Back to: Basic Lighting Terminology

Basics to Light Sources.

Every lighting system starts with a light source — the component that produces visible light. Light sources can be natural, such as sunlight & fire or artificial light sources like incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lamps, or LEDs. Each type has unique characteristics, including colour appearance, energy efficiency, heat output, and lifespan.

In modern lighting, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are the dominant technology due to their high efficacy, long life, compact size, and controllability. The selection of a light source directly influences the quality of light, energy performance, and maintenance requirements of any lighting installation. Understanding these basics helps when specifying, comparing, or designing lighting systems.