Litetronics International

GENERAL FAQs

 

Which light bulb do I use in my specific light fixture (table lamp, wall sconce, outdoor light post, etc.)?

 

Please refer to our Enlightening Sheets to find a Litetronics light bulb that will fit your specific needs. If you cannot locate a bulb that will help you, please send your question in our message box. If you are still not sure, contact your regional sales manager or customer service.

 

Where can I buy Litetronics light bulbs?

Litetronics light bulbs are only available through official Litetronics distributors. To find a distributor in your area or to learn how to become a distributor of Litetronics products, contact a Litetronics representative via our Contact Us page.

 

Why do my bulbs seem to burn out quickly?

Light bulbs can burn out quickly for a variety of reasons. The first thing to do if a bulb seems to burn out quickly is check the fixture it’s in. Light fixtures can wear out over time and develop wiring problems that cause the bulbs to fail early. If bulbs are repeatedly burning out quickly in the same light fixture, it’s probably the fixture. Be sure you're following the fixture manufacturer’s specifications for light bulb wattage, voltage, and bulb shape.

 

The second thing to consider is the type of bulb you’re buying. Some new bulb types have a longer bulb life than regular incandescent light bulbs that you’re used to. If you want bulbs that last longer, look for our Rough Service light bulbs that are guaranteed to last 2 years — they provide a superior bright, crisp light and are made with high-level design and materials.  If you’re looking for long life and energy efficiency, try our Neolite CFLs.  They last up to 12,000 hours and save up to 75% in energy costs.

 

How long should light bulbs last?

Litetronics follows a standard industry rating for light bulb life called “rated life.” Check your light bulb package or our product catalog to find the rated hours of life for your particular bulb.

 

The rated life is a measure of the median time in hours that it takes for a light bulb to burn out. This is the point in laboratory testing at which half the test bulbs have burned out and half the test bulbs are still burning.   For example, a 75-watt standard incandescent light bulb may have a rated life of 1,000 hours. This means that at 1,000 hours 50% of the test lamps are still burning.

 

What should I do if I have a defective light bulb?

For the quickest and most effective service, please contact the distributor from whom you purchased the light bulb. If you are a Litetronics distributor with a defective product, please contact us.

 

Does Litetronics sell lighting fixtures?

Litetronics currently sells Omni-Light undercabinet halogen lighting fixtures.

 

Does Litetronics make shatter-resistant light bulbs?

If you’re looking for a shatter resistant bulb, try our Super Safe-T™ light bulbs. They have a proprietary coating that helps contain shattered particles if the bulb is broken. Super Safe-T coating can be applied to many of our light bulbs by special order.

 

What are initial lumens?

This is the quantity of light output measured after the first 100 hours of operation using controlled system characteristics.

 

What are mean lumens?

This is the average quantity of light output measured over the life of the light bulb. High pressure sodium and incandescent light bulbs are measured for mean lumens at 50% of bulb life. Fluorescent and metal halide light bulbs are measured for mean lumens at 40% of rated life.

 

Where can I find information about energy-efficient lighting rebates?

Rebates for adopting energy-efficient lighting are usually offered through local and state utilities. To find out if any rebates are currently available, please check with your energy provider.

LED FAQs

What is an LED?

LED stands for light emitting diode, which is a semiconductor device that emits visible light when electrical current passes through it.

 

What is a heat sink?

A heat sink is a conductor specially designed to dissipate heat.  They are used in LEDs because they are very heat sensitive.  As the LEDs generate light, they also give off some heat.  When several LEDs are next to each other in a bulb, heat builds up and can lower the LEDs’ performance.  A heat sink dissipates the heat to keep the LEDs performing optimally.

 

How are LEDs different from other light bulbs like incandescent and CFLs?

LED light bulbs are much more energy efficient than incandescent light bulbs, reducing energy consumption by up to 85%.  Compared to compact fluorescent bulbs, LEDs are fairly comparable in terms of energy savings.  LED’s major advantages over CFLs are the ability to provide a controlled beam of light for reflector applications and its dimmability.  LED’s long life of up to 50,000 hours is much longer than both incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, which helps reduce maintenance and replacement costs.

 

What are the benefits of LED lighting?

