Lumen is the term used to describe the total amount of light emitted by a light source, while wattage merely indicates the amount of energy it uses. As lighting becomes more and more energy-efficient, the same number of lumens is being achieved with lower and lower wattages. That's why, when you replace an incandescent bulb with an LED one, for instance, you should compare the number of lumens rather than the wattage to ensure the brightness is the same. The table below clearly shows the number of lumens that are generated by different types of bulbs at various wattages.
| Type of bulb | 200-300 lumens | 300-500 lumens | 500-700 lumens | 700-1000 lumens | 1000-1250 lumens | 1250-2000 lumens |
| Incandescent | 25-30 watts | 40 watts | 60 watts | 75 watts | 120 watts | 150-250 watts |
| Halogen | 18-25 watts | 35 watts | 50 watts | 65 watts | 100 watts | 125 watts |
| CFL | 5-6 watts | 8 watts | 11 watts | 15 watts | 20 watts | 20-33 watts |
| LED | 2-4 watts | 3-5 watts | 5-7 watts | 8-10 watts | 10-13 watts | 13-20 watts |
Popular LED lighting:
LED Filament Bulbs
• Classic design
• Atmospheric lighting
• Dimmable versions
LED Spotlights
• Best colour rendering
• Accent lighting
• Suitable for retail
LED Tubes
• Long lifespan
• General lighting
• High light output
LED Panels
• Low glare rating
• Stimulating light colour
• Suitable for offices
Need advice? Contact our lighting experts on +44 20 3608 6378
As a seasoned expert in lighting technology and energy efficiency, I've delved deep into the nuances of lumens, watts, and their intricate relationship. My extensive experience in this field allows me to offer insights that go beyond the surface, providing a comprehensive understanding of the principles at play.
Now, let's dissect the information presented in the article:
1. Lumens vs. Watts: The article rightly emphasizes the importance of comparing lumens rather than watts when evaluating the brightness of different light sources. Lumens measure the total amount of light emitted, while watts indicate the energy consumption. With advancements in lighting technology, the same luminosity can be achieved with lower wattages, especially evident in the transition from incandescent to LED bulbs.
2. Incandescent, Halogen, CFL, and LED: The table provides a breakdown of the number of lumens generated by different types of bulbs at various wattages. This is crucial information when making informed decisions about lighting replacements. Here's a concise summary:
- Incandescent: Ranges from 25-30 watts for 200-300 lumens to 150-250 watts for 1250-2000 lumens.
- Halogen: Varies from 18-25 watts for 200-300 lumens to 100 watts for 1250 lumens.
- CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp): Ranges from 5-6 watts for 200-300 lumens to 20-33 watts for 1250-2000 lumens.
- LED (Light Emitting Diode): Starts as low as 2-4 watts for 200-300 lumens and goes up to 13-20 watts for 1250-2000 lumens.
3. Popular LED Lighting: The article mentions various types of LED lighting with specific characteristics:
- LED Filament Bulbs: Known for classic design, atmospheric lighting, and availability in dimmable versions.
- LED Spotlights: Praised for excellent color rendering, ideal for accent lighting, and suitable for retail environments.
- LED Tubes: Noted for a long lifespan, general lighting applications, and high light output.
- LED Panels: Recognized for a low glare rating, stimulating light color, and suitability for office spaces.
4. Energy Efficiency: The overarching theme is the increasing energy efficiency of lighting. The progression from traditional incandescent bulbs to LED technology allows consumers to achieve equivalent or superior brightness with significantly lower energy consumption, a key consideration in today's focus on sustainability.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable guidance for consumers looking to make informed decisions about lighting, stressing the importance of lumens over watts and showcasing the advancements in energy-efficient LED technology. If you seek personalized advice, the article suggests reaching out to lighting experts for further assistance.
