A street light is a lifesaver for everyone. Be it a pedestrian, cyclist or taxi driver, the lights help you through the night and show you the path. While their objective and effectiveness have been consistent, they have seen a range of technological advancements leading to new and improved versions. Let’s discover the unique features of various types of street light over the years.
13 Types of Street Lights
Here are 13 various types of street light, each promising different levels of efficiency, brightness, sustainability and materials used:
Incandescent
This is the oldest type of artificial lighting, invented by the great Thomas Edison. This uses a filament that, when supplied with electricity, heats up and lights the surroundings. While it covers a large range and is perfect for empty spaces, it has a short lifespan as it can get very hot if used for prolonged hours.
Halogen
These are evolved versions of incandescent bulbs as they use halogen gas filled inside the bulb to accentuate the light produced. While they are brighter and a great option for floodlights in fog, they consume higher energy and are also high-heat generators.
Fluorescent
Invented in the 1940s, fluorescent bulbs rose in popularity. They feature mercury and phosphorus coating to produce stark, bright light. They offer cooler-toned lights and last about 10,000 hours. However, the use of mercury produces low-quality light and can be a hindrance to the environment.
Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL)
As the name suggests, they are a much more compact and budget-friendly version of the classic fluorescent bulbs. While dealing with similar problems, they are bad for the environment and offer too harsh light for indoor use. They are lovely for small gardens or balconies.
Mercury Vapour
Mercury Vapour street lights were a popular choice for almost a few decades back. Their green hue was a classic colour that you can still find in old movies. Even with a life span of about 24,000 hours, they produce poor light and can be hazardous as they give out UV emissions.
High-Pressure Sodium (HPS)
HPS lights emit a yellow-red hue that distorts true colours, often making surroundings appear orange. However, they are great for foggy areas as they reduce glare. They help preserve energy and have a lifespan of around 24000 hours.
Low-Pressure Sodium (LPS)
With a much poorer colour rendering, a low-pressure sodium bulb offers unmatched energy efficiency and lasts for years. They had a vintage yellow colour and are now replaced by much better LED bulbs.
Metal Halide
Metal halide streetlights offer true white light and can be used to cover a wide field if necessary. They are available in 50 to 1000 watts variants and can be seen used in stadiums and sports grounds. They take a while to get started and have a shorter life span, around 15,000 hours.
Ceramic Discharge Metal Halide (CDMH) Lamp
An improved version of metal halide bulbs, CDMH lamps offer a much better colour rendition and use ceramic instead of quartz. They cost much more and can be a good fit in art galleries and gardens.
Induction Lamp
Now, let’s head to high-tech gadgets. The induction lamp, invented by the beloved Nicholas Tesla, uses the popular electromagnetic induction technology to produce stark, bright light. Although they are a costly investment at first, they last about 100,000 hours and require minimal maintenance over the years.
LED Street Lights
LED or Light Emitting Diode lamps are one of the best options with modern technology. They use a small chip to produce bright, colourful and high rendition light. They use minimal energy and last up to 50,000 hours. They offer cooler, high-quality and directional light from 180-360 degrees. You can avail a range of options from household 25 W range to 100W street light LED variants.
Phosphor-Converted Amber (PCA) LED Lights
PCA LED lights are a perfect way to cut through light pollution and offer a clear view of the natural landscape. While they are costly, they emit amber, blue light that helps animals and humans visibility alike. Regions with high biodiversity and wildlife use these street lamps.
Narrow-Band Amber (NBA) LED Lights
They offer low-glare amber light, just like PCA, which helps wildlife. They are a costly affair and help reduce blue light pollution. Ideal for night sky viewing zones and high biodiversity areas.
Buy Various Types of Street Light In Bulk At L&T-SuFin
From the revolutionary invention of tungsten filament bulbs to energy-efficient LED lights, streetlights have come a long way. Whether you want a piece of history or indulge in modern advancements, L&T-SuFin has something for everyone. Our platforms feature KYC-verified buyers from all over India. You can find affordable prices and secured online payment gateways for hassle-free shopping. You can also enjoy interesting discounts when buying various types of street light wholesale. Buy the perfect street light and enjoy exciting offers today!
FAQ’s
What are the 4 types of lights?
The four main types of lights based on efficiency and materials used are incandescent, fluorescent, LED and halogen lights.
How to choose the best street light?
It is important to check features such as lifespan and energy usage. Additionally, look for properties such as brightness, environmental impacts, colour rendition, and maintenance.
Which mirror is used in street lights?
Streetlights use concave mirrors to focus the reflection on the street and spread the light evenly all around.
What is called street light?
A street light is an outdoor fixture used to offer lighting in a dark street or road. It enhances visibility during night, fog and pollution to help vehicles and pedestrians alike.
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