Monday, 30 April 2012

Know Your Bulb Bases for the Impending Switch


Know Your Bulb Bases for the Impending Switch

With incandescent light bulbs slowly being phased out by the government in an attempt to cut back on emissions, businesses and households alike are being encouraged to stock up on energy-efficient bulbs to replace them. But one of the aspects of choosing a light bulb which confuses many people, and has led to them putting off the switch from halogen to eco-friendly, is choosing the correct base. Everyone who considers themselves to be an expert at DIY has found themselves with the wrong bulb for a certain fixture before, and with a whole new range of bulbs now on the market, it can be even more difficult to ascertain which the correct ones are for a certain fitting. BLT Direct is a UK supplier of many lighting solutions, and their huge selection of light bulbs ensures that all bases are covered – literally.

The Edison screw is probably one of the more familiar light bulbs to many. Named after its inventor, Thomas Edison, there are actually many different sizes of Edison screw base, so it worth verifying the fixtures for exact measurements before going on the hunt for energy-saving bulbs. As the name might suggest, the Edison base screws into the fixture and are used the world over in many domestic settings. The Energy Saving GLS 11-Watt bulb comes with an Edison screw base, and the standard shape ensures that it fits the vast majority of fittings and fixtures around the home. These environmentally friendly and long-lasting bulbs are available for just £3.99 each from BLT Direct.

Bayonet caps are another very familiar base, with the easy-to-use ‘push then twist’ action used to attach it to the light fixture. Most commonly used for mains voltage lamps, there are occasionally some variants, such as the 3-pin bayonet cap, but for the vast majority, the standard basic bayonet cap, known as a ‘BC’, will serve many purposes. As with the Edison screw, the bulbs with a ‘BC’ base are available in two sizes, 22mm and 15mm, so it is worth checking the measurements of the fixture before purchasing. The GLS 15-Watt Energy Saving Bulb is fitted with the popular bayonet cap, and also available for just £3.99 each.

GU10 bulbs are now considered to be a direct alternative to halogen and incandescent bulbs, which will be completely out of production within months. Generally fitted with a twist-and-lock base which is similar to a bayonet cap, these energy-saving bulbs offer a much longer life span and great savings on electricity in the long run. Desk or ceiling lamps will generally accommodate a GU10 bulb perfectly, and with inviting warm white and daylight shades to choose from, they are a wise investment at just £4.99 each from BLT Direct.

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

Tuesday, 17 April 2012

Super-Efficient LED Capsule Lights from BLT Direct


Conventional halogen light bulbs are slowly but surely being forced out of circulation, with EU legislation ensuring that manufacture of 60w bulbs has already been halted in the UK and many other member countries. 40w bulbs and other lower grades will be phased out by degrees this year, meaning that, unless they have been stockpiling the older incandescent bulbs, the public will have to switch to the super-efficient alternatives such as LED bulbs. BLT Direct is an experienced UK supplier of lighting solutions, specialising in providing all sorts of light bulbs to both commercial and domestic customers. They have a huge range of eco-friendly LED bulbs including a fantastic selection of LED Capsule Lights, which are mainly used for down lights, desk lights and accent lighting.

In many cases, BLT can provide direct replacements for the older halogen capsule lights; their LED G4 Capsule Lamps have two pins at the base and can immediately fit into any existing fitting, making the switch from halogen to efficient LED quick and easy. These high intensity light sources are ideal for a wide variety of uses, including boats and caravans where space may be at a premium and bulbs need to brightly illuminate without the fixture taking up too much room. The bulbs are available in two shades: warm white and daylight, both comforting colour temperatures and easy to integrate into the home or workplace without looking too brash or out of place. One G4 Capsule High Power LED is available for just £5.99 from BLT Direct, a saving of 57%.

For those who may have been using G9 halogen lamps, there is also a solution. The LED G9 Capsule Lamps are ideal for similar applications to their G4 sister lamp, including accent lighting, desk lights and undershelf lighting. The extremely high energy efficiency of these bulbs paired with the low running costs makes them a great investment in the long term – where electricity is charged at the average 12p per kWh, a G9 Capsule High Power LED 2.5w bulb can save approximately £63.00 over the course of its life span. The bulb’s life span itself is another advantage of these technologically advanced lighting solutions; the previous halogen bulbs lasted for up to 2,000 hours, but the more modern LED version can withstand up to 30,000 hours of use. The bulbs are available in the popular warm white and daylight temperatures, and at just £6.40 per bulb at BLT Direct, the potential savings are vast.

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

Friday, 6 April 2012

UK Eco-Town Pioneers Light Bulb Trial


An eco-friendly town in the UK could potentially host the first large-scale trial of a new, affordable LED bulb that is just as bright as traditional bulbs. Zeta, a company based in Oxfordshire, has developed a light bulb made up of 90 LEDs to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb, with experts predicting that the bulb could last for up to 20 years. The bulb, dubbed the ‘LifeBulb’, is the result of a study into smart power distribution, and is without the mercury usually found in traditional light bulbs. This has led Bicester Eco Development and housing provider A2Dominion to put them forward for the pioneering trial.

