The Benefits of LED Lights

Technology is advancing these days at what can only be called light-speed. Aspects of everyday life are continually being improved upon, and this is especially true for the light bulb industry. With so many new rules and regulations regarding energy consumption and eco-friendly electrical appliances, the old halogen bulbs are slowly being outlawed in favour of modern alternatives such as the LED light. LEDs, or 'light-emitting diodes' have come to prominence in the last few years to coincide with traditional incandescent bulbs being taken off the market. Companies such as BLT Direct, one of the UK's largest suppliers of lighting solutions, have huge ranges of LED lights on offer. But what's so good about LEDs?

The biggest difference between traditional bulbs and LED light bulbs is their life expectancy; an incandescent light bulb can last for up to 5,000 hours where an LED light has an average lifespan of 100,000 hours – that's 11 years of continuous operation! This makes the LED not only good to use as a regular lighting solution, but ideal for lights which may be in difficult places to access, impairing the ability to change them regularly. The staggering lifespan also contributes to money-saving; a single LED may cost more than an old-fashioned incandescent bulb but money will be saved over the number of replacements that will have been escaped by using an LED.

The savings also translate to power and energy, keeping electricity bills lower than ever. LED bulbs operate at 80% efficiency, meaning that LEDs convert 80% of their energy into light, as opposed to the mere 20% of the older types of bulb. If all lights in all homes were changed to LEDs there would be massive effects for electricity bills. Unlike halogens or incandescent bulbs, LEDs produce light and no heat, upping their efficiency massively. They also don't produce any harmful UV radiation, meaning that they don't only help to cut energy costs, but carbon footprints too. When it eventually does come to changing an LED light bulb (in many decades' time), they are easily recyclable as they don't contain any Mercury and will not damage the environment.

LEDs are just as adaptable as halogen and incandescent bulbs, if not more so. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to fit any light fixture. The selection of colours they are available in is also fairly extensive, from the decorative blue, red and green to shades resembling daylight which can be used to brighten up any room without access to natural light.

To find out more and order online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com

A Guide To Common Bulb Bases

Choosing a bulb for a light fixture can be tricky business; there are so many different wattages and colours, with varying sizes to choose from. One of the most confusing aspects of choosing light bulbs can be getting the base right; every DIY expert has, at some point or another, managed to find him or herself with the wrong bulb to match a fixture. BLT Direct, one of the UK's leading suppliers of lighting solutions, have a huge selection of light bulbs with many different types of base; here are the five most popular bases they stock.

The bayonet cap is probably the most familiar light bulb to the majority of customers, with it's familiar shape and the easy-to-follow 'push then twist' action used to connect it to the light fixture. They come in two sizes, 22mm and 15mm, and they are most commonly used for mains voltage lamps. There are occasionally some variants, such as the 3-pin bayonet cap, but for standard household fittings the basic bayonet cap, known as a 'BC', will suffice. This Box Of 10 GLS 60-watt Pearl bulbs are a very common and standard bulb with a bayonet cap, created to fit a variety of applications and available at BLT Direct for just £10.49.

Another of the most well-known light bulb bases is the Edison screw, named after the inventor Thomas Edison who was credited with creating the electric light bulb as we know it today. There are many different sizes of Edison screw base so it is worth checking any fixtures for the exact measurement before purchasing. As in the name, the Edison base screws into place and are usually used in domestic settings. They are used the world over, and the fact that the base comes in many different sizes means that it is versatile and adaptable. Also available in a standard shape and a 'warm white' shade, BLT Direct has a Box Of 10 Energy Saving GLS light bulbs which come with the Edison screw base and are available for £11.99.

GU10 bulbs are coming into prominence with the slow phasing-out of halogen bulbs; it is important to know which sort of fixtures these bulbs will fit. They are seen as like-for-like replacements for their outlawed halogen cousins, with more energy-saving capabilities and a longer life. The GU10 bulbs are generally twist and lock bulbs, similar to bayonet caps, and will generally fit many domestic fixtures such as desk or ceiling lamps. Single GU10 Energy-Saving 11-watt light bulb are available in wonderful daylight colours from just £4.99 at BLT Direct.

To find out more and order online, visit http://www.bltdirect.com