Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Uses for Miniature Light Bulbs

miniature light bulbsMiniature light bulbs likely play as much a part in the average person’s everyday life as the more noticeable standard light bulbs that can be found in every room in a home or office.

However, miniature bulbs are much less noticed because they tend to last longer than the bulbs in your ceiling fan.  Unlike the bulbs in your ceiling fan, the need for replacement of faulty or expired miniature bulbs can often be a much higher priority, though the need is rarely noticeable until a replacement is needed.  There can be various applications for miniature bulbs, but some of the most common and important include the following.

Flashlights
From helping you find relatively unimportant items hidden in your car to safely navigating an emergency situation, flashlights are a wonderful invention.  When a flashlight stops working, most peoples’ knee-jerk reaction is to assume that the battery is dead, and while this is the case most of the time, it’s not always.  Many flashlights come with replacement flashlights bulbs to help guard against this type of situation, but not all do.  If you keep an emergency kit ready, it’s a good idea to make replacement flashlight bulbs a part of it right along with extra batteries. 

Headlights
Whether it’s an ATV, motorcycle, or automobile, headlights are a necessity when operating in the dark.  Obviously, functional headlights on a motorcycle or automobile are necessary to operate under the laws of every state, but you may be surprised to learn that you can buy replacement headlight bulbs for these lights at premium prices from places other than auto parts stores.  This is particularly true if you buy automotive light bulbs in bulk. 

Interior Automotive Lights
While not a necessity by law, the lack of interior lights can be extremely frustrating if you lose something in your vehicle, or if you need to locate something in the glovebox or middle console.  Having a decent stockpile of appropriate small light bulbs can be a real blessing when it’s after dark and the auto parts store is closed. 

Aviation Lights
Unlike automobiles, flying craft require exterior lights apart from headlights to be considered legal for operation by the FAA.  The types of lights we’re talking about here include navigation lights, landing lights, flashing beacons, and wingtip strobes.  Airports, landing strips, and entities owning structures that protrude high enough to be considered aircraft collision liabilities also need lights to assist pilots in guiding their craft safely through the air.  Obviously, it makes sense to have appropriate replacement bulbs on hand in the aviation world.

About the Author: BulbTown is the best source for replacement bulbs of all shapes, sizes, colors, wattages, and voltages in bulk.  Their inventory can be viewed online at www.bulbtown.com.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Green Light Bulbs Light Up St. Patrick’s Day

March 17th celebrates the arrival of Saint Patrick (AD 385–461) to Ireland in AD 432.  It’s no secret that St. Patrick is the most revered saint in Ireland.  While traditionally a religious festival for Catholics, Anglicans, Eastern Orthodox Christians, and Lutherans, the holiday has since impacted the secular and commercial world in much the same way that Easter, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and the 4th of July have. 
green light bulbs
For better or worse, much of modern society gives less attention to who Saint Patrick actually was, and more attention to parades, green beers, green clothing, Gaelic music, shamrocks, and leprechauns. If one thing is for certain, it’s that Americans, Brits, Scots, and the Irish love to party, and we’ll find any reason to do it. Birthday?  Party.  4th of July?  Party.  Graduation?  Party.  Engagement?  Party.  Baby on the way?  You get the gist.  If you’re like most Americans, you likely intend to celebrate St. Patrick’s day somehow. 

Any party, whether in a bar or someone’s home, is all about the atmosphere.  The atmosphere sets the tone.  The tone affects people’s moods.  People’s moods either make or break a party. 

That said, decoration is essential for a successful St. Patrick’s Day party.  Shamrocks everywhere are a great start.  Leprechaun costumes up the ante even more.  But there might be one thing missing from your St. Patrick’s day décor: lights. 

Think about it.  What makes Christmas such a beautiful time of year? 
Snow.  Christmas trees.  Houses.  What do they all have in common?  They’re all illuminated by lights.  

