Light plays a vital role in our day-to-day activities. Therefore, choosing the right type of lighting for your home is especially important as different rooms and activities might each have specific lighting requirements.

This can be managed by using different light bulbs. Since the inception of LED light bulbs, different designs have been developed to suit the various environments and ambiances you might need in different rooms in your home. 

Lighting aisles in shopping centers are flooded with LED light bulbs that are diversified in terms of energy efficiency, color, cost, and suitability for different rooms. 

Your lighting needs will be dictated by specific requirements such as the number of rooms, color preferences, electricity costs, and energy efficiency.

For instance, a person looking for the perfect light for reading will prefer a reading lamp with a super bright bulb, while a bedside lamp will be best with a gentler light having a candle-like warm glow.

Types Of LED Bulbs

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Dual In-Line Package (DIP) LEDs

Most LED lighting is usually associated with the DIP LED chips.

While not as extensively used today, the DIP LED chips can still be found mostly in built-in electronics because of their diminutive size. The other reason the DIP LED chips may not be widely used today is because they are not  very powerful and only provide limited brightness.

Surface Mounted Diode (SMD) LEDs

This may be the most common type of LED lights available. They are mostly found on circuit boards where they are mounted and soldered.

They are preferred because they are brighter and more versatile even when encased in smaller electronics. By mounting several diodes on a single SMD chip, one has the option to include different colors and varieties.

Chip on Board (COB) LEDs

This is the latest LED technology in the market. As such, it marks a significant improvement in brightness, and one can park up to nine or more diodes on a single chip. With these developments, lighting efficiency is improved significantly as the brightness-to-energy output is enhanced.

Furthermore, it provides more options with lighting range. However, the only disadvantage is that COB LED chips can’t emit an eclectic range of diverse colors.

How To Choose The Best LED Bulb For Your Home

 LED color temperatures

LED lights are associated with different white light shades that give you more options for home lighting.

The LED color temperature is measured in Kelvins with higher values indicating whiter and cooler lighting. Options associated with color temperature are cool white (5500K-6500K), daylight (4000K-5000K), warm white (2700-3200K), and very warm light (under 2700K).

In the past, the criteria when shopping for light bulbs was to look for higher wattage, however, this might be misleading especially when considering LED lighting.

That is because LED bulbs use less energy and lower wattage, while offering the equivalent brightness of their halogen counterparts. Therefore, next time you shop for a bulb, do not only consider the wattage but also the brightness and energy efficiency the LED bulb offers.

CRI – Color Rendering Index

Understanding CRI is necessary when choosing the right lighting for your workspace or home. Lighting preferences are often centered around the type of space and personal preferences, however, this does not factor in CRI. 

It is important to note that higher CRI is preferred. That is because CRI refers to how accurately artificial light shows colors of people and objects. It is always on a numerical scale (1 – 100).

CRI assesses color accuracy and color rendition of different objects assessed under different lights compared to how they appear under natural sunlight and incandescent lights. As such, higher CRI means a better bulb color rendition or light fixture. 

Higher CRI is important for environments where presentation, color accuracy, and visual appeal are critically important. The reason CRI is an important consideration especially when shopping for an LED light bulb is that LED is associated with variation in color rendering.

LEDs are preferred to fluorescents since they are energy efficient, have long life, and do not contain mercury. However, besides all their advantages, assessment of CRI is also critical.

 Shape

LED light bulbs come in various shapes. Bulb shape designations are labelled with letters and numbers. The numbers indicate actual size while letters describe bulb type.

The number on a bulb indicates its diameter often in multiples of an eighth of an inch. As for shape, there are four main shapes of LED bulbs: specialty, decorative, A-shape, and reflector.

A-Shape – This is a common shape which is often considered the standard LED bulb shape. There are different A-Shape bulbs. The A19 bulb replaces the incandescent bulb of about 75 watts, while the A21 shaped bulb replaces incandescent bulbs of 100 Watts. There are also smaller A15 shaped bulbs.

Reflector – Often referred to as spot or reflect light bulbs because they have a reflective coating that focuses the beam angle (either narrow or wide). These reflector LED bulbs are engraved with the letter R to show the bulb shape designation. Below are some options of Reflector bulbs:

Mirrored Reflector (MR) that focuses light into a single focal point. This is suited for recessed lighting, landscape lighting, and track lighting.

