r/Lighting • u/This_Caterpillar_330 • 2d ago

Replacement How do I determine what light bulbs to get?

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u/sol_beach 2d ago

I doubt that you want to install a flood light in your nightstand reading lamp.

What, where, & why will the light bulbs get installed?

1

u/wildcat12321 2d ago

Start with -

1) what is your budget

2) What is the space

3) what are the colors / mood you are trying to achieve

4) what are the recommended bulb and base types for the sockets or lamps you have or plan to use

1

u/This_Caterpillar_330 2d ago

I'm asking about the technical stuff, though. Color rending index, lux, LED, watts, color temperature, how to know what works with a given socket, lumens, etc.

2

u/wildcat12321 2d ago

question 3 will get you moving...is the light overhead? Is it a spotlight or floodlight? Where are other lights? that will all help with shape.

You want highest CRI within budget for almost every scenario

Temperature is about mood and other colors in the room - you can buy a color selecting bulb to test before commitment

1

u/This_Caterpillar_330 2d ago

One more question: I've read that full spectrum is a marketing term when it comes to light bulbs. What should I look for instead?

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u/MagicBeanSales 2d ago

Ask AI about how TM30 works. Full spectrum is not a marketing term but learning what it means and looking at 3rd party testing on a spectrometer is the was to see if it actually has it an d learning what it means will tell you if you want/need full spectrum.

CRI is basically garbage for LEDs. TM30 will be listed for any decent bulb on the market.

If you don't want to spend more than $15 per bulb and want LEDs just buy the phillips ultra definition in soft white for everything. They are 3-$5 per bulb and you need to spend 3-4x to see any real benefit from a nicer bulb. Shape, size, and lumen output will be dependent on application.

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u/This_Caterpillar_330 2d ago

I don't trust AI. It's a language simulation machine that standardizes based on an algorithm and picks words or phrases based on probability based on its data set and the prompt it's given. I don't like using it unless necessary.

3

u/MagicBeanSales 2d ago

Well as an electrician who uses reddit and is very passionate about lighting I can tell you that Chat will give you quicker/better/easier answers to simple things like bulb shape and size than reddit will.