Monday, November 9, 2009

Philips Flame Top Halogena F15 Light Bulb Discontinued


We've had several customers to call lately looking for the Philips Halogena' F15 light bulbs. These bulbs are great in chandeliers where the contour of the bulb can accent the fixture. Unfortunately, there wasn't the demand for them as Philips would have hoped.

The good news is that these bulbs are still available in an incandescent version. These Flame shaped F15 light bulbs come in 3 wattages: 25, 45 and 60. Check them out for a perfect replacement of the Halogena' version of these.

Links to the:

Philips 25 Watt F15 Flame Shape Light Bulb

Philips 40 Watt F15 Flame Shape Light Bulb

Philips 60 Watt F15 Flame Shape Light Bulb

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Areas with More than 1 light switch......help.....


As you know, you can not use a non-dimmable compact fluorescent light bulb on an electrical line with a dimmer switch on it. Even if you don't plan to move the dimmer switch, it will shorten the life of the bulb and cause it to blow prematurely.

A question was recently posed to us about using a dimmable compact fluorescent light bulb on a line where that are multiple light switches. Unlike the statement in the above paragraph, you can use a dimmable compact fluorescent light bulb on a line without dimmer switches. So, doing this will not hurt the bulb.

And in a case of a large room with multiple entry ways or a hallway where you might have two switches, only one would be a dimmer switch and the others would be regular up and down switches.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Introducing Philips DIMMABLE Mini Deco Twister Light Bulbs


We want to introduce to our customers a new product for Philips that we are offering our customers. It is a DIMMABLE Compact Fluorescent light bulb! Now, if you haven't purchase compact fluorescent light bulbs before, you may be scratching your head. Most high quality compact fluorescent light bulbs are not dimmable. It is a special technology and because of cost is not implemented into all cfl light bulbs.

The new dimmable bulbs from Philips are a familiar bulb style. They come in a mini deco twister and then just a deco twister for the higher wattage. Wattages available are a 15 watt = to 60 watt A19; a 20 watt = to 75 watt A19 and a 32 watt = to 125 Watt A19.

Take a look at these Philips dimmable compact fluorescent bulbs and try them in your own home.

Looking for Philips Master Dimmable LED products......help.


We have gotten several calls lately about the highly publicized Philips Master Dimmable LED collection of light bulbs.

If you are in the US, you are as of right now out of luck. This collection is a group of dimmable led products made for the European market. Don't despair though. They are coming. When ever Philips creates a product for the European market, it's only a matter of time before it's available here in the states.

Many European bulbs can be imported and used here but unfortunately, we have not found anyone importing LEDs. If you have one certainly let us know. Otherwise, the current Philips LED collection is a great group of products. Take a look. They just aren't dimmable yet.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

How do you install and remove a GU10 Twistline Light Bulb?


These Philips Twistline light bulbs have a GU10 base. To light these bulbs it only takes the proper contact just like a bulb you twist in. To remove burnt out bulbs, simply push in and twist the bulb counter clockwise. Then to install the replacement, push the bulb in and twist clockwise.

Friday, October 9, 2009

I'm looking for an MR16 light bulb with a colored lense.


We every so often will get a call from a customer asking if certain light bulbs come with colored lenses.

In the main line of Philips the only bulbs that have colored lenses are certain kinds of incandescents and honestly, that number seems to be decreasing. But as far as MR16s and other halogens are concerned, there are no color options beyond clear and frosted. The same goes for CFL bulbs and LED.

So, if you are needing a colored bulb, be sure and take a look at the incandescent offerings. But there aren't any with a base like the MR16.....unfortunately.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Looking for Master LED Philips Light Bulbs?


We have had several customers to call looking for the Philips Master LED Dimmable light bulbs.

Although fast and quick strides are being made in the technology of LED light bulbs that are available to us in the states, the LED bulbs that we can use is not dimmable. The Master collection made by Philips is dimmable but is only available for purchase in Europe. We don't even know of anyone who is importing them.

And just in case you aren't aware, Philips is a leader in LED technology. All their major competitors are way behind them and will continue to play catch up.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Can I use a cfl to replace my metal halide?


First off, where are you using this? If you are talking about a Hi Bay, there are going to be some more effecient ways for you to lamp your facility. But if you are using a flood light, you are using the most efficient thing you can use for the light needed. There are CFLs that will screw in but you'll need to bypass your ballast since screw in cfls are integrated.

To your question, you are going to get your most lumens with a plug in cfl and those really only go up to about 6000 lumens. So, there is just not a CFL out there that works on a 220 or 110 for that matter that will offer an equivalent light output as the metal halide you are using.

If you are needing this for a hi bay, you could start using a T5 fluorescent and these would decrease your energy usage by about half.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

I'm looking for a bulb for my stove or range hood and need help.


