Light Source

What do you look for when choosing a light source?

More and more lamps have an integrated LED light source. Lamps with an interchangeable light source need extra attention because the lamp will not work without a properly fitting light source, but what should you pay attention to? Which socket should I put in my lamp? The first thing to look for when buying a light source is the type of fitting. The fitting of the lamp should match the fitting of the light source.

If your floor lamp has an E27 fitting, it should also have a light source with the same fitting. You can find the type name of a fitting in the lamp's specifications. The most common fittings for table lamps, pendant lamps and floor lamps are E27 and E14. These are mainly G9 fittings and GU10 fittings for surface mounted and recessed spotlights. With LED lighting, the light intensity is indicated by the number of lumens. So never choose a light source with a higher output than indicated; otherwise, the lamp may break down. Light sources come in many colours, types and sizes. You choose a different colour for functional light than when you want a real atmosphere creator. Besides the colours, there are also different shapes.

FITTING

The fitting, or lamp holder, is attached between the fixture and the intended light source. It is the connection and connector between the lamp and the light source. There are many types of fittings. Modern LEDs have a built-in light source; this does not involve a fitting.

Light source including

This indicates whether or not the light source is included as standard. If the light source(s) are not included, you will find the corresponding lamp in the accessories

POWER SUPPLY / DRIVER

A power supply is the part of the lamp that changes the input voltage (coming from the mains). The input voltage is made suitable for the various components of the lamp. Often the voltage is transformed into another voltage. A power supply can also convert AC voltage to DC voltage (or vice versa). If no transformations are needed (as with an incandescent lamp), no power supply or driver is required. It is called an adapter if the conversion does not occur in the device itself but by a separate device.

Dimmable

This indicates whether this light source or fixture can be dimmed. Please note, this does not mean that a dimmer is already included.

IP VALUE

The IP value indicates the degree to which electrical devices such as lighting fixtures are protected against solid objects and water.
An IP (InternalProtection) value always consists of two digits.

The first digit indicates the protection against solid objects.
The second digit indicates the degree to which the device is protected against water.

If a device is well sealed against water (second digit), then it is difficult for solid objects to enter the device (first digit).
A high second rating is therefore always accompanied by a high first rating.
A lighting fixture that you want to use outside or in the bathroom therefore requires a higher IP value.
Thus the bathroom is divided into four imaginary safety zones, each with their own required IP value.