LED & Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Green light bulbs and white light bulbs together can accentuate the theme of a room exponentially.  Green colored light bulbs come in a variety of types.  Some of the most popular are green LED light bulbs and green fluorescent light bulbs.  Considering that “green” is the theme, LED lights make a great choice as they are much more energy efficient than standard incandescent bulbs, not to mention they also have a much greater lifespan.  Fluorescent light bulbs are also a great energy-saving option, particularly compact fluorescent bulbs. 

Whether you choose incandescent, LED, or fluorescent, adding any type of green colored light bulbs to your décor will add the extra pizazz needed to elevate your St. Patrick’s Day party to the ultimate memory-making of a lifetime!
         
About the Author: BulbTown specializes in all type, size, wattage, and color variety of light bulbs, including green light bulbs and white light bulbs.  Browse their online store at www.bulbtown.com to help make your St. Patrick’s Day a success!

Monday, February 3, 2014

Broken Glass & Safety: Shatterproof Light Bulbs

shatter proof light bulbsLight bulbs that don’t shatter? We know you’re probably thinking, "but they’re made of glass, and glass breaks." While that is true, there are shatter proof light bulbs that are designed to keep the breakage from becoming a problem. They have been around for decades, mostly used in production facilities and the food service industry.

The concept behind shatterproof bulbs is pretty simple. Glass is fragile, and keeping it from breaking just isn’t possible. The next best thing is a bulb that doesn’t allow the glass to shatter and scatter all over the place. So, how do you do that? With a safety coating.

Shatterproof light bulbs have been coated with a material that is puncture resistant, usually Teflon. The coating acts like a barrier between the bulb and the outside world. While this safety coating won’t keep the bulb from breaking it will keep all the broken pieces contained. One thing worth noting is that safety coated light bulbs do have the potential for producing trace amounts of gas. While this gas hasn’t been found to affect people, it can be harmful to birds.

The Advantages of Using Shatterproof Bulbs

Improved Safety
Of course the biggest advantage with shatterproof bulbs is that there is almost no risk of injury because the broken glass is contained in the safety coating.

No Mess
In most instances when a shatter resistant bulb breaks, the glass and components are held in by the exterior coating. When a normal bulb breaks, these parts can scatter creating a substantial mess that needs thorough cleaning.

Wide Selection
Safety coated light bulbs come in a variety of shapes, wattages, voltages, and sizes from long fluorescent bulbs to the ordinary household lights. Virtually any bulb can be safety coated.

Industries That Use Safety Coated Light Bulbs

Because of the dangers that a broken bulb can pose in the work environment and to consumers, the FDA, USDA, and OSHA have all created regulations for shatter resistant bulbs. The FDA Food Code Chapter 6, Section 202.11 has deemed that protected or shatter resistant bulbs need to be used in areas where the following are present:

  • Exposed food
  • Clean equipment
  • Utensils
  • Linens
  • Unwrapped single-service and single-use articles

This means that restaurants, food processing plants, food packaging facilities, etc. must all use shatterproof light bulbs. In addition, safety coated light bulbs must be used in child care facilities and in elevators. Shatterproof light bulbs are also used in some types of machinery that could be adversely affected if broken glass and lamp components were to get within the machine parts.

All workplaces can greatly benefit from the use of shatterproof bulbs because they limit the chance of injury and reduce liability. If you’d like to replace your standard bulbs with shatter resistant options check out our selection at www.bulbtown.com. We have dozens of shatterproof bulbs to choose from at great prices!

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Marine Lighting and Safety

marine lightingBoating is not just a summer activity and as the days get shorter, it is important to make sure lights are correctly taken care of to ensure the safety of passengers and others on the water. 

Many boats are equipped with marine dock lights that at first glance, seem to serve the same purpose as headlights on a car.  However, it is illegal in most (if not all) states to operate a marine vessel in open water at night with the docking lights turned on.  While this is common knowledge for those who have taken a boating class, it isn’t something that would necessarily be inferred by someone who hasn’t. 

