Energy-saving technologies used by engineers and the popularity of these solutions among consumers have recently been the main trend in the lighting equipment market. Along with LED lamps, which are very common, an even more innovative option has appeared. These are filament lamps.
These products are made using unique technologies. Filament in literal translation is nothing more than an incandescent filament. Manufacturers are confident that this innovation will replace the already traditional llamas in retro lamps. At the same time, according to manufacturers, such bulbs are even more economical than LED solutions.
filament lamp device
This product is based on simple, but very effective and inexpensive technologies - the same ones used in the production of screens for smartphones. Very small LEDs are stacked on a special platform, which is the basis for them. In more expensive and technological modelsuse artificial sapphire. Available models use a special, inexpensive and durable glass composition. The rod, which is a light source, has small dimensions - its diameter is no more than 1.5 mm, it is 30 mm long.
The substrate is absolutely transparent, which provides the most uniform light that is directed in all directions. In terms of their capabilities and properties, filament LED lamps are really somewhat reminiscent of Ilyich's light bulbs with tungsten filaments.
LEDs are connected in series and placed on a special rod. Often, up to 28 blue-emitting diodes are mounted on one miniature substrate. To give the light of the lamp a warmer shade, a small amount of red LEDs is used. However, as far as the total number of elements is concerned, there are always 28.
A rod with diodes is coated with a layer of silicone-based phosphor. The power of one such filament is no more than 1.3 watts. There can be several such rods in the flask - according to the power of the product - modern filament lamps have up to 16 of these rods.
Gas efficiency
Although the filaments do not have high power, they are very efficient due to the special coating and gas that the bulb is filled with inside. It must be said that these products can also be harmful to humans - for example, due to the use of low-quality phosphor, blue radiation can leak, which causes irreparable damage to the retina. For this reason, it is worth buying filament LED lamps from reliable manufacturers.
Gas,with which the flask is filled inside, many brands keep it a strict secret. Most often, helium or something else based on it is used as a filler. So, the lamp device does not provide at least some kind of cooling. But this gas can easily cope with the absorption of heat that is emitted by LEDs. Gas cooling in this case is very effective - during operation, the temperature of the LED reaches a maximum of 60 degrees.
Features
Filament lamps are distinguished by a standard bulb - manufacturers call it A60. Such a flask provides a standard pear-shaped product. Round or spherical models are marked as A95 and are larger.
The range of lamps based on this technology from any manufacturer does not provide low-voltage versions. Products were created under the standard parameters of household electrical networks.
If you compare filament lamps with any other existing ones, and even with LED ones, even a layman will notice that their characteristics and capabilities are much higher than those of conventional lamps. For every watt of energy consumed, the filament gives off more light.
In addition to more light, these products also create a pleasant and soft light output. It is very pleasing to the eyes in this light, and low power consumption is a major advantage.
Characteristic of the lamp in a standard bulb
A standard lamp differs in power of 8 W - this is not a little, in terms of strength and brightnessluminescence capabilities of the lamp are equal to those of 85 W incandescent bulbs. The glow temperature in these products is 2700 K, and the luminous flux is 980 L. The lamp gives off 116-150 L of light per watt of energy, but this depends on the manufacturer.
For consumers it is very important the service life built into this device. Manufacturers claim these lamps average 20,000 hours, but there are already longer life models on the market.
Lamp in a spherical bulb: features
These models differ from the standard version only in increased luminous flux. So, this figure can reach 1500 L. As for the base, its diameter can be from 12 to 27 mm. Base data is marked E27.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any product, filament lamps have their pros and cons. The advantages of these innovative solutions include their high compatibility with a wide variety of luminaire models, which were originally created for an incandescent light bulb. In addition, the buyer receives a product that is familiar to him - this makes the purchase process easier, from the point of view of psychology.
High light output is also an important factor in favor of these products. There are no additional optical elements in the design. The light is directed in each direction, and the wall of the bulb is completely transparent. The cost of products is affordable due to the fact that for production many brands already usethe existing capacities of factories that previously produced incandescent lamps. Along with conventional products, dimmable filament lamps are available.
The obvious disadvantages include only the fragility of the flask - it is made entirely of their glass and, of course, does not like bumps. Also, the price for high-quality models, especially with the dimming function, can be considered a disadvantage - the design includes expensive drivers.
How much does this lamp cost
If we take into account all the advantages that this device has, then its cost should not be a shock for most consumers. For example, for domestic filament lamps, the price is quite affordable and starts at $4.
The Ukrainian brand Maxus valued its product at exactly $4 - the lamp is an analogue of a traditional lighting device with a power of 40 watts. Russian manufacturer Lisma offers 8W bulbs starting at $5. Imported models are sold from $11, but these are budget options.
Brands
Today there are several companies that manufacture such lighting devices. Among them are well-known brands and not so.
Osram
This manufacturer is the leader in sales of lighting equipment. The German brand sells classic lamps using this technology, in the form of a candle, spherical, decorative, reflective and dimmable.
In terms of power, the lamps start from the classic 3.2 W,maximum is 8W LED filament lamp.
Rusled
This is a domestic manufacturer. The devices are distinguished by an almost completely absent ripple, with a power of 6 to 8 watts. Standard base - E27. The manufacturer claims a product life of 15,000 hours.
Lisma
This is a fairly successful and familiar company from Mordovia. She is known for high-quality LED lamps. The new LED filament lamp "Lisma" is assembled from high-quality components, the ripple is very low, the standard power is from 6 to 8 watts. For each light bulb, the manufacturer gives a 2-year warranty.
Reviews
All those who have classic chandeliers would like to use new economical technologies with them. Previously, this was not available, but today this opportunity has appeared. People have appreciated all the benefits that filament lamps provide. Reviews about them are mostly positive. Many people pay attention to the pleasant characteristics of the light, their durability and affordable prices.