Sometimes we can help you with your stove or appliance light bulb needs but many times we can not. Philips will often make bulbs specifically for the stove manufacturers and thus not offer them to their normal distributors for resale purposes.

If your manual only give you a part number that looks something like this.....Light Bulb Part No. 4393681......you will need to go to a dealer or repair shop for that bulb or contact the stove manufacturer.

Now if your manual gives you a replacement part with numbers that look more like this.....15S11/102.....then it may be something we can help you with. We have put all the appliance and stove light bulbs that we have access to in one group so you can see if what we have access to is what you need.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

We're needing a 60 Watt Halogena BR40 Light Bulb and can't find them...


Philips has discontinued the 60 watt BR40 Halogena light bulbs and they are no longer available. Not sure exactly why but they are no where to be had. The best replacement for this bulb is going to be the Philips 65 watt BR40 incandescent light bulbs.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Can I put a Compact Fluorescent in my shower?


If your fixture is a newer fixture in your shower or in any place that gets a fair amount of moisture, you can use a compact fluorescent inside it. It needs to be a sealed fixture with a cover over the bulb.

Now, it's important to know that if you leave the light on all day or all the time, it will build heat inside the fixture and thus will shorten the life of the bulb.

It's fine to use these bulbs when you are turning them on and off for showers but not so good in enclosed fixtures that you plan to leave on all day.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Looking for an Infrared Flood Light to enhance my Security System.


We have a customer who recently contacted us and was looking for an infrared light bulb to enhance the vision of their infrared security cameras.

All of the infrared bulbs that we are familiar with made by Philips are incandescent and are manufactured to provide heat like for warming puppies and kittens or sauna applications. They are incandescent light bulb and will put out heat as part of their function.

We recommend contacting your security camera manufacturer. Chances are they make a fixture that you can install that will enhance the vision of their cameras.

Friday, August 21, 2009

I'm looking for a Philips 13568Y/00.....

The Philips Quartz Infrared Heat Light bulbs - Ordering code 13568Y/00. These are 1600 watt, 144 volt, t3 bulbs with caps on each end and a wire that extends from the side of each cap. It was available in clear and reflector finishes.

Unfortunately, these bulbs are discontinued and no longer available through Philips. Our best guess is that they are making these bulbs and selling them solely to the manufacturers of the equipment that uses them. You should contact the manufacturer of the equipment you are using for the bulbs.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Where can I find an E27 base 220-240 light bulb?

Any light bulb that says it has an E27 base or if it's in the range of 220 to 240 volts is a European light bulb. A regular medium base in America is called an E26 base and our voltage runs more in the range of 120 to 130 volts. Light Bulb Market works with international importers who can obtain those European bulbs for you. If they don't stock them currently in the states, they can be ordered in case quantities. Call them for help.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Does Philips make a PL-L Grow Light Bulb


Does Philips make a Plug In PL-L Grow Light Bulb? No. Unfortunately, Philips doesn't make any plug in light bulbs that are grow lights.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

What is an E26 Base?


An E26 base is commonly referred to as a Medium Base. There are many light bulbs across all types of bulbs that are made of a Medium or E26 base. But just know that the 2 terms are interchangable.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

What BT15 Light Bulbs come in a Clear Finish?


Philips BT15 Halogena light bulbs come in various wattages. But not all wattages come in both white (shown here) and clear finishes. Only the 60 and 55 watt bulbs come in a clear finish. All other watts only come in this white finish: 70, 75, 95, 100 and 150 watts.

All BT15 Philips Halogen bulbs last for an average of 3000 hours and are 120 volts.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Philips MR LED Light Bulbs


Philips MR LED Light Bulbs that are designed to fit into MR15 fixture and sockets are now available in the states. This is Philips Essential White Series or eW Series.

These bulbs feature are manufactured in 10 and 25 degree beam angles. One would be considered a narrow spot and the other a narrow flood. They also come in two different kelvin: 2700K with 70 CRI and 4200K with 76 CRI.

These MR16 bulb types have a GU5.3 base (Standard MR 16 bi-pin connectors). Their lumens range from 37 to 66 which would be the equivalent to a 20 watt regular MR16. It's The width of these guys is 2" and Overall length is 2.1".

The biggest feature of these is the life span. They will on average last 50,000 hours. That is 10 to 17 times a halogen MR16 average rated life. Considering the cost of both and the life span the cost is about the same. Where you'll see savings is in energy costs and in replacement costs/your time.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Why do Light Bulbs come in different colors?


Light Bulbs come in different colors for different taste or lighting needs of consumers. Incandescent light bulbs come in the following: clear, natural light, soft white, inside frost, softone pastel, agro, colored and silicone or tough coated.

Clear bulbs are simply clear glass bulbs. Clear bulbs provide sparkle and reflect nicely off mirrored or chrome surfaces. Soft White light bulbs reduce that glare and provide a diffused illumination. Frosted light bulbs have an inside frost finish on the glass which reduces glare.