LED light bulbs have many benefits.  Compared to incandescent and halogen light bulbs, LEDs can provide tremendous energy savings, and their long life can provide even more savings in maintenance and replacement costs.  Compared to fluorescent lighting, LED is able to provide more controlled, focused beams of light and better dimmability.  It is also considered to be more environmentally friendly because it has longer life and does not contain any mercury.  It also does not require warm-up time; LED light bulbs turn on instantly with full brightness when the light switch is flipped.

 

What is the average rated life of LED light bulbs?

Most LED light bulbs have an average rated life of 25,000-50,000 hours.  There are many factors that account for the variance in lifespan, including heat management, proximity of LEDs to one another, the type of fixture, etc.

 

How is the average rated life of LED light bulbs calculated?

While an LED can generate light for up to 100,000 hours, its lumen output gradually decreases over time.  The industry standard is to provide a life rating that is the point at which the lumen maintenance is 70%.  In other words, the average rated life for an LED tells you how many hours the LED will last and maintain at least 70% of its initial lumen output.

 

This is different from how the average rated life is determined for other light sources (incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, etc.).  Other light sources measure the average rated life as the point at which 50% of the bulbs tested have failed and 50% of the bulbs tested are still burning.  LED light bulbs measure the point at which they provide 70% of initial lumens because LEDs fade over time, and this rating gives end users an idea of how long the LEDs will provide useable light that meets the needs of the application.

 

What differentiates Litetronics’s LED light bulbs from other brands?

The LED PARFECTION bulbs have the Thermal Breeze™ cooling system that dissipates heat much better than ordinary LED heat sinks, which improves lumen output and LED performance.  Thermal Breeze’s advanced cooling technology also means that the Litetronics LEDs stay cooler during operation compared to ordinary LEDs, and the lower temperature results in longer life.  They also have an Eco-Clear™ optics lens that takes an outside LED array and focuses the light into a controlled beam with even light distribution in the center.  The LED-DECO light bulbs have a unique LED mounting frame that provides omni-directional light that makes chandeliers sparkle.  They also have an internal, concealed heat sink that enhances the aesthetics of the bulbs.

 

How is the Thermal Breeze™ cooling system different from other heat sinks?

The Thermal Breeze™ cooling system is different from heat sinks in other LED light bulbs because is provides both internal and external cooling to the LEDs, which allows the LEDs to cool down in a shorter period of time and makes it possible for the bulb to generate more lumens in the same space while running at an optimal light level.

 

Additionally, the Thermal Breeze™ cooling system does not use heavy metal to manage heat.  This means Litetronics LED light bulbs weight much less than other LED light bulbs.  In fact, they even weigh less than a halogen light bulb, so they are sure to meet the weight capacity of existing fixtures.

 

What is the Eco-Clear™ optics lens?

Unlike other LED light bulbs, Litetronics LED PARFECTION bulbs do not have LEDs in the center of the bulb; rather, they have an array of LEDs around the perimeter of the bulb.  The Eco-Clear™ optics lens focuses the light emitted by the LED array into an evenly controlled beam that provides even light distribution without glare or striations.

 

Can I use an LED with a dimmer switch?

Not all LEDs can be used with dimmer switches, so make sure you check with the manufacturer to see if your LED is compatible with dimming circuits.  Litetronics dimmable LED light bulbs are specially engineered to dim down to 3% of light output on most standard triac dimmers.

 

Do LEDs emit ultraviolet or infrared light?

No, LEDs do not emit ultraviolet (UV) or infrared light.

 

Do LEDs contain mercury?

No, LEDs do not contain mercury.

 

FLUORESCENT FAQs

 

Why do fluorescent light bulbs need a ballast?

A fluorescent light bulb has an electron stream flowing between the two cathodes located at either end of the tube, regardless of the tube shape. The ballast generates the electrical spike to start the stream and then maintains a constant voltage to maintain a consistent lumen output.

 

What makes compact fluorescent and linear fluorescent bulbs more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs?