Another nuance to boating is that a boat must have operational marine navigation lights to be in lawful compliance when operating at night. This is a trait that both boats and airplanes have in common. So what are navigation lights and what are they used for?  Navigation lights are a pair of two lights, one colored green and one colored red.  These lights help an observer outside of the watercraft to determine position and heading.  The red light is always positioned on the left side of a craft, and the green light is positioned on the right.  This means that if an observer sees a boat coming towards them, then they will see the red light on their right, and the green light on their left.  Conversely, if an observer sees a boat moving away, then the red light will be on their left, and the green light on their right.  In short, navigation lights help determine who has the right of way in a waterway, and are also used in aircraft to help an observer determine heading and position of an observed aircraft. 

One trait that boats and automobiles share is that they both have internal cabin lights.  Marine cabin lights share the same purpose as automobile cabin lights in that they allow passengers to see inside the cabin when it’s dark outside. 

The use of marine lighting essentially serves the same purpose as automobile lighting, to make the activity safer. Do you have any questions about other types of marine lights? Let us know in the comments, we would be happy to help answer

About the Author:
Bulbtown specializes in replacement light bulbs of all types, watt-ages, sizes, and application, including marine light bulbs.  Their inventory can be viewed at www.bulbtown.com.




Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Easy Tips for Christmas Decoration Lighting

Tips on Lighting the Christmas Tree

One of the hardest parts for many decorating do-it-yourselfers are the Christmas tree bulbs. How many times have you attempted to light your tree and the end result was not what you anticipated or hoped for? Maybe there was a big void of light in the center of the tree, or maybe half of the lights didn’t even shine. Whatever the case, these tips are designed to help make your decorating much easier and successful.

  • Your first step is to ensure that all of your Christmas light bulbs are working. That means that you need to plug them in before you even begin the decorating process. If you find that a light or two is not burning, be sure that you have a selection of replacement Christmas light bulbs on hand.
  • Divide the tree into three sections. Don’t try to tackle the entire tree at once. Instead mentally divide the tree into sections from the top to the bottom. Then begin stringing the lights by each section.
  • Start hanging your Christmas bulbs from the bottom of the first section. This makes your life much easier. Weave each string of lights in and out of the branches until you reach the top.

Tips on Outdoor and Indoor Lighting

Starting out with your outdoor and indoor lighting is similar to your tree. You want to begin by plugging in your lights to see how many Christmas light replacement bulbs are needed. After that step is complete, then you can move onto the actual design.

  • Choose your plan. After you know what lights are working, choose your design plan. Do you want to use shimmering lights, animated lights, net lighting, miniature lights, or large bulbs? There are so many choices, so be sure you know what you want the final design to look like.
  • Be safe. Before you begin hanging your lights, make sure you have the proper ladder and equipment handy, and that it all works properly. Also, be sure to check out your outlets to ensure they are free from damage. Lastly, if you are using outdoor light, make sure that the lights you choose are waterproof.
  • Use what you have on hand. Often you can make an outdoor landscape look spectacular for the holidays by using what you already have. Items such as your trees, birdbaths, mailboxes, shrubs, and even porch columns are a great way to add sparkle and dimension to your decorations.

Decorating for Christmas is such a fun family activity. It can also be stressful if the proper steps are not in place. Take the time to ensure your lights are working properly and you have all the right equipment before you dive into your project. Most of all, enjoy the process and have a wonderful Holiday Season!

About the Author: Bulb Town offers great prices on replacement light bulbs for any sort of socket in existence. Their inventory can be viewed at www.bulbtown.com.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

10 Tidbits About Halogen Light Bulbs

In our modern world there are many different kinds of lights available. It can be confusing figuring out the difference between bulbs and determining which is right for you. We wanted to pass along of our knowledge to shed some light on the Halogen bulbs.

Here is our top 10 list:

1. Halogen light bulbs may also be called “Quartz Halogen” or “Tungsten Halogen Lamp”. The name is derived from the process of modifying the bulb and adding a Halogen Element (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, astatine) to it.

2. Halogen bulbs are stronger than standard glass.

3. They tend to be smaller and more lightweight than traditional bulbs, which makes them great for
projection lamps in slide projectors.

