Lamps

A lamp is a device that produces light by converting electrical energy into visible radiation. In everyday usage, the term can refer to the entire lighting fixture (for example, a table lamp or floor lamp) or to the replaceable light source itself. Lamps are designed for a range of settings, from home interiors to industrial facilities.

A typical lamp consists of a light source, a power supply or ballast, and a housing or shade. Common light sources include incandescent bulbs, halogen lamps, fluorescent tubes, high-intensity discharge lamps