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Lighting greatly affects how a room looks, whether it be in the dining room, on the front porch, or on the back patio. One approach to improve a property's curb appeal at night or create a romantic atmosphere at home is with the warm appearance of flame lighting. LED technology is used to produce flames that look lifelike in flame light bulbs. They are offered in candelabra-bulb and conventional light fixture variants. Flickering flame bulbs offer several light modes for achieving various effects, in contrast to regular light bulbs.
This guide will clarify the important variables to take into account when looking for a flame light bulb and will examine some of the top choices available.
Bulb Dimensions and Shape
Flame light bulbs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. What type of fixture the light bulb will fit depends on its base size. E26 and E12 base sizes are the most common for flickering flame bulbs. Most common light fixtures, such as porch lights, garage lights, and the majority of lamps, can accommodate bulbs of the size E26. The majority of chandeliers and some smaller lamps use candelabra-base size E12 bulbs.
The bulb itself can be many sizes and shapes. Most bulbs have a diameter of around 2.5 inches and a height of between 4 and 6 inches. Some bulbs have a narrow 1.5-inch diameter, which allows them to be used in fixtures like porch lamps to create the appearance of a narrower flame.
The shape of most flame light bulbs is cylindrical as opposed to the bulbous appearance of a typical incandescent or LED bulb. This enhances the appearance of a flame produced by the bulb. Glass light bulbs with an E12 base feature a flame-like form that resembles incandescent E12 light bulbs.
Brightness
Many flickering flame lights still need to provide some level of visibility even though most of them enhance the beauty of a room or outdoor area. Garage lights and porch lights should be bright enough to provide vision at night and still maintain a fashionable appearance.
With LED lamps, brightness varies. Most LED bulbs require around 2 watts of electricity, which is thought to be sufficient to illuminate a sidewalk with roughly 100 lumens. Some LED bulbs have power requirements as high as 6 watts and can generate more than 300 lumens.
Remember that the influence on a household's energy cost will increase as the wattage of the bulb increases. LED bulbs can nevertheless have an influence on an electric bill even if they utilize a tiny portion of the energy of a typical 60-watt incandescent bulb, particularly when used in a porch light that may remain lit all night.
Flame Direction
The way light fixtures hold a light bulb varies. Most porch lights and garage lights hold a bulb with the base facing upward, but most lamps may hold a bulb vertically with the base at the bottom. Many flame bulbs include a gravity mode that enables them to produce a flame that burns either upward or downward in light of this.
Regardless matter whether the bulb is pointing up or down, the sensors in these bulbs can detect its orientation and set the flame to burn upward. This keeps the light fixture's vintage appearance intact.
Modes of Lighting
The majority of flame light bulbs feature a variety of modes, including breathing, flame emulation, and general light, in addition to a gravity mode that orients the flame.
In breathing mode, the brightness of the bulb gradually dims and brightens to mimic the uneven illumination of a real flame, giving the appearance of a flame behind the opaque glass in a more subdued manner. The lifelike effect that the bulb is intended to give is produced by the flame emulation mode, which simulates the appearance of a live flame. A general light mode is the best option when maximum visibility is required because it creates a glow resembling that of a regular LED light.
Lifespan
The amount of heat an LED produces determines how long it will last. Cooler-running bulbs will last longer, whereas those that run hotter will burn out more quickly. As a result, an LED flame bulb will burn hotter and have a shorter lifespan as its energy consumption increases.
Higher-power LED bulbs that produce 5 or 6 watts often last 30,000 hours. Smaller bulbs with a 2 watt capacity can operate for up to 60,000 hours. Remember that the output of an LED light is also influenced by the environment. A LED light operating in a warm environment will deteriorate more quickly than one operating in a cooler one.
1. Do outdoor lights require unique bulbs?
As long as they are not directly exposed to the elements, standard light bulbs are safe to use outdoors. The majority of outdoor lighting installations, such porch lights, enclose or cover light bulbs to keep them dry. Check the box to ensure sure it is rated for such use if the bulbs will be exposed to rain or the elements, such as in the case of string lights.
2. What happens if indoor bulbs are used outside?
The majority of indoor lights will function flawlessly outside as long as the fixture protects them from snow and rain. If exposed to water, indoor bulbs that are intended for dry environments may short out and provide a fire risk.
3. A light bulb flickers for what reason?
The most likely cause of a flickering light bulb is contact issues. When a bulb is improperly put into the socket, these problems arise. It's also possible for a bulb that's close to failure to flicker. A flickering bulb may also be the result of wiring issues with the light fixture itself.
LED flame bulbs and lights put a distinctive twist on conventional light fixtures. With the better models, the flame appearance can be very convincing and offers an inexpensive, secure method to give that cozy feel to any setting.
Even if you don't plan to use the LED flame bulbs constantly, it's a good idea to keep a few on hand since you can always switch them out as the seasons change.