BLT Direct is a leading provider of lighting solutions all across the UK, and has a wide range of long-lasting, energy-saving light bulbs that can last for many years and reduce energy output, just like those in the Zeta trial. With the manufacturing of traditional incandescent bulbs slowly being halted, Energy Saving GU10 Light Bulbs are now commonly considered to be a direct alternative to high-energy halogen bulbs. There has been speculation that these bulbs are not as bright as their halogen predecessors, but these fears are entirely unfounded; the newest developments in lighting technology ensures that these bulbs are highly luminous. The bulbs have a base which will fit any existing GU10 fitting, and it’s been predicted that these super-efficient bulbs can create energy savings of up to 80%.

The savings in energy translate to a smaller carbon footprint; something which is on everyone’s mind in this eco-conscious time. Unlike halogens or incandescent bulbs, LEDs produce light and no heat, upping their efficiency massively. A standard Energy Saving 11-watt GLS Bulb gives a fantastic 70% reduction in wasteful heat output, an 80% reduction in energy consumption and an incredible 90% decrease in UV output, all for the low price of £4.99 from BLT Direct. Their Bayonet Caps and Edison Screw bases ensure that they will fit a wide range of existing fittings and can be seamlessly integrated into the home.

From a financial perspective, switching to these energy-efficient bulbs is not only helpful to the environment, but also to the budget. A standard energy-saving light bulb can produce electricity bill savings of £50 and above over the course of their life span, with some of the bulbs lasting for 14 years when used for 10 hours a day.

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

Tuesday, 3 April 2012

100-year-old light bulb discovered in Cleveland, Ohio


Five century-old light bulbs have been discovered inside a time capsule in Cleveland, Ohio, with at least one of them still in working condition. GE Lighting began a 100th anniversary celebration of the opening of their Nela Park operation on Monday by digging up the lead time capsule, where they also discovered a book of technical specifications and a journal titled “Developing an Industry” . A special socket was used in order to show that one of the bulbs still worked after all this time, before the relics were whisked off to a laboratory to be the subject of some research into their longevity. The bulbs were buried as part of a representation of the new incandescent technologies which were just starting to break through.

BLT Direct is a UK provider of lighting solutions for all situations, and whilst they cannot pledge that their bulbs have a constant lifespan of 100 years, they certainly have a fantastic range of long-lasting light bulbs that guarantee a lifetime’s worth of illumination. Developments in technology over the past century have meant that bulbs now consume much less energy than the incandescent ones discovered in Ohio, and as such have estimated life spans much longer than the traditional bulbs of old.

GU10 light bulbs are considered to be a direct replacement for the types of bulbs discovered in the time capsule, and their energy-saving credentials are making them ever more popular. The average Energy Saving GU10 Light Bulb can last for up to 14 years, even when being used for 10 hours a day. They are available in a flattering range of temperatures and colours, with ‘warm white’ and ‘daylight’ being amongst the most popular choices for authentic and natural illumination. At just £3.99 each or £34.99 for a box of 10, purchasing just a few of these bulbs can eliminate the need to change bulbs every few years, whilst also saving money with its impressive energy-saving statistics.

Also a popular choice in the search for a long-lasting lighting solution are the GLS bulbs, which have the standard Bayonet Cap and Edison Screw Caps that most lighting fixtures and fittings are compatible with. These bulbs can last for up to 8,000 hours, and are also designed to save money on electricity and be kind to the environment. At just £4.99 each for a standard 11-Watt GLS Light Bulb, the price is so low that customers could potentially purchase more than they require and create their own personal time capsule with what could be seen as some of the best technology of the moment.

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

Thursday, 22 March 2012

Ensure Minimal Energy Bills This Quarter With BLT Direct



The evenings have been growing steadily lighter for the past few weeks and with the clocks going forwards this weekend, the UK will now be in daylight for much longer. It’s good news for those trying to cut down their energy bills, which will have been sky high throughout the long, dark winter. Lights will not be needed now until much later on at night, but there is a way to ensure that when the lights are turned on, they consume next to no energy at all. With technology moving at light speed, energy-saving light bulbs are more efficient than ever, providing warm white light for just a fraction of the cost and using a fraction of the energy. BLT Direct are a premier supplier of lighting solutions, including the very latest energy saving light bulbs, to help tighten up that energy budget even further over the spring and summer months.

Energy Saving GU10 Light Bulbs are now commonly considered to be a direct alternative to the high-energy halogen bulbs which are slowly being outlawed. The bulbs have a base which will fit any existing GU10 fitting, and they are available to buy in a wide range of colours and wattages. It’s been predicted that these super-efficient bulbs can create energy savings of up to 80%, with the standard saving of an 11-watt GU10 bulb standing at £58.50 over the course of its life span. Worries that these energy-saving bulbs are not as bright as traditional halogen bulbs are completely unfounded; the newest technology ensures that these bulbs are highly luminous and at just £3.99 per bulb or £34.99 for a box of ten, they are one of the best solutions for cutting down electricity bills whilst never compromising on quality.