The Reflector (R) and Bulged Reflector (BR) are directional bulbs that reflect light outwards.

The BR bulb’s housing contains a mirror-like coating and an additional mirror at the neck that gives it a bulge near the socket base, unlike the Reflector bulb that has the mirror-like coating only in its housing.

The Parabolic Aluminized Reflector (PAR) lamps contain flat lenses that come in different sizes such as PAR16, PAR20, PAR30, PAR36, and PAR38. These lamps are used for outdoor flood lighting, recessed lighting, and track lighting.

The Aluminum-facetted Reflector (AR) generally suits low voltage applications (in the range of 12 – 24 Volts) although options for the 120V are also available. They are used for architectural lighting and retail spaces, replacing halogen bulbs.

Chandelier

These are popular bulbs used for different decorative lighting needs.

The different options available include the B (Bullet) or the Torpedo bulbs, the candle or conical bulbs which are used as Christmas replacement bulbs and night lights, the Candle Angular (CA) having a flame shape with flame/ bent tips that are used as decorative bulbs, and the LED filament bulb that has antique lighting and is available in either bullet or candle angular shapes.

Globe – This is an LED bulb with a spherical design. Its size ranges from 1.5-inch to 5-inch diameter. Globe bulbs are used in light stringers, sconces, and decorative fixtures. Using LED globes that have LED filaments gives a more vintage look.

LED Filament Bulbs. These bulbs have LED diodes with a thin bar design. The popular options of LED filament bulbs available include Tubular, Edison, S14, Victorian, LED Silver Bowl, and Oversized.

Specialty LEDs – This bulb has fewer options of shapes and its use is limited to specific applications. Popular options of this type of bulb are the tubular and straight-sided shapes.

Dimming

Another important component of LED lighting is dimming. This feature of an LED bulb introduces versatility to lighting. To determine the dimming capacity needed in a light bulb, one first needs to consider the basic functions of the room where it will be used. 

For example, the living room serves diverse purposes where activities such as family playing board games, reading books, and watching TV can take place.

For such diverse functions, the room lighting should be adaptable. With the evolution of LED lights, one does not have to set up different light sources, but instead it’s possible to achieve a full lighting spectrum with dimmable options.

LED lights work with light switches that allow you the flexibility of shifting between different light intensities. Furthermore, there are smart plugs that allow you to dim fixtures and lamps by adjusting the dimness either up or down. 

Another approach would be to obtain dimmable smart bulbs. The best news regarding LED lights is that with time the cost of the bulbs is dropping, and many newer options work with voice controls which make dimming bulbs much faster and easier.

Price And Life Span

LED bulb prices vary depending on the different specifications. LED light bulbs come in many options that accommodate both a variety of customer lighting needs as well as varied financial capabilities. 

They have a longer lifespan compared to incandescent bulbs. The lifespan of LED lights on average is estimated at 50,000 hours and this could be prolonged to 100,000 hours if used well.

The number of hours that a bulb can last guarantees a good number of years of usage. With the increasing cost of living, people are exploring different options that can be used to reduce the costs of maintaining a home. 

One such option would be replacing all the fluorescents and bulbs with LED bulbs. That not only slashes the cost of energy usage, but it also leads to having an eco-friendly home. With the life span of an LED bulb, one saves on replacement and maintenance costs associated with bulbs that have shorter lifespans.

The Benefits Of Using LED Bulbs In Your Home

LED lights are a recommended option for home lighting based on their advantages and variety of options available. Some of these include:

• Opting for LED bulbs for your lighting needs means you get a quality product with a great lifespan which is cost friendly.
• LEDs are energy efficient in that they emit higher quality light per unit of power compared to other bulb options. Energy efficiency of LED bulbs could be 60 to 70% and this could be improved to 90% depending on the LED lights one chooses. This option also factors into the financial implications by minimizing costs.
• Unlike traditional lighting options, LED lights do not emit heat or UV emissions. That means that they are also eco-friendly and suited for use in the wake of current efforts towards mitigating the impact of climate change.
• From the above discussion on types, shapes, and other features, LED bulbs clearly offer numerous options. With these options LED lights also have design flexibility that can be suited for different functions, occasions, and roles. Their design flexibility features also includes instant lighting and the capability to withstand frequent switching.
• LED lights are known to have options for low voltage and dimming capabilities. The LED lights and bulbs are designed to work at low voltage. With this ability to work in different power percentages, they provide dimming when there is less power for maximum efficiency. The option also helps increase bulb lifespan and reduce energy costs.

