Energy Saving Full Spectrum Bulbs

Looking for bulbs which cover wavelengths from infrared to ultraviolet? Are you looking for natural light or actually for real full spectrum light bulbs?

Visible light is a part of electromagnetic spectrum between infrared and ultraviolet parts. If a light bulb produces light on all frequencies or wavelengths between those limits it is called a "full spectrum" light bulb. This only means that the bulb radiates light on all visible wavelengths but does not guarantee equal spectrum distribution. Some bulbs include also ultraviolet part of the spectrum. The "full spectrum" compliance is not defined and can not be checked. We use color temperature to measure bulb light. Color temperature of a light source is a temperature of ideal black body which radiates light with equal hue. It is measured in Kelvins (K) which is an international unit for temperature. Light with color temperature around 3000 K is red while around 5000 K is near white.

Full spectrum bulbs are used to reproduce natural light in studios and dark or closed rooms. Artists use such bulbs to see colors with the same hue as it would appear at sun light. Full spectrum light bulbs are close replacement for daylight and are used wherever there is a need for accurate color reproduction and natural sunlight is not available. Typical fluorescent light bulbs produce cool white light which completely satisfies our need for light working and living area. Full spectrum ligting is also used for light therapy to treat some disorders and has some beneficial influences to mood. Some plants are also known to grow better when exposed to artificial light with certain color.

Energy saving light bulbs or compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) are a replacement for incandescent lamps which are very inefficient. Energy saving lamps use less energy for the same light and last longer. The color temperature can vary from 2700 K to 6500 K (daylight). The only disadvantage of energy saving compact fluorescent lamps is the mercury which is present in the form of vapors inside the bulb. Therefore, such bulbs need to be disposed only at dedicated places.

Lumiram manufactures full spectrum incandescent, halogen and fluorescent lamps for home, office and display lighting. They have been producing full spectrum products since late 1950s including incandescent light bulbs, low voltage halogen light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, halogen display lighting, compact fluorescent lamps, and other natural light products.

They manufacture light therapy equipment, energy efficient bulbs and full spectrum spiral bulbs with SunWave Technology. Their products are well known to produce technically correct daylight colors.

GE makes incandescent bulbs with glass containing neodymium which gives them clean white light. Their line of bulbs Reveal are not exactly "full spectrum" because some gaps in parts of the spectrum.

Philips also makes full spectrum bulbs. Their Colortone 50 fluorescent light bulbs are considered as a full spectrum light sources. They are a direct replacement for T12 lamps.

The term "full spectrum" has more commercial than technical meaning. Natural light in many cases creates a productive environment and gives people feeling of comfort and freshness. Despite no scientifically proven health improvements it positively affects our mood and contributes to higher productivity.