LIGHT SOURCE

A light source is something that produces light. It can be natural, like the sun, or man-
made, like a light bulb. Light sources are used to light up places or objects and are important
for many daily activities. They come in different forms and technologies, like incandescent
lamps, fluorescent lamps, LEDs, and more.

• INCANDESCENT LAMP
Incandescent lamps, also known as incandescent light bulbs, are a type of electric light
source that produces light by heating a filament to a high temperature until it glows. They are
the oldest and most common type of electric lighting but are being phased out due to their
low efficiency.
The main characteristic of incandescent lamps is that they produce light by heating a
tungsten filament inside a glass bulb filled with inert gas, typically argon. As electricity flows
through the filament, it heats up and emits visible light. The light produced by incandescent
lamps is warm and has a high color rendering index (CRI), which means that colors appear
natural and vibrant under its light. However, incandescent lamps are not very energy-efficient,
as much of the energy they use is lost as heat rather than light, and they have a relatively short
lifespan compared to newer lighting technologies.

Overall, incandescent lamps are a relatively simple and inexpensive lighting option that
produces warm, natural-looking light, but they are not very energy-efficient and are being
phased out in favor of more efficient lighting technologies like LED lights.
 • FLUORESCENT LAMP
A fluorescent lamp is a type of electric light source that produces light by passing an
electric current through a gas-filled tube, which contains a small amount of mercury vapor
and a phosphorescent coating on the inside. When the gas is ionized, it emits ultraviolet
radiation, which is then converted into visible light by the phosphorescent coating.
The main characteristics of fluorescent lamps are that they are much more energy-
efficient than incandescent lamps and have a longer lifespan. They produce a cool, white light
that is often used in commercial and industrial settings, as well as in homes and offices.
Fluorescent lamps are available in different sizes and shapes, including linear tubes and
compact bulbs, and they can be used in a variety of fixtures.

One downside of fluorescent lamps is that they contain small amounts of mercury,
which is a toxic substance that can be harmful to the environment if not properly disposed of.
However, many modern fluorescent lamps are designed to minimize the amount of mercury
they contain, and they can be recycled to recover the mercury and other materials.
Overall, fluorescent lamps are a popular and energy-efficient lighting option that
produce cool, white light and are commonly used in a variety of settings. They are being
gradually replaced by newer, even more energy-efficient technologies like LED lighting.
 • HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE LAMP
A high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp is a type of electric light source that produces
light by creating an electrical arc between two tungsten electrodes inside a sealed tube filled
with gas and metal salts. The arc produces an intense light that is much brighter than
incandescent or fluorescent lamps.
The main characteristic of HID lamps is their high luminous efficacy, which means that
they produce a lot of light with relatively little power consumption. They also have a longer
lifespan than incandescent and fluorescent lamps. HID lamps produce a bright, white light that
is often used for outdoor and industrial lighting, such as in streetlights, sports fields, and
parking lots.
TYPES OF HID
1. Mercury vapor lamps: These lamps use mercury vapor to produce a blue-green light
and are commonly used for outdoor and security lighting.
2. Metal halide lamps: These lamps use metal halide salts to produce a bright white light
with good color rendering, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor lighting
applications.
3. High-pressure sodium lamps: These lamps use sodium vapor to produce a yellow-
orange light and are often used for street lighting and other outdoor applications.
4. Low-pressure sodium lamps: These lamps use sodium vapor to produce a
monochromatic yellow light and are commonly used for outdoor lighting in areas
where color perception is not important.

MERCURY VAPOR LAMPS

METAL HALIDE LAMPS

HIGH-PRESSURE SODIUM LAMPS LOW-PRESSURE SODIUM LAMPS

TYPES OF LIGHTING SYSTEM

• General lighting:
General lighting, also known as ambient lighting, is designed to provide overall
illumination to a space. It is typically provided by ceiling-mounted fixtures, such as recessed
lights or chandeliers, and is used to evenly illuminate a room or area. General lighting should
be bright enough to provide adequate visibility but not so bright that it creates glare or causes
eye strain.

• Local lighting

Local lighting, also known as accent lighting, is used to highlight specific areas or
objects within a space. It can be used to draw attention to artwork, architectural features, or
other focal points. Local lighting can be provided by wall-mounted fixtures, such as sconces,
or by portable lamps.

• Task lighting
Task lighting is designed to provide focused illumination for specific tasks, such as
reading, cooking, or working on a computer. It is typically provided by desk lamps, under-
cabinet lights, or other fixtures that can be adjusted to direct light where it is needed. Task
lighting should be bright enough to provide adequate visibility without causing eye strain.
TYPE OF LIGHTING
Direct lighting is a type of lighting design in which the light source is aimed directly at the
object or area that needs to be illuminated. It creates a focused and concentrated beam of
light, which can be used to highlight specific features or provide task lighting for specific
activities.
Semi-direct lighting is a type of lighting that combines the features of direct and indirect
lighting. It provides a combination of both upward and downward illumination, with a greater
proportion of light directed downward. This type of lighting is often used in commercial
settings where both task and ambient lighting are needed.
General diffuse lighting is a type of lighting design that provides even, diffused illumination
throughout a space. This is achieved by using fixtures that distribute light in multiple
directions, such as ceiling-mounted fluorescent or LED panels. General diffuse lighting is often
used in commercial or industrial settings where a high level of illumination is required.

Direct-indirect lighting is a type of lighting that combines both direct and indirect lighting.
This type of lighting provides both upward and downward illumination, with a greater
proportion of light directed upward. Direct-indirect lighting is often used in residential or
commercial settings where a soft, ambient glow is desired.
Semi-indirect lighting is a type of lighting that provides a combination of both direct and
indirect lighting. This type of lighting provides both upward and downward illumination, with
a greater proportion of light directed upward. Semi-indirect lighting is often used in residential
or commercial settings where a soft, ambient glow is desired.
Indirect lighting is a type of lighting design that uses reflected light to provide even, diffuse
illumination throughout a space. This is achieved by bouncing light off surfaces such as walls
or ceilings, rather than directing the light source at the area to be illuminated. Indirect lighting
is often used in residential or commercial settings where a soft, ambient glow is desired.
TYPES OF LIGHTING
Cove lighting is a type of indirect lighting that is installed in a recessed area or shelf, typically
near the ceiling or high on a wall. The light fixture is hidden from view, and the light is directed
upward to reflect off the ceiling and provide a soft, ambient glow. Cove lighting is often used
in residential or commercial settings to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Valance lighting is a type of indirect lighting that is installed in a recessed area above a window
or door. The light fixture is hidden from view, and the light is directed upward to reflect off the
ceiling and provide a soft, ambient glow. Valance lighting is often used in residential or
commercial settings to create a warm, inviting atmosphere and to highlight architectural
features.
Cornice lighting is a type of indirect lighting that is installed in a recessed area near the top of
a wall or ceiling. The light fixture is hidden from view, and the light is directed downward to
reflect off the wall or ceiling and provide a soft, indirect glow. Cornice lighting is often used in
residential or commercial settings to create a dramatic effect or to highlight architectural
features.

COVE LIGHTING VALANCE LIGHTING

CORNICE LIGHTING