 Where To Buy LED Bulbs Online or in store

You may be wondering where to buy LED bulbs online or in store. There are numerous options to consider. You can get quality lighting options especially LED lights and bulbs at The Good Guys (http://thegoodguys.com.au), MICA Lighting (http://micalighting.com.au), and JD Lighting. 

These are a few recommended sellers because they provide a variety of options at great prices. Furthermore, The Good Guys have same day delivery on bulk purchases (more than 100 items) while MICA Lighting facilitate direct purchase from the importer and offer greater details of up to 70% off on retail prices. All of them offer in-store and online shopping options.

Electrical hazards are a growing concern in many households, a problem which is aggravated by the presence of children and pets. A lot of electrical hazards are direct or indirect causes for fatal accidents, so it is crucial to understand the types of hazards, the reasons why they occur as well as the right measures to prevent them.

This article covers the top 10 most dangerous home electrical hazards you should be aware of and methods to prevent them.

1. Poor Wiring

Poor wiring at home is the most common cause of dangerous electrical hazards. You should ensure that the wiring system conforms to the appropriate safety standards.

Defective wiring can lead to power surges, fire, and other electrical hazards. It is advisable to avoid do-it-yourself wiring jobs at home and hire a licensed and professional electrician to handle the job.

As our reliance on electricity increases, we increase the risk of electrical hazards at our homes. Alertness is one of the best ways to minimize these hazards.

Maintenance and inspection by a professional electrician is essential to check for corroded, damaged, or worn-out electrical wires that can pose potential hazards. Regular checkup keeps everyone safe and eliminates faulty electrical wires.

2. Old/Damaged Electrical Appliances

While your old appliance might still look and function properly, it can be a potential electrical hazard, as old appliance damages cover a high percentage of electrical hazards in many homes.

Always check your old appliances for frayed cords that are pinched or that have cracked insulation. Damages to cords can be a result of bending, heat or corrosion.

For instance, items like laptops, tablets and smartphone chargers are highly prone to damage, as they are continuously used. It is advisable to replace these cords as soon as any bend or damage is noticed. This can greatly help you avoid electrical mishaps at home.

Children And Pets

The risk of electrical hazards increases in homes with children and pets. Exploring toddlers have a tendency to discover and tamper with electric outlets, using their fingers or other objects.

Toddlers and pets might even pull the cords of electrical appliances, if left unsupervised. Parents should take extra care to purchase wall outlet covers to prevent curious babies, and should also ensure that appliance cords are safely concealed or tucked away from kids.

Pets might also damage wiring by chewing on electric cords, also increasing the risk of electrical damage, and proper monitoring of the pets and concealment of cords is essential.

Another major problem of chewed wiring occurs due to pests, such as rats and other rodents, that can chew through not only appliance wiring, but also wiring within the walls. Consider hiring a pest control professional if you notice pests like mice and other rodents at home.

Water And Wet Hands

Water is a very good conductor of electricity and can lead to fatal accidents when coming in contact. Electrical outlets that are close to water supplies can cause many accidents and it is crucial to install outlets in kitchens and bathrooms as far as possible from the water source.

Code requirements typically define a minimum radius around the water source where no electric outlets are allowed. This distance minimizes the possibility of electric shock. Additionally, it is advisable not to use a phone, radio or hairdryer in the bath, on wet floors or close to the pool.

If it is essential to use such appliances close to wet areas, careful selection must be made to choose wet and water resistant appliances. Another common electrical hazard is handling electrical appliances with wet hands, as this greatly increases the chances of electrical shock.

Many people make the mistake of using a hairdryer right after the shower, while their hands are still wet, which is a risky behaviour.

Lastly, make sure not to use water to put off an electrical fire because it can lead to electrocution. In the case of such a fire, always use a fire extinguisher to put off the flame.

