TABLE OF CONTENTS Electric lighting has brought about a significant improvement in the standard of living for millions of people all over the world. The availability of bright, instantly available illumination has made it possible for people to read, write, and do intricate work more effectively during the nightime hours, without concern for the fire hazards of open flames in fireplaces or from lamps fueled by coal gas, whale oil, or kerosene. It also made homes more secure and streets safer to travel after dark.
The first electric power stations were built in cities in the United States and England to extend the benefits of electric lighting to the general public. More than 100 years later, more electricity is still consumed for lighting than for any other purpose.
Incandescent lamps have long been the dominant light sources, but that dominance is being challenged by halogen and fluorescent lamps. The halogen lamps offer more intense and natural-appearing light, while the newer fluorescent lamps consume less power for equivalent illumination, have far longer lives, and also provide cooler, more natural light. This chapter describes, illustrates, and explains the most popular light sources as well as the high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps. An extensive table gives the leading features of popular examples of all of these lamps.
Other topics discussed in this chapter include the different types and styles of light fixtures (now called luminaires), and the principles of home lighting design for each room. Suggestions for obtaining the most cost-effective illumination are given, and various...
