Lamps - Incandescents, Neons

The range of products in this category consists of small-scale lamps or "light bulbs" that are designed to serve as indicators or backlighting devices. These lamps come in various shapes and sizes, each tailored to meet specific requirements. The two primary types of lamps in this family are incandescent and neon lamps.

Incandescent lamps operate by passing an electric current through a thin metal filament, typically composed of tungsten. As the current flows through the filament, it becomes highly heated, which causes it to emit visible light. Incandescent lamps have been in use for a long time and are commonly found in older equipment. However, they are not very efficient at converting electrical energy into light. A significant amount of energy consumed is wasted as heat, rather than being utilized for light production.

Neon lamps, on the other hand, generate light by passing an electric current through a gas, such as neon, at low pressure. When the gas molecules within the lamp are excited by the electric current, they emit light. Neon lamps emit a distinct colored glow, and while they are not very efficient at producing light, they do require a relatively high drive voltage compared to other common indicator lamp types. This unique characteristic makes them ideal for indicating the presence of AC line voltage in various applications.

Although neon lamps may not be the most efficient option for light production, their higher voltage requirement and distinctive glow make them well-suited for indicating the presence of AC line voltage. This feature has led to their frequent usage in situations where it is necessary to visually identify the presence of AC power.

In summary, this product family includes small-scale lamps or "light bulbs" that are primarily used for indication or backlighting purposes. Incandescent lamps create light by heating a thin metal filament to a high temperature, while neon lamps produce light by passing an electric current through a gas like neon at low pressure. Incandescent lamps are commonly found in older equipment, while neon lamps are often used to indicate the presence of AC line voltage due to their relatively high drive voltage requirement. Each type serves specific purposes within the realm of indication and backlighting.