Overloaded 0utlets

Many homeowners use extension cords to add more devices and extend the performance of their electrical outlets. Loading too many appliances on the same outlet increases the chances of fire, as every outlet is limited by a specific power rating that it can safely supply.

It is essential to check with your electrician concerning the electrical load at home. A professional can determine the electrical load consumed at every outlet to avoid overloading and potential electrical fires.

Be careful how to use your extension cord as it is the leading cause of fires and electric shocks: avoid overloading the circuit at all costs and make sure the extension cord is not used as a permanent substitute for additional sockets.

Overheating And Lightbulbs

New and heavily coated electrical wires can overheat quickly. In order to prevent electric hazards resulting from overheating wires, it is important to ensure proper ventilation and sufficient air flow for appliances, computers and televisions.

Covered wire cords and cords layered under multiple layers of cord have a higher chance of overheating when overloaded.

Houses typically includes several light bulbs and lighting fixtures in each room, and while lighting units are essential for lighting purposes, they can also pose a threat. Always remember to turn off the switch before removing or replacing the light bulb.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the bulbs are not placed in close proximity to flammable plastics, beddings items, drapes and upholstery.

Proper wattage must be respected when buying and installing new light bulbs, to ensure that the wattage reaching the bulb matches its running capacity, from the direct source or from a driver. It is essential to keep your hands dry when attempting any electrical work involving light bulbs.

Electrical Blankets

Another possible cause of electrical hazards is damaged or old electric blankets. Be very careful when using electric blankets as they can pose a threat to your health and safety.

Proper inspection is required for the blanket regularly, and if you notice any signs of wear in the blankets, replace them right away. More importantly, you should never leave your electric blanket on while sleeping or when outside the house.

Avoid folding the blanket when it’s not used as this can damage the wires inside. Always seek the advice of a professional electrician to inspect and repair the electric blanket before using it.

Old Wiring

With time and continued operation, electrical wires become old and worn out. If you don’t inspect them frequently, they might cause major electric hazards.

Worn out electric wires can gradually lose the cover and sheath that covers the copper or aluminum, making them unfit to use by electric safety standards and might eventually lead to electrical fires and power surges. It is also very important to check for loose connections at outlets and switches.

If you have an older house, hire a registered electrician to check the wiring to ensure all the electrical components are working. This inspection will also help them decide if the wiring needs an upgrade or repair.

Carelessness

Electrical hazards can sometimes happen due to carelessness. Our days are centered around the constant use of electronic devices, and sometimes we might forget or neglect the proper methods or instructions for their operation.

A small negligence can lead to a huge problem, so it is vital to take proper care of all your appliances at home to avoid harm from electric shock or other repercussions of malfunctioning devices. Do not attempt to modify or repair them by yourself, and always use the appliance as intended and instructed.

Inspection When Power Is On

Inspecting electrical equipment for faults is very important, however, it is essential to ensure that the power is off to prevent accidents.

It is advisable to turn off both the outlet power source and the appliance source too. You should also allow the appliance to cool down, especially when dealing with light bulbs.

When repairing, moving or maintaining any electrical equipment, it is also important to turn its source power off, shutting it off from the outlet and the panelboard. You should also use a tester to make sure there is no more power on the appliance before you begin any work. 

Other Hazards

• Inadequate grounding- This is a common problem in many commercial and residential homes. If the grounding is not properly completed, plugging in metal items in the circuits can energize the electrical equipment leading to electrocution.
• Poor insulation- Insulation is crucial when it comes to electricity. If the insulation is damaged or inadequate, this can cause serious electrical hazards. Do not cover the damaged parts with tape if you want to resolve insulation problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

All households depend on electricity to operate numerous appliances, devices and for general power functions.

Despite all the benefits of electricity, there are a few hazards that can pose a threat to the safety of the homeowner and household occupants if proper care is not taken when handling electrical equipment and appliances.

Most electrical hazards at home can be prevented if you take the right precautions. 

If you understand the potential hazards, their causes and effects, it is easier for you to avoid them. This article highlights the most common hazards that can cause electrical fires at home.

We hope you will follow the listed precautions to maintain the safety of everyone in your household, the right measures can help avoid all these hazards.