Edison lamps main characteristics and application.

History of creation

Although we call this lighting device the “Edison lamp,” the American inventor only finalized its design. Scientists from different countries worked on the creation of a lamp consisting of a glass vessel with a wire sealed inside through which current is passed. The first attempts to implement the idea were made by an inventor from England, Delarue. His work was continued by other engineers, including the Russian officer Lodygin. He suggested using a carbon rod instead of wire and this inspired the American to experiment with other materials.

The tireless Thomas Alva Edison, in 45 hours of continuous work, tried coal threads from 6 thousand different plants in his workshop. The result of this process was a lamp with a filament made of carbonized Japanese bamboo. After pumping the air out of the flask, it could shine for several weeks.

Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) Source luxfon.com

In addition, the American connected the resulting lamp to a socket, wire and socket, and designed switches and energy meters. The presentation at which he presented his brainchild to the public seemed like a fairy tale to ordinary people. The visiting journalists, scientists, and officials saw a small town, brightly illuminated by electric light. Houses and street lamps glowed, which back in 1879 was a real technical miracle.

Night street lighting Source chebo.biz

Although some complained that street lighting helped criminals and corrupted the youth, Edison's light bulb became a fixture in American life and then spread throughout the world. This was facilitated by its price, which in the early years was several times lower than cost. However, later the inventor more than compensated himself for all losses by reducing the cost of production and huge sales volumes.

Edison's Laboratory Source americanathebeautiful.org

Evolution of the incandescent lamp

Over the hundred years of its existence, Edison's light bulb has undergone changes:

• the carbon thread was replaced with thin tungsten wire;
• instead of vacuum, inert gases began to be used inside the flasks;
• As a result of adding bromine or iodine vapor to the flask, halogen lamps appeared.

This light source has found application not only in lighting buildings and streets. Over time, it began to be used in car headlights, lanterns, beacons, projectors, and they were equipped with water and air transport.

Edison locomotive Source 1.bp.blogspot.com

A modern incandescent lamp is a glass bulb filled with an inert gas. Inside it there is a working element - a thin tungsten wire coiled into a spiral. The wire is held by molybdenum elements and connected to the current source using electrodes.

Design of an incandescent lamp Source ds03.infourok.ru

When current passes through the tungsten wire, it becomes hot and glows so brightly that it can be used for lighting.

There are dozens of types of incandescent lamps. They differ in size, power, base diameter, shape and color of the bulb, and purpose.

Despite the fact that now the incandescent lamp has worthy competitors - energy-saving, fluorescent, neon - it remains in demand. The reason for this is a number of its positive qualities:

• low price compared to other types of lighting devices;
• small size;
• instant on;
• smooth light without flickering;
• ability to adjust brightness;
• environmentally friendly;
• normal disposal conditions;
• no noise.

Retro living room design Source electro-mart.com.ua
See also: High-tech house projects

There are also disadvantages:

• low efficiency;
• short service life;
• strong heating, fire hazard;
• high energy consumption;
• fragility.

Device

Edison lamps can be of several types:

1. Conventional lighting fixtures that have a general purpose. In most cases, they are used to create interior design in a “retro” style.
2. Edison lamps are widely used in floodlights to provide powerful lighting over long distances. They are divided into lighthouse, general purpose and film projection.
3. In mirror versions, part of the inside of the bulb is covered with reflective material, and the other is matte. This allows you to amplify the light in the desired direction. This layer is made using aluminum.
4. Halogen lamps contain gas from iodine or bromine compounds. It increases the lifetime of the tungsten filament due to the fact that it slightly prevents the evaporation of the molecules of the substance. Such lighting devices have a longer service life compared to conventional incandescent lamps.

Table lamp
Important! LED lamps are not incandescent lamps. They use luminous semiconductors instead of tungsten filament. Such devices have many advantages: long service life, high quality lighting. However, they are designed in the style of Edison light bulbs.

More than one filament may be used. There are models that use 20 pieces.

Spiral filament

Flask

Flasks are available in various shapes and sizes. Often used in the form of a pear, ball or tube. The diameter of the bulb can correspond to conventional incandescent light bulbs or reach 24-28 centimeters.

Decorating a bar with Edison lamps

Not only transparent, but also painted glass is used. A yellow amber tint can be used; there are specimens with golden or silvery notes of color. The choice of flask significantly affects the decorative qualities of the device. Some people use such lamps without lampshades because they retain their decorative properties even in this case.

Vintage glass is very fragile. It is not allowed to unscrew the light bulb while it is on. In this case, there is a high risk that the thin glass of the flask will burst.

Gas environment

One of the inert gases is used to fill the flask. Argon is most often used for this purpose. When operating a tungsten filament, inert gas helps slow down chemical reactions, extending the life of the lamp.

Lamps with unusual bulbs

filament body

One of the important features of edison lamps is the use of filaments of various shapes. The most famous are the following:

• herringbone;
• squirrel cage;
• in the form of a hairpin;
• leaf-shaped;
• in the form of a loop;
• spiral-shaped.

Sometimes other forms of threads are also used. The filament body is also characterized by the class and number of filaments included in the composition.

Chandelier with cylindrical lamps

Electrical parameters

The Edison lamp has the following performance characteristics

1. Operates from a regular AC mains supply with a voltage of 220 V.
2. The average service life is 3000-3500 hours of operation.
3. Characterized by a color temperature of 2700K. It corresponds to warm shades of white or yellow.
4. There are light bulbs of various wattages ranging from 25 to 100 watts.
5. The bulbs use the popular E27 socket, as well as E14 and B22.
6. Available with flasks of various shapes: pear, ball or tube.

