Tungsten lighting information

Tungsten filament or GLS (general lighting service) is the oldest and most common light source. Light if produced by a current passing through a filament held in gas, causing it to heat up and glow.

Type of light - a warm, flattering and cosy light
Voltage – 240V
Lifespan – approximately 1,000 hours
Colour temperature – approximately 2,900 degrees Kelvin

Advantages
• Cheap and widely available, which means bulbs are easy to use and replace
• Provide an instant light, bulbs don’t need to warm up first
• Produce a warm light with good colour rendering
• Available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, types and wattages
• Bulbs don’t contain toxic chemicals
• Dimmable

Disadvantages
• Least efficient light source with the shortest life span
• Frequently switching a tungsten light on and off can reduce it’s life span
• Bulbs get very hot
• Must not be placed too close to flammable fabrics
• Outdoors bulbs can crack if turned on in cold conditions as the glass that is used is so thin.