Fluorescent light bulbs (including compact fluorescents) are more energy-efficient than standard bulbs because of the different method they use to produce light. Incandescent bulbs create light by heating a filament inside the bulb; the electricity makes the filament white-hot, producing the light that you see. Most of the energy is used to create the heat in an incandescent bulb is wasted. A fluorescent bulb, on the other hand, does not have to convert the energy to heat in order to generate light. Because fluorescent light bulbs don’t use heat to create light, they are far more energy-efficient than regular incandescent bulbs.

 

What compact fluorescent light bulb do I buy to replace a 60-, 75-, 100- or 150-watt incandescent bulb? How are the watts calculated?

While a regular incandescent light bulb uses heat to produce light, a fluorescent light bulb creates light using a far more energy-efficient method — in fact, 4-6 times more efficient. This means that you can buy a 15-watt compact fluorescent bulb that produces the same amount of light as a 60-watt regular incandescent light bulb.

 

Here are the watts needed by regular incandescent light bulbs and compact fluorescent bulbs to produce the same amount of light.

 

Incandescent	CFL
40	10
60	15
75	20
100	23
125	27
150	42

 

Do light bulbs, such as compact fluorescent bulbs, give off hazardous amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light?

Regular fluorescent light bulbs used in your home and office do not produce a hazardous amount of ultraviolet light (UV). Most light sources, including fluorescent bulbs, emit a small amount of UV, but the UV produced by fluorescent light bulbs is far less than the amount produced by natural daylight.

 

Where can I find lighting disposal policies and contact information for my state or province?

Refer to www.lamprecycle.org.

 

Where can I find a CFL recycling center near my home or business?

Refer to www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling.

 

How much heat is emitted by incandescent, halogen, and compact fluorescent light bulbs?

Incandescent light bulbs create light by heating a filament inside the bulb; the heat makes the filament white-hot, producing the light that you see. Halogen light bulbs create light through the same method. Because incandescent and halogen bulbs create light through heat, about 90% of the energy used is wasted to generate heat. To reduce the heat emitted by regular incandescent and halogen bulbs, use a lower watt bulb (like 60 watts instead of 100).

 

Fluorescent light bulbs use an entirely different method to create light. Both compact fluorescent light bulbs and fluorescent linear tubes only waste approximately 30% of their energy in heat, making them far cooler and more energy efficient than regular bulbs.  Fluorescent light bulbs are an ideal choice whenever reducing heat or saving energy is important.

 

What’s the white powder I see inside my fluorescent light bulb?

The white powder that you see inside a fluorescent light bulb is called phosphor, which is a substance that emits visible light whenever it absorbs ultra violet energy waves. The phosphor used in a fluorescent light bulb is what determines both the color temperature and the color rendering index.

 

What’s the difference between a compact fluorescent light bulb and a linear fluorescent bulb?

The primary difference is size and application. Compact fluorescent bulbs are made in special shapes (which require special technologies) to fit in standard household light sockets, like table lamps and ceiling fixtures. In addition, most compact fluorescent light bulbs have an integral ballast that is built into the base of the light bulb, whereas linear fluorescent tubes require a separate ballast independent of the bulb. Both types are energy-efficient light sources.

 

What differentiates Litetronics compact fluorescent light bulbs from other brands?

Litetronics CFLs have a legless design that gives them a shorter maximum overall length (MOL) than competing CFLs.  This allows Litetronics CFLs to fit inside more fixtures.  Litetronics CFLs also reach full brightness in just 30 seconds – the shortest warm-up time in the industry.  Finally, Litetronics introduced the world’s first CFL with only one milligram of mercury – Neolite – which is the most environmentally friendly CFL on the planet.

 

Can I use a compact fluorescent light bulb with a dimmer switch?

Only CFLs that are specifically designed to work with dimmers can be used with a dimmer switch.  Litetronics offers a variety of energy-efficient dimmable light bulbs, including Spiral-Lite Dimmable CFLs and Micro-Brite CCFLs.

 

Can I use a compact fluorescent light bulb in a 3-way fixture?

Only CFLs that are specifically designed to work with 3-way fixtures should be used in a 3-way fixture.  The Spiral-Lite 3-Way CFL is compatible with 3-way fixtures. It has the same light output as a 50/100/150-watt incandescent light bulb, but it uses up to 75% less energy. 

 

Will a compact fluorescent light bulb flicker or appear dim when I first turn it on?