You may be interested in this Features of smart light bulbs

Light bulbs can use different shapes in which the tungsten filament is made.

Base

In order to use such a light bulb, there must be a base into which it can be inserted. The most common option is E27 - a standard cartridge. However, this lamp is also available in other versions: for E14 or B22.

Original table lamp

Edison decorative lamps

The Edison lamp in the interior not only performs its direct function, but also helps create interiors in loft, minimalism, steampunk, Bauhaus, and contemporary styles. It resembles the design that was presented by the American inventor, but has acquired new features:

• The glass flask has various shapes and sizes.

Variety of shapes and sizes Source ae01.alicdn.com

• The number of tungsten filaments in it can reach 20. This is done for brightness of lighting and impressive appearance.

In addition to tungsten, a sapphire spiral is used, which gives a brighter light at the same energy costs Source vn.20minut.ua

• Another spiral option is LED. Its uniqueness is that the emitted light can be of both warm and cold spectrum. Besides
• The luminous threads inside the bulb are arranged in intricate ways, creating various shapes.

The attractive appearance of the bulb and spiral allows you to do without a lampshade Source ae01.alicdn.com
See also: They specialize in electrical and lighting

Lighting organization

Retro lamps in the interior are used for chandeliers, floor lamps, table and wall lamps, and also without decoration, simply hanging them on a cord.

When using an LED spiral, they can be placed individually, as such lamps provide bright lighting. It is better to arrange flasks with tungsten filaments in several pieces, use them for multi-arm chandeliers, hang them in rows or even twist them in bunches.

A bunch of light bulbs instead of a chandelier Source images.squarespace-cdn.com

Note! At the same time, do not forget that glass flasks with tungsten get very hot, so they should not be hung near flammable objects, or in the path of people.

Lamps that combine Edison lamps with forged metal, fittings, wood, and ropes look original.

Original author's lamp Source images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com

Operating rules.

Do not forget the safety rules when using lamps:

• For connection it is necessary to use only certified cartridges.
• Lamps should only be inserted and turned out when they are cold: you won’t burn your hands and the light will shine longer.
• The life of light bulbs can be extended by reducing the number of on-off cycles.
• When using a dump in a portable lamp, move it from place to place only when it is turned off.

Do not forget the safety rules when using lamps.

1. For connection it is necessary to use only certified cartridges.
2. Lamps should only be inserted and turned out when they are cold: you won’t burn your hands and the light will shine longer.
3. The life of light bulbs can be extended by reducing the number of on-off cycles.
4. When using a dump in a portable lamp, move it from place to place only when it is turned off.

Thus, vintage Edison lamps came back into fashion. They have many advantages: ease of connection, soft, pleasant light, interesting design. Lamps will help create a cozy and stylish interior. Don't be afraid to experiment!

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Application in various styles and spaces

In order for Edison lamps to fit organically into the interior, the lighting can be designed in the appropriate style:

• Loft style. The industrial style, which does not accept unnecessary decorations, chooses Edison lamps as the main lighting and decorative lighting. They are suitable for any room, arranged in several pieces or dispersed throughout the room.

The classic option is to illuminate the bar counter or dining table.

Dining area lighting Source hauz.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com

The cord is an important element; it also serves for expressiveness. Wires get twisted, tied in knots, hang loosely, and entangle objects.

Manufacturers and models.

Among the most famous countries producing retro lamps are Switzerland (Richi Light AG), Holland (Calex), Denmark ( Danlamp) and China (Uniel).

1. The Swiss brand Richi Light AG has been on the market since 1906. Their products are of high quality, the service life of the products is above nominal. The most critical light bulb components are assembled by hand.

1. The Dutch company Calex produces designer lamps.

1. Danish Danlamp has been producing products since 1931. In collaboration with designers, he makes beautiful and high-quality light bulbs.

1. The Chinese brand Uniel produces aesthetic, reliable and inexpensive lamp models.

In addition to the listed companies, there are manufacturers on the market from Germany (Voltega), Spain (Loft IT), Poland (Nowodvorski) and other countries.

Edison lamps as vintage accessories. Tips for use in the interior.

Vintage is in fashion now. World designers always use retro elements in their works. Vintage lamps are great for interior decoration. Lamps are also actively used to create a soft, warm and homely atmosphere in bars, cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Warm, amber light will give the room comfort and help you relax after a hard day at work.

Retro lamps do not dazzle the eyes and shine dimly. In an apartment, they can be used instead of the usual sconces, using a lamp in the shape of a candle or a cylinder.

A round or pear-shaped lamp hanging from the ceiling will create a cozy reading or craft area.

For basic lighting, instead of a chandelier, you can hang a large number of lamps - in a bunch or chaotically, then the illumination will be sufficient. The more bulbs you use, the less powerful they can be.

Retro lamps can be used either with lampshades or “naked”, hanging freely on a wire, like in grandma’s village. You should choose a simple lampshade or shade so that it does not distract attention from the light bulb itself.

Examples of using lamps in the interior

A non-standard type of lighting is combining lamps in a circuit, like a garland. Such chains can also be used for festive decoration of rooms and streets.

Retro garland Source cs5.livemaster.ru

Imitating candles with the soft light of tungsten filaments creates romantic lighting in the living room and bedroom.

Miniature table “candles” Source www.contemporist.com

Retro lamps help to achieve a unique atmosphere when decorating wedding halls and photo zones.

Light decor for the photo zone Source typemakers.ru

Using them, you can create unusual interior elements, for example, a designer lamp or a vintage illuminated mirror. Thanks to its accurate color reproduction, this mirror is suitable for dressing rooms and dressing tables.

Loft-style mirror with lighting Source eshome.com.ua