BLT Direct also has a great range of Energy Saving GLS Bulbs, which come with the traditional Edison Screw Caps or the Bayonet Caps. These bases fit the vast majority of existing light fixtures and fittings, so converting to energy-efficient models needn’t be a daunting task. With the production of standard incandescent bulbs slowly being brought to a halt, now may be the ideal time to stock up on their environmentally friendly counterparts. A standard energy saving 11-watt GLS bulb gives a fantastic 70% reduction in wasteful heat output, an 80% reduction in energy consumption and an incredible 90% decrease in UV output. These bulbs are available in three colour temperatures (very warm white, cool white and daylight), and prices start at £4.99.

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

Add Value To A Property With Environmentally-Friendly LEDs

Interior designer Danielle Proud has affirmed her opinion that making a home more environmentally friendly through the use of low-energy LED lights can add value to a property. "To make your home more environmentally friendly you can do things like increase the insulation. I would say update all your light fittings to the new LED ranges,” she says. Using LED lighting is now a requirement in building regulations anyway, and with prospective property buyers more interested than ever in the ‘green’ credentials of a house, getting the lighting arrangement right is vital.

For those looking to spruce up their property before they put it on the market, BLT Direct has a great selection of LED lights and the newest technology in energy-saving lighting solutions. Their experience as leading online suppliers and their catalogue of over 10,000 light bulb products make them among the very best in the business and anyone looking to purchase new light bulbs, fixtures or fittings need look no further.

One of the biggest myths about LED lighting is that it provides a stark white light, which some consider to be unappealing. BLT Direct can easily dispel this myth with their LED GU10 5-Watt Warm White Bulb, which provides cosy and inviting illumination for any room. The GU10 range is considered to be a direct alternative to the high energy consuming halogen bulbs which are slowly being outlawed. Over the course of its considerable lifespan (up to 30,000 hours) these bulbs are predicted to save around £162.00 in energy bills, based on standard electricity prices. Considering these bulbs are priced at just £10.99 from BLT Direct, there are huge savings to be made for those willing to convert to LEDs.

Mood lighting using LED lighting can also make a world of difference to any room or living space, highlighting focal points of the room and adding an air of sophistication. The LED PAR Lamps available from BLT Direct are ideal for this purpose; their 50,000 hour lifespan means they can be used in hard-to-reach places without the fear of having to constantly change the bulb, and they are available in a range of colours to create many different moods and atmospheres. Cool blue LED PAR lamps can create a relaxing and calm environment in a bathroom or spa, while warmer oranges and reds are more suitable for lounges and living spaces.

Dimmable LED Light Bulbs are also a great way of adding not only value to a property, but also style. Available in a range of shapes and with many popular bases available so that existing fixtures need not be altered, these dimmable bulbs are a great way to create ambience and to save energy. Why use a bulb at full brightness when using a dimmer can result in energy savings of up to 80%? A standard GU10 LED Dimmer Bulb starts at just £19.99 from BLT Direct, but its environmental credentials can add a substantial amount more to the value of a property.

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

Thursday, 15 March 2012

Coloured Light Bulbs For Any Setting


It is that time of year when homeowners up and down the country decide to spruce up their living space, whether through a traditional spring clean or through a few new interior finishing touches. Mood lighting is a great way to revamp a home and give a room a whole new atmosphere, and coloured light bulbs can contribute greatly to this. Cosy, inviting rooms such as the living room or bedroom would benefit from warm red or orange lights, whilst relaxing spaces such as a bathroom might acquire a heightened level of calm with the addition of some cool blue bulbs. BLT Direct is a UK provider of lighting solutions for all commercial and domestic uses, and has a huge selection of coloured light bulbs to choose from for those wishing to give their home a face-lift this Spring.

Incandescent bulbs are inexpensive and easy to acquire from BLT Direct, despite the fact that some wattages have been outlawed and are no longer manufactured. The coloured versions of these bulbs come in a huge range of styles and wattages, with colours for every occasion or atmosphere. The popular Edison Screw Cap (ES) and the Bayonet Cap (BC) are both available, meaning that these bulbs will fit practically every existing fitting or fixture, with no need for the customer to purchase a whole new appliance. The Coloured Incandescent Light Bulbs have a life span of approximately 1,000 hours, making them a cheap and simple way to update a living space or provide some accent lighting in a commercial setting.

Energy saving is high on everybody’s agenda right now, so BLT Direct’s range of Energy Saving Coloured Light Bulbs are a must. The bulbs are available in standard blue, green, yellow and red, and each bulb is estimated to save customers £49.20 over the course of its 5,000 hour life span. With both Bayonet Caps and Edison Screw Caps to choose from, the bulbs are ideal for seasonal displays and atmosphere lighting.

LEDs are much more powerful than standard halogen or incandescent bulbs, whilst also consuming much less energy. The super-efficient Coloured LED Bulbs available from BLT Direct are made up of a cluster of LEDs and are available in 10 different colours as well as a colour changing option for a more versatile display. Lasting for up to 50,000 hours, these environmentally-friendly bulbs are estimated to save customers £109.20 worth of energy consumption over the course of their life, and are perfect for placing a hard to reach place where a bulb won’t need to be changed or adjusted.

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