When changing a dead or broken globe, do you just choose the replacement that looks the same as the previous light without giving it more thought? Then this guide is probably for you! Not everyone knows the ins and outs of light globes, but by following a few simple steps, you can educate yourself and make the best decision next time you need the globe – it may save you money in the long run!
STARTING POINT – BASE TYPES
Grab your globe and take a look at the bottom. Above, you can see the most common base types you’ll find in an average Australian home. From left to right: Bayonet, Edison Screw, Downlights, and Bi Pins.
The first four bases are commonly seen on regular globes, while GU10s and MR16s are for downlights, and Bi Pins will be found in rangehood lights or cabinet lighting.
When you are buying, look for the corresponding base code on the globe's box, or simply compare it to the graphic above!
COLOUR TEMPERATURE
Colour temperature will be the second most important number on the globe's box, after the base code from above. Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin (K), and as you can see in the graphic above, the higher the Kelvin, the bluer the light will be.
We've noted the three most common colour names in the industry, but here's a few more to help you look:
Warm Light: 2700K to 3500K – Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and restaurants. Gives a cosy feeling.
Cool Light: 3500K to 4500K – Perfect for all locations, the most common colour temperature.
Daylight: 5000K-6000K – Offices or retail locations
Cool Daylight: 6000K-7000K – Commercial and industrial application. Very bright, and often high lumen, but can be hard on the eyes.
GLOBE TECHNOLOGY
LED Lighting: The most energy efficient, and have the longest lifetime. Don't be put off by their higher upfront cost. LED lights utilise less energy than Compact Fluorescent Lights, halogen globes, and other traditional lighting types, making them the ideal replacement for your older lighting technology.
Compact Fluorescent Lights: CFL, standing for compact fluorescent lamps or light, is an energy-saving fluorescent light designed as a replacement for older technologies such as halogen and incandescent lamps. Not the best choice for exposed lamp holders, as many people find their design off-putting.
Halogen Globes: Less energy efficient or long-lasting as CFLs or LEDs, but produce excellent colour rendition and brightness.
WATTAGE
Lastly, make sure to check the MAX wattage of your light fitting, and find a globe of that wattage or under. Make sure to never exceed the wattage of your fitting.
HOW TO FIND YOUR GLOBE
Keeping the above in mind, you can use our product sorting system to find the globe you need with ease. Let's use the LED Lighting category as an example:
Loading the page, you'll see a sidebar to your left with various specifications to filter the results from. Scrolling down, you will find the options for Base Type, Colour Temperature, and more!
How to choose a right globe?