Philips Softone pastel finishes provide a hint of color in the room to create a specific mood. Natural Light Philips bulbs provide a light that allows you to see the true color of clothes or furnishings. Colored bulbs are used to create a festive or party atmosphere.

Some incandescents are specifically designed to promote plant growth by producing the appropriate light spectrum for plants to thrive. Silicone or Tough coated bulbs are designed to be shatter proof. It gives the bulbs a little more stability so that they don't break as easily.

Most folks will be using light bulbs described in the first paragraph. We wanted to give you the knowledge you need to make the best decision on the color of light bulb you need/want.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Can I use European Light Bulb in the states?


I was recently asked by a customer who is looking at the Philips European LED Light Bulbs if he could use them in the states. The simple answer is no. These bulbs are made for European voltage which is 240 and our voltage is 120 to 130. Honestly, I'm not even sure if it will work at all.

If he was looking at an incandescent, it would probably work but would be half as bright. So, what's the point in paying twice as much for the energy consumed? You wouldn't do it.

The fact of the matter is that Europe has made restrictions on the lighting industry much faster than the states has and as a result the manufacturers have been inventing new light bulbs based around their needs. Now, once a bulb is created for Europe, it's just a matter of time before we will have the same thing available here in the states. We just have to be more patient.

Now, I don't want to confuse you but there are certain European light bulbs that are made to work with fixtures that we can use in the states. But usually you will be purchasing the fixture with the light bulb already in it and you'll be able to seek out that bulb. It's those of us that are wanting to fit the new technology in our system that have to be careful.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

We need a CFL bulb in 220 Volt.....


We are looking for a compact fluorescent light bulb that will work in a 220. We can not speak for every manufacturer out there but as far as Philips is concerned, the cfl bulbs are all made to use with 120 volt. If you need a 220 volt bulb, you'll need to look at European bulbs which Light Bulb Market can help you with.

Friday, July 17, 2009

What are light bulb bases made of?


Light Bulb screw in bases are made of three different materials: Aluminum, Brass and Nickel Plated Brass. The most economical way to manufacture these is with aluminum but it isn't intended for bulbs used in certain situations.

Any of the long life bulbs or ones that come in contact with outdoor elements(or humidity), should be made of brass or nickel plated brass as these are corrosive resistant materials. You should also choose a bulb with these materials in the base if you have a problem with the base sticking in the socket or where it's difficult to replace the light bulb.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

How do Halogen Light Bulbs work?


Halogen light bulbs are commonly referred to as incandescent light bulbs. Technically they are the same. BUT Halogen light bulbs are brighter in light for the same wattage, the color is a whiter color and they typically last longer. Halogens bulbs also run hotter than incandescent equivalents.

The filament in a halogen bulb is actually thinner than the one described in our post on how an incandescent light bulb works. The biggest difference is that this filament is enclosed in a glass capsule. This capsule traps the gases that are emitted that end up on an incandescent bulb's glass and keeps it within the small are. This keeps these bulbs brighter and cleaner than their sister incandescents.

Because the gas is trapped in the glass capsule it often re-adheres to the filament keeping it strong. But eventually it does wear down like in incandescent light bulbs and thus becomes the end of the life of a halogen.

Monday, July 13, 2009

How does an Incandescent Light Bulb work?


The workings of an incandescent light bulb are simple. An incandescent has a filament on the interior of the bulb that heats up when it is charged with an electrical current or electricity. This filament becomes very hot and thus the reason you can get burned if you touch an incandescent light bulb too soon after turning it off.

Over time, the filament will evaporate as it gets used. Two things will happen. The bulb will blacken up a bit and the filament gets weaker or gets used up. At this point, the bulb needs to be disposed of.

There are a couple of reasons why incandescent light bulbs have shorter lives than what they are designed for. The most common is when it endures abnormal power surges. If you live in an area that sends voltage to your home over 120 volts (which is by the way common. Avg voltage in a person's home is 124 volts.) the filament will get too hot too fast and thus evaporate that filament prematurely. In this example, you should be using a bulb that is 130 volts. Another less common reason is when an incandescent is used in areas where it gets shaken around a bit. This will weaken and break the filament. If you do have an area where you need a light bulb that gets movement, we recommend using a "rough service" light bulb.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Compact Fluorescent Compatable Dimmer Switches


Just when you thought you had it all figured out, you find out that not all dimmer switches will work with dimmable compact fluorescent light bulbs. There are many that do but not all function at a perfect level that we've all become acustom to.

Philips Lighting did a test using their 15W, 20W and 23W dimmable flood lights and put together a list of dimmer switches common in the market that works with those bulbs. There were others the functioned but had a small glitch of some sort and we eliminated them from the list.

If you'd like to see a complete list of these, go to our CFL Compatable Dimmer Switches list.