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Types of Lamps There are really only two "TYPES" of lamps used for general lighting

There are really only two "TYPES" of lamps used for general lighting

(1) In a FILAMENT LAMP, light is emitted by a tungsten wire which gets hot from electricity passing through it. EXAMPLES: Incandescent bulbs and Halogen lamps

(2) In a GAS DISCHARGE LAMP, light is emitted directly by atoms in the gas through which an electric "spark" is occurring. EXAMPLES: Fluorescent lamps and HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamps

All discharge lamps require a ballast to operate them: they cannot be directly plugged into the electrical line. Many compact fluorescent lamps have the ballast built in to the base of the lamp so they can be directly screwed in to the socket.

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) is a promising new light source used for cabinet signs, exit signs, traffic signals, etc... but not yet common for general lighting.
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