Happy 130th Birthday, Light Bulb!
The first successful test of Thomas Edison’s carbon filament occurred on October 22, 1879, lasting for 13.5 hours. Thus, 130 years ago the light bulb was born! While that’s only a tiny speck in earth’s history, it’s hard to imagine how our lives would be without electric light. Edison’s invention changed life as we know it with a single flip of a switch…
Think back to the last time the power went out at your home… how lost were you without light? Lighting your home isn’t just a convenience, it’s a necessity — and it’s only within the last century that we’ve had the privilege of instant light.
Light is necessary. It not only allows us to see, but gives us safety — it’s a beacon that keeps ships away from shorelines, directs planes, and can even summons comic book superheroes. We owe a lot to that tiny glowing glass bulb.
The invention of the light bulb changed our lives forever, and it’s not nearly done evolving. New technology such as spiral Compact Fluorescent bulbs and LED technology are quickly taking favor in today’s homes, so enjoy your 130th birthday, Incandescent Light Bulb, because I’m sorry to say your days in this form are numbered.
| Incandescent • Uses 60 Watts • Lamp Life: 1,000 hours Produces light by heating a filament, which causes most of the energy consumed to be wasted as heat. |
CFL • Uses 13 Watts • Lamp Life: 10,000 hours Produces 70% less heat to operate and uses 75% less energy than standard bulbs. |
LED • Uses 9.5 Watts • Life: 50,000 hours Consumes very little energy and produces no heat. A single LED can last up to 50,000 hours, is entirely safe, and can be available in a broad spectrum of colors. |
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