Where to buy cheap/better quality White light ?

• 

  llama on 28/03/2011 - 17:36

  +2

  Errrr.,… do you mean light globes?

  The colour appearance of light is measured in degrees Kelvin.

  Incandescent lamps are 2700°K and are warm white (slightly yellow-ish)
  Halogen lamps are 3000°K and are a bit whiter.
  Fluorescent lamps in offices are usually 4000°K, which is also termed "cool white"
  Some hotter climates like even "cooler" light, 5000°K "daylight" or even 6500°K

  If you want white, get halogen. That is all that you can buy now days, since the incandescent lamp ban.

  If you want a bluish bright white, get compact fluorescent at 4000°K

  Many Asian people prefer a really blue white, so will go for a higher colour temperature.

  The most natural, "accurate" light is halogen, because it reproduces ALL colours accurately. Fluorescent is about 80% accurate - some colours will look brighter, some duller than in normal daylight. The colour of low quality "warm white" compact fluorescent is really quite horrid - that maybe what you have now.

  Cheap domestic compact fluorescent lamps usually come in 2700°K which is a yukky pinky/yellow, 4000°K white or 5500°K for the cheap and nasty brands.

  Note that fluorescent cannot usually be dimmed, and takes longer to start and to reach full brightness. You can get LED lamps but the long-term performance of cheap ones is dreadful.

  You can buy either Halogen or Compact Fluorescent at any supermarket. Just read the packets, all the info is on the side of the box.

  Note that cheap does NOT mean good in lighting. Budget brands like Mirabella are false economy, because they don't last as long. Try to purchase Osram, Philips or GE.

• 

  anonymoususer on 05/04/2011 - 13:18

  Thanks for the details :)

  A local shop in Northern Shore, Sydney I saw a "Sansui Halogen 240v – 60watt – E27" for 3.50$.
  Does it sounds good one to buy ? OR Can anyone tell me how much it will cost for same specification bulb in diff brands, lets say Philips or osaram ?

• 

  llama on 06/04/2011 - 23:55

  Sounds horrid.

  Just go to a normal shop… Coles, etc and buy a Philps or Osram one. You should pay about $2.50 or so.