Due to technological advances, Litetronics CFLs do not flicker when they are turned on.  However, all CFLs require a short warm-up period before they reach full brightness, which is why they may appear dim when first turned on.  If you’re looking for a CFL with a short warm-up time, try the Litetronics Neolite and Spiral-Lite CFLs.  They reach full brightness in just 30 seconds – the fastest warm-up time in the industry!  Compact fluorescent light bulbs are best used in fixtures that are left on for longer periods of time, rather than in fixtures that are turned on and off frequently.

 

Can CFLs create interference with electronic equipment, such as radios?

Television Interference (TVI) occurs when components in the ballast generate a magnetic field. This field may interfere with the amplification of the AM component of a received signal when the ballast is in close proximity to the receiver.

 

To reduce the chance of interference, avoid placing CFLs near these kinds of electronic devices. If interference occurs, move the bulb away from the electronic device, or plug either the light fixture or the electronic device into a different outlet.   Litetronics light bulbs are engineered to greatly reduce TVI.

 

Can I use a CFL with an electronic timer or photocell?

Some electronic timers and photocells contain components that are incompatible with compact fluorescent light bulbs; using these bulbs in incompatible products will result in shorter bulb life. To find out if an electronic timer or photocell is compatible with compact fluorescent bulbs, check with the manufacturer of the timer or photocell.

 

What are cold cathode fluorescent light bulbs (CCFLs)?

The main difference between cold cathode and what we know as traditional compact fluorescent lighting, or hot cathode, is that hot cathode fluorescent light bulbs require large amounts of electric current pushed through a thin tungsten wire filament, superheating it. Because of this, the filament is fragile, easily destroyed by vibration, and has a shorter life.

 

In comparison, the electrodes in cold cathode light bulbs operate at a much cooler temperature and have an incredibly strong iron thimble as a cathode, which allows for instant bulb starting and longer life. Unlike traditional fluorescent light bulbs, many cold cathode bulbs also have the ability to dim down to 5% of light output. For more information about Micro-Brite CCFLs, please refer to the Enlightening Sheets.

 

What are the benefits of cold cathode lighting compared to incandescent?

Cold cathode light bulbs can operate using as much as 85% less energy than comparable incandescent bulbs and can last 20 times longer, or more.

 

What is the average rated life of Micro-Brite CCFLs?

The 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-watt Micro-Brite lamps can last up to 25,000 hours.  The 8- and 15-watt models have a rated life of 18,000 hours.

 

What wattage of Micro-Brite light bulb do I purchase to replace an incandescent lamp?

 

Micro-Brite	Incandescent
2	11
3	20
4	25
5	30
8	45
15	60

 

 

Is Micro-Brite available in 220-240V models?

Yes, Micro-Brite lamps designed for use on 220-240V have product codes starting with “MBE.”  Contact a Litetronics representative for more information about 220-240V Micro-Brite lamps.

 

 

HALOGEN FAQs

 

Why do some halogen light bulbs last longer than a regular incandescent light bulb?

Both regular incandescent bulbs and halogen bulbs create light by heating a tungsten filament. Usually, the bulb burns out when the filament is fully depleted.

 

The filament in a regular incandescent bulb burns out over time because the tungsten on the filament evaporates and is redeposited on the bulb’s glass. Those tungsten deposits are the reason bulbs often appear darker when they burn out.  Halogen bulbs can last longer because the halogen gas and intense heat inside the bulbs redeposit the tungsten back onto the filament as it evaporates, known as the “halogen cycle”. A halogen bulb will still eventually burn out because the filament becomes too stiff and brittle to sustain the vibrations caused by re-lighting.

 

How long should a halogen light bulb run at full voltage every day to activate the halogen cycle?

A halogen light bulb should run at full voltage for at least 30 minutes every day to allow the halogen cycle to clean the bulb.

 

How would using a 130V halogen light bulb on 120V circuit differ in terms of brightness versus a standard 120V long-life halogen bulb?

Lumen output will drop by 30%, and lbulb life will increase by 100%.

 

What would the difference in Kelvin temperature be?

As the operating voltage is lowered, the temperature of the filament decreases; the Kelvin color temperature will also decrease.

