The energy-saving technologies that engineers use 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. A filament in a literal translation is nothing more than a filament. Manufacturers are confident that this innovation will replace the already traditional lamas in retro-lighting. At the same time, such bulbs, according to the assurances of all the same manufacturers, are even more economical than LED solutions.
Filament lamp device
At the heart of this product are simple, but very effective and inexpensive technologies - the same are used in the manufacture of screens for smartphones. Very small LEDs are laid on a special platform, which is the basis for them. In more expensive and technological models, artificial sapphire is used. Available models use a special, inexpensive and durable glass composition. The rod, which is a light source, has small dimensions - its diameter is not more than 1.5 mm, its length is 30 mm.
The substrate is completely transparent, which ensures the most uniform light, which is directed in all directions. In terms of their capabilities and properties, filament LED lamps do in some way resemble Ilyich bulbs with tungsten filaments.
LEDs are interconnected in series and placed on a special rod. Often, up to 28 diodes producing blue radiation are mounted on one miniature substrate. To give the lamp light a warmer shade, a small amount of red LEDs are used. However, with regard to the total number of elements, there are always 28 of them.
A rod with diodes is coated with a silicone-based phosphor layer. The power of one such filament is not more than 1.3 watts. There can be several such rods in the bulb - according to the product power - modern filament lamps have up to 16 such rods.
Gas efficiency
Although filaments do not have high power, they are very effective due to the special coating and gas that the bulb inside is filled with. I must say that these products can also be harmful to humans - so, due to the use of low-quality phosphor, blue radiation can leak, which causes irreparable harm to the retina. For this reason, it is worth buying filament LED lamps from reliable manufacturers.
The gas with which the flask is filled inside, many brands keep in strict confidence. Most often, helium or something else based on it is used as a filler. So, the lamp device does not provide at least some cooling. But this gas can easily cope with the absorption of heat, which are emitted by LEDs. Gas cooling in this case is very effective - during operation, the LED temperature reaches a maximum of 60 degrees.
Specifications
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 distinguished by larger sizes.
The range of lamps on this technology from any manufacturers is not provided for 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, then even a lay person will notice that their characteristics and capabilities are much higher than the capabilities of ordinary lamps. For every watt of energy consumed, the filament gives off more light.
In addition to more light, these products also form a pleasant and soft luminous flux. Eyes are very pleased with such lighting, and low power consumption is a serious advantage.
Characteristic of a lamp in a standard bulb
A standard lamp has a power of 8 watts - this is not enough, in terms of strength and brightness of the glow, the lamp capabilities are equal to the capabilities of 85 W of incandescent bulbs. The glow temperature in these products is 2700 K, and the luminous flux is 980 L. The lamp gives 116-150 L of light for each watt of energy, but this depends on the manufacturer.
For consumers, the life span of this appliance is very important. Manufacturers claim that these lamps are designed for an average of 20,000 hours of operation, but now the modern market offers models with a long service life.
Lamp in a spherical bulb: features
These models differ from the standard version only in increased light output. So, this figure can reach 1,500 L. As for the base, its diameter can be from 12 to 27 mm. The basement data is marked E27.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any product, filament lamps have their disadvantages and advantages. The advantages of these innovative solutions include their high compatibility with a wide variety of luminaire models that were originally created under an incandescent bulb. In addition, the buyer receives a familiar product - 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. The design does not have any additional optical elements. The light is directed to each side, and the wall of the bulb is completely transparent. The cost of products is affordable due to the fact that many brands use the existing facilities of plants where they previously produced incandescent lamps for production. Dimmable filament lamps are available along with conventional products.
The obvious disadvantages are only the fragility of the bulb - it is made completely of their glass and, of course, does not like strokes. Another disadvantage is the price for high-quality models, especially with a dimming function - expensive drivers are included in the design.
How much is such a lamp
Given all the advantages that this device has, its cost should not be shocking for most consumers. For example, for domestic filament lamps - the price is quite affordable and starts at $ 4.
The Ukrainian brand Maxus rated its product at exactly 4 dollars - the lamp is an analogue of a traditional lighting fixture with a power of 40 watts. The Russian manufacturer Lisma offers 8 W lamps, starting at $ 5. Imported models sell for more than $ 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 a leader in sales of lighting equipment. The German brand sells classic lamps using this technology, in the form of candles, spherical, decorative, reflex and dimmable.
In terms of power, the lamps start from the classic 3.2 W, the maximum is an 8 W LED filament lamp.
Rusled
This is a domestic manufacturer. The devices are characterized by almost completely no ripple, power from 6 to 8 watts. The base is standard - E27. The manufacturer declares that the service life of the product is 15,000 hours.
Lisma
This is a fairly successful and familiar company to many 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 appreciated all the benefits that filament lamps provide. Reviews about them are mostly positive. Many pay attention to the pleasant characteristics of light, their durability and affordable prices.