Kooldraadlampen

Kooldraadlampen, commonly known as incandescent light bulbs in English, are a type of electric light source that produces light by heating a thin metal filament inside a glass bulb until it glows. This technology has been widely used for over a century due to its simplicity and affordability. The term "kooldraad" refers to the filament, which is typically made of tungsten, a metal with a high melting point.

The basic principle behind kooldraadlampen involves passing an electric current through the tungsten filament. As the current flows, the filament heats up to a temperature where it emits visible light through incandescence. The glass bulb surrounding the filament is usually filled with an inert gas, such as argon or nitrogen, to slow down the evaporation of the tungsten and extend the bulb’s lifespan.

Kooldraadlampen were first developed by Thomas Edison in the late 19th century, marking a significant advancement in lighting technology. They became the dominant form of lighting in homes and businesses for much of the 20th century. However, their efficiency is relatively low, as most of the energy consumed is converted into heat rather than light. This inefficiency has led to a decline in their use, particularly in favor of more energy-efficient alternatives like LED and fluorescent lights.

In many countries, regulations have been introduced to phase out traditional kooldraadlampen due to their environmental impact and energy consumption. Despite this, they remain popular in certain applications where their warm, soft light is preferred, such as decorative lighting or in regions where energy costs are low. Some enthusiasts also appreciate their nostalgic value and continue to use them for aesthetic or historical reasons.