Going Retro: A Guide to Retrofitting Your Lighting System
Lighting - by David Neubert - updated on 9/19/2014
LED bulbs are everywhere these days. And why wouldn't they be? They're energy-efficient, they look great and they come in so many variations that you can use them for any lighting application. With so many options for homeowners and business owners to choose from, it's important to understand the differences between them. Here's a breakdown of the basic types of LED light bulbs – what they're called and what they do:
Retrofitting is the process of replacing old, outdated systems with new, more energy efficient alternatives. Currently this is very popular in the areas of home renovation and commercial lighting upgrades.
For Your Home
A-shaped or A19 bulbs – These are common household bulbs that most closely replicate traditional incandescent bulbs. They are generally rounded, with a multi-directional beam spread, and they work nicely in table lamps, desk lamps or overhead hanging fixtures. They can easily be screwed into existing fixtures.
Recessed, reflector or flood bulbs – These are mini spotlights that emit light in a focused beam spread, providing accents and direct lighting to specific spots within a room. They come in numerous sizes, can easily fit into existing fixtures (often cans) and most are fully dimmable. Some examples of these bulbs are: BR30s, MR16s, PAR20s, PAR30s and PAR38s.
Flame tip or candelabra bulbs – These bulb options work great in specialty fixtures (candelabras) and provide a subtle, sophisticated feel to a room. They are often fully dimmable, too.
For Your Business
Batteries Plus Bulbs has the right light bulb types for your business needs.
Post top, bollard, jelly jar or area bulbs – These come in a range of shapes, sizes and base types. They are typically used in outdoor fixtures – from lamp posts to sidewalk and landscape lights to fixtures that light up doorways.
Wall pack or shoe box bulbs – These are commonly found in fixtures attached to walls outside of buildings. They offer safety and security while operating throughout the night.
Garage or low bay bulbs – These are often used in parking garages or gas stations. They are designed to provide an abundance of light from an overhead structure about 10 to 20 feet off the ground.
High bay bulbs – These are most commonly found in warehouses, auditoriums or gymnasiums, offering maximum light output from high ceilings at least 50 feet from the ground.
Switching to these light bulbs may cost a little more upfront, but the enormous savings throughout their lifespan will pay for themselves hundreds of times over. Stop byin one of our any Batteries Plus Bulbs store today and discuss your options for retrofitting your current lighting system. With this type of technology at your disposal, you really can't afford to not upgrade your light bulbs as soon as possible.
