Types of LED Bulbs You Didn’t Know Existed (And How to Choose the Right One)
Updated 1/28/24
If you are a frequent reader of our blog, you know that we cover a wide variety of lighting topics ranging from spotlighting products to answering frequently asked questions. With LED technology continuing to advance at a rapid pace, there are many interesting and unique products that we simply do not get a chance to fully cover. In this post, we will explore some LED products you may not know exist.
What Are LED Bulbs?
LED light bulbs are bulbs that use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to generate light. They produce the same amount of light as their incandescent, fluorescent, and halogen counterparts using just a fraction of the energy. LED bulbs are energy efficient, last far longer than traditional bulbs, and are available in a wide variety of types making them extremely versatile.
Common Types of LED Bulbs and Their Applications
Some of the most common types of LED bulbs include:
A-Type LED Bulbs: The A-shape bulb is the traditional light bulb shape. It’s the common household bulb that is used in table lamps, ceiling fans, floor lamps, and more.
PAR/BR LED Bulbs: PAR and BR lamps are reflector bulbs used for a wide range of applications, including recessed cans, track lights, and security flood lights.
PAR stands for parabolic aluminized reflector. These bulbs have a flat lens and use a parabolic mirror to concentrate the light output into a more focused beam.
BR stands for bulged reflector. The additional reflector in the neck that gives them their ‘bulged’ appearance, and they product a wider, more diffused beam.
G-Type LED Bulbs: Globes are decorative bulbs commonly used in vanities, pendants, patio stingers, and other decorative fixtures. They come in a variety of diameters, commonly ranging from 1.125 up to 5 inches.
MR16 Bulbs: These compact, multifaceted reflector bulbs are commonly used in track and landscape lighting.
T-Type Tubular Bulbs: Also referred to as linear tubes, these lamps are used in linear fixtures such as high bays, strip lights, and troffers. The most common sizes are T5s, T8s, and T12s. You will generally find these lights in garages, warehouses, offices, and other similar areas that utilize linear lighting.
Uncommon Types of LED Bulbs
LED Mini Indicator Bulbs
LED mini indicator bulbs replace the small halogen lamps found in under cabinet lights and other applications. Unlike halogen bulbs, these lights are not affected by the oils on your hands so you don’t need to wear gloves when handling the bulbs. LED mini indicators are available in a variety of bases:
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Base |
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Bi-Pin |
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Single Contact |
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Double Contact |
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Festoon |
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Wedge |
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Candelabra (E12) |
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Intermediate (E17) |
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Looped |
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When choosing a bulb, measure your fixture to ensure there is enough space for the bulb to fit. LED bulbs may be longer or wider than the bulbs they are replacing. Also make sure to check the voltage of your fixture, as these mini indicator bulbs range from 12 Volts to 120 Volts. In addition to under cabinet lights, LED mini indicator bulbs can be used in boats, vehicles, and RVs. Look for bulbs that are waterproof when choosing LED mini indicator lights for boats and other applications where bulbs can come into contact with water. Screw-based bulbs can be used in wall sconces, ceiling fans, chandeliers, and other similar fixtures.
Hazardous Location LED Corn Lamps
Ensure that you meet strict safety regulations while saving on electricity with the recently developed hazardous location LED corn lamps. These bulbs are rated for Class 1, Division 2 hazardous locations per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the National Electric code (NEC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) definitions. This means that these LED corn lamps are recommended for areas:
where flammable vapors or liquids are in the air
where natural gas or liquefied petroleum are stored and handled
where ignitable cleaning fluid vapors may be present
Capable of operating in environments ranging from -40 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, these lamps are UL listed for these and other fixtures:
Filtr-Guard H2 Luminaire
Crouse Hinds Champ VMV Luminaries
Appleton Mercmaster III
Appleton Merchmaarwe II
Hazardous location LED corn lamps require the removal of the ballast during installation, reducing maintenance costs. These LED lamps employ active cooling technology to help dissipate heat and feature a clear outer case that will contain an internal explosion. Use these lamps in aircraft hangers, gas stations, utility gas plants, and refineries.
Shatter Resistant LED Tubes
If you work in the food industry, you likely know that the FDA requires shatter resistant bulbs in areas around food and equipment. Did you know that many of our LED tubes that can be used in these areas? Shatter resistant LED tubes have a shatter resistant coating that meets NSF International (formerly called national Sanitation Foundation) certifications. This coating traps glass shards in the event of a breakage, keeping foods, surfaces, and appliances safe from broken glass. Use these lamps anywhere broken glass could pose a hazard including manufacturing facilities, schools, and daycares.
Shatter resistant LED tubes are available in three types. Plug and play lamps work with your existing ballast, making these the easiest to install. Direct wire lamps operate directly off of the line voltage, meaning that you have to remove the ballast and rewire the fixture during installation. This eliminates ballast maintenance costs and compatibly issues, as well as a potential failure point for your fixture. Hybrid tubes initially work with a compatible ballast, and can then be reinstalled later as a direct wire tube once the ballast reaches the end of its life.
LED Cooler and Freezer Fixtures
Are the fluorescent lights in your walk-in cooler, freezer, or display case not bright enough? Replace your existing system with these LED cooler and freezer fixtures. These lights hardwire directly to the line voltage and up to 10 lights can be interconnected. LED cooler lights are designed to withstand temperatures from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, vibrations, shocks, and corrosion. The integrated LEDs produce very little heat and no ultraviolet (UV) light, significantly reducing cooling costs. Choose between fixtures that produce a 4000 Kelvin cool white light or a 5000 Kelvin stark white light that is similar to daylight.
Specialty Rope Light
Another type of LED lights you may not be familiar with is our specialty rope lights, consisting of flexible neon rope light and hybrid LED flat rope light. Flexible neon rope light is an LED alternative to classic glass neon lights. Lasting up to three times longer, these lights simply plug into a nearby outlet and do not require ballasts or a specialist to install. Use neon rope light in a wide variety of applications including outlining buildings or relighting old neon signs. Hybrid LED rope light is designed with the flexibility of rope light and the brightness of LED tape light. These lights emit a bright light measured in Lumens per foot giving these lights the potential to light a small space. Flat rope light can be easily installed to light patios, decks, stages, and other locations.
Both types of specialty rope lights can be used outdoors as long as they remain uncut. Once cut at the marked cutting points, the UL listing is voided and any connections made must be shrink wrapped. Do not go over the maximum run limit when installing these lights. A single run of neon rope light can be no longer than 150 feet, and flat rope light cannot exceed 146 feet.
Are there LED lights that you are curious about and would like to see covered in more detail? Let us know in the comments below. You can read about more new and interesting products by follow our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Pinterest pages. You can explore our entire line of LED lights and bulbs by visiting our website.
