bookends” in place – priorities and vision – the opportunities and strategies for growth will become clear. I’d start by focusing on growth and innovation. I’d also consider trying to move up the “food chain” by starting to deal with larger customers. It’s actually pretty phenomenal what happens when companies do this.

If your business is not growing, it’s declining. Growth generates energy, enthusiasm, excitement and makes the place a lot more fun to operate in. Growing successful businesses also gets the best talent, because people want excitement. So for me there isn’t the option of not growing. It’s just a question of how do we grow profitably.

This is part of a new wave of Incandescents that com in at slightly lower wattages than their claimed equivalents (to comply with California law requiring grater but not great efficacy). Light quality was best in test, with the classic softness that has made it so hard for us to quit Incandescents. But it did seem dimmer than a full 60. And it’s rated for only 11 moths at three hours per day.

PROS: Price is right. Natural light color.

CONS: Inefficient. A bit dim.

Feit Electric Vintage Style Carbon Filament Bulb

The replica of an early Edison product wins points for aesthetics, with its elongated shape and ribbon like loops of carbon filament. Its perfect if you’ve got lots of antiques or live in a restored Victorian – or if you’re a retro- grunge/hipster. It casts a beautiful, warm light.

PROS: Awesome throwback chic and natural hue.

CONS: Generally sells for three times the retail price.

GE Energy Smart 13 Watt

One of the most popular CFLs on the market, this twister from GE is Energy Star rated, meaning that is claims of lifetime (8,000 hours), brightness (825 lumens), and color temperature (an incandescent like 2,700 Kelvin) have been independently tested. We rated it our second dimmist bulb in our roundup, but the soft white light was the best we’ve ever experienced in a CFL.

PROS: Outstanding light color. Long lasting.

CONS: Undimmable. Like all CFLs, it contains mercury.

Ecosmart Daylight A19 60-Watt Equivalent

Despite a worst in test 700 lumens (claimed) on a 14-watt draw, the EcoSmart didn’t seem particularly dim. And the globelike casing around the coil gave this CFL a nice, even glow. Too bad the light was such a disagreeable blue-grey that we couldn’t wait for the test to be over. It felt like being stuck in a Darren Aronfsky movie.

PROS: The rare bulb that appears brighter than advertised.

CONS: Daylight in name only. Undimmable. Contains mercury.

Philips Ambient

The first commercially available 60-watt-equivalent LED, this striking bulb has double the life (a claimed 15 years) of a comparable CLF. Our panel ranked it at or near the top for brightness and color of light (a nearly incandescent soft white), through opinions were mixed on its yellow color when the 8-ounce bulb is turned off.

PROS: First-to market bragging rights. Dimmable. Superb light and longevity. Conversation piece.

CONS: Expensive. Slightly odd shape means it may not fit in certain light fixtures.

Switch60 Warm White

The clear winner in terms of aesthetics, the Switch was also the brightest bulb in our test. The warm light it cast was comparable to any incandescent we’ve seen, but it was totter to the touch than any of the others – a function of the liquid cooling that transfers the heat up through the glass – and, at 10 ounces, the heaviest.

PROS: 20,000- hour lifetime. The choice for design nerds and surprisingly brighter.

CONS: Hot and relatively heavy. Ten times heavier than an incandescent.

LUMENS: The amount of light a bulb produces. Depending on which government agency you ask, this is “brightness” or “light output.” Your reference point: A standard 100-watt incandescent produces about 1,700 lumens.

WATTS: Not a measure of brightness; instead, it’s a measure of how much energy a bulb consumes to reach its claimed brightness.

WATT EQUIVALENT: Since we’ve conflated watts and brightness, it’s easier to talk about bulbs in terms of watts. So if a 100-watt incandescent produces 1,700 lumens, and a 20-watt LED does the same, the LED will be sold as a 100-watt equivalent.

EFFICANCY: The number of lumens a bulb produces for each watt it consumes. The higher the number, the more efficient the bulb. A good number for incandescents is around 18, CFLs around 60, and LEDs around 54.

BULB LIFE: LEDs dim over time. They’re considered effectively dead when they produce no more than 70 percent of their original brightness. For LEDs, this lifespan is given in hours of years, the latter an estimate based on three hours of daily use.

ENERGY COST: Based on an assumption of three hours of use per day at 11 cents per kilowatt-hour. For a 60-watt incandescent, it’s just over $7 per year. CFLs and LEDs both come in at about $1.50 per year.

COLOR TEMPERATURE: Expressed in degrees Kelvin, this is how we measure things like soft white or daylight. A pleasant soft white will have a color temperature of 3,000 K. White light ranges from 4,100 to 6,000 K, roughly equal to midday sun. Higher numbers get increasingly blue.