 

What is the beam angle of Litetronics halogen PAR light bulbs?

 

Beam Spread	Beam Angle
Spot	10 degrees
Narrow Flood	20 degrees
Flood	28 degrees
Wide Flood	50 degrees

 

What is the beam angle of Litetronics MR16 light bulbs?

 

Beam Spread	Beam Angle
Spot	12 degrees
Narrow Flood	24 degrees
Flood	36 degrees
Wide Flood	60 degrees

 

 

HID FAQs

 

What is a ballast, and how does one work?

A ballast is an electrical component used with any arc light bulb or fluorescent bulb to conduct electrical current through the tube. It supplies the initial surge voltage to the bulb, which creates the arc that creates light. Then it regulates the amount of electricity flowing through the bulb so that it emits a constant lumen output.

 

How will I know which ballast will work with a certain type of HID lamp?

Our catalog will show you the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) code that corresponds to the ballast required for each lamp.

 

May I interchange bulb types or wattages while using the same ballast?

NO! Each ballast is designed to operate a certain wattage bulb type. If you are using a 250-watt metal halide, you cannot replace it with a 400-watt metal halide without changing to the appropriate ballast. Likewise, you cannot remove a 250-watt metal halide lamp and replace it with a 250-watt high pressure sodium lamp without changing the ballast. If you do this, the bulb will either not light or greatly reduce the life of both the light bulb and ballast. A gross mismatch could even cause electrical shock or fire.

 

 

INCANDESCENT FAQs

 

How bright are the 120V, 20,000-hour Rough Service light bulbs when used on 130V circuit as opposed to being used on a 120V circuit?

On a 130V circuit, the lumen output increases by 30%.

 

What are the new federal government lighting efficiency standards, and when do they take effect?

The chart below indicates the new minimum efficiency standards that light sources must meet for particular lumen outputs, and the date they go into effect.

 

Current Wattage Incandescent	Lumen Output	New Maximum Wattage	Minimum Rated Life	Effective Date (Manufactured on or after)
100	1490-2600	72	1,000 hours	January 1, 2012
75	1050-1489	53	1,000 hours	January 1, 2013
60	750-1049	43	1,000 hours	January 1, 2014
40	310-749	29	1,000 hours	January 1, 2014

 

Are any incandescent light bulbs exempt from the efficiency standards?

Yes.  Excluded lamps include appliance bulbs, rough service bulbs, 3-way incandescent bulbs,  colored bulbs, sign service bulbs, shatter-resistant/shatterproof/shatter-protected bulbs, traffic signal bulbs, vibration service bulbs, and reflector bulbs.

 

All of Litetronics Rough Service 20,000-hour incandescent light bulbs are classified as rough service lamps because they have five supports surrounding the filament in addition to the two lead wires.  This means that they are exempt from the federal efficiency standards and can still be manufactured after January 1, 2012.

 

Does Litetronics offer energy-efficient replacements for my general service incandescent light bulbs?

Litetronics offers a wide variety of energy efficient light bulbs that meet the federal efficiency standards.  Refer to our Enlightening Sheets or contact a Litetronics representative to find an energy-efficient Litetronics light bulb to fit your application. 

 

 

SALES/ORDERING FAQs

 

What are initial order quantities?

All new distributors must place an opening order with a minimum product total of $5,000.

 

What are minimum order quantities?

All orders must be ordered in case quantities, as provided in our catalog. If your product order totals less than $100 before shipping and handling charges are applied, a $15.00 minimum order fee will be added. An additional charge of $20 per case will be applied to broken case orders

 

What is the minimum order required to receive free freight?

Free prepaid freight is based on a minimum order of $1,000 inside the continental United States and $2,000 for Hawaii and Alaska. The customer is responsible for all freight charges on merchandise order quantities below that minimum. Customers are also responsible for all orders shipped outside the continental United States regardless of the size of the order.

 

Are there any fees or penalties on returned merchandise?

Merchandise ordered in error may be returned with authorization from Litetronics. Invoice number and order date must be supplied. Authorization to return merchandise must be requested within 45 days from date of invoice. All returned merchandise is subject to a 20% restocking fee plus freight. Discontinued merchandise may not be returned at any time.