4. Go Green! Halogen lamps are safer for the environment because they do not contain any mercury, which means when they do burn out, you can throw them away like normal. Making them easy for you and easy on the environment.

5. Halogen lamps produce a third more lumens per watt than a comparable incandescent light bulb and brighter colors than traditional bulbs. For this reason they are often used in theatre for stage lighting or photography studios.

6. Longer life and more light per unit of energy than an incandescent bulb

7. These bulbs get really HOT! Because the lamps produce stronger light, they are also much hotter than normal. Halogen bulbs also produce a third more heat than incandescent bulbs, which means a 100 watt Halogen produces the light and heat of a 133 watt incandescent bulb! Due to the smaller size, the heat is also more concentrated and is capable of causing burns to the skin, so use caution when handling them after use.

8. Because of the concentration of heat, any disruption to the surface such as oils left behind from human skin can cause problems with the light bulb such as gas leaks. Surface contamination also means light bulbs won’t last as long and will need to be replaced more often, so it is important to make sure these lamps are handled correctly.

9. To avoid surface contamination, only hold the bulb by the porcelain base, or better yet use some type of protection such as gloves when handling the lamp (Bulbtown will give you a free pair with every quartz halogen bulb you buy to make sure you are taken care of). No gloves? Here are some easy alternatives:
  • Paper towels
  • Ziplock/plastic bag
  • Tissue paper
10.  Even clean hands leave behind contamination. If the surface does get dirty, we recommend cleaning it to rid any dirt or oils by using rubbing alcohol to wipe away the impurities.

Did we miss any factoids? Let us know in the comments below any additional questions you may have and we would be happy to help answer them.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Colored Light Bulbs Add Impact to Halloween Décor

With Halloween just around the corner, retailers and specialty stores are putting their yearly spooky decorations on the shelves in order to cash in on the insatiable American taste for horror.  Whether planning a party, running a charitable haunted house, or nursing a deep desire to have the scariest looking home on the block, millions of people every year buy Halloween decorations in an effort to make an impression. 

So how do you make your Halloween decorations stand out above the competition?  Creativity is by far the best asset one can have when planning a Halloween décor scheme. For inspiration there are halloween decoration ideasmany places to look, one not so likely (but good) place is live theater. Set décor in theatre is so important to the industry that it is its own niche skillset.  Set construction and theatre lighting lend themselves to the creation of jobs that only deal with the visual aspects, and is greatly responsible for the overall success of any live theatre production. 

Here, we are going to focus specifically on lighting.  Color light bulbs are a great way to make your “live presentation” really pop.  A zombie, vampire, or witch prop is a lot scarier when it’s highlighted with colors that capture feelings of horror and accentuate the scariest features of the prop.  For example, red and orange colored bulbs may be a great way to create a virtual environment engulfed in flames.  In front of them, place cloth materials in red and orange shades that are cut in a way to resemble flames.  Add a fan to get the “flames” moving.  Finally, add some skulls, bones, amputated limbs, and voila: your own personal hell. 

Blue and purple colored light bulbs can give the impression of a dark, scary place such as a grave yard.  Some props are specifically designed with materials that will be accentuated under black light, thus black light bulbs are also a great way to add flair to such Halloween setups.   

And of course, who could forget the beloved fog machine.  Think of the last time you saw one.  You were most likely at a concert of some sort, or maybe at a party.  Every notice how much cooler the fog looks when it’s accentuated with some sort of light?  Yeah, there’s a reason for that.  Keep in mind, only babies see in black and white.  The more developed human brain is able distinguish around 10 million colors, and even though there probably aren’t 10 million different colored bulbs, there are enough to play to this innate human ability. 

Now that you’re armed with a little knowledge, get out there and decorate.  Just remember to keep it scary! 

About the author:
Bulbtown is the place to buy light bulbs of all types, colors, and wattages.  From LEDs to halogens, safety coated to colored bulbs, they’ve got it all, and at great prices!  Spend $50 or more and get FREE shipping!  Visit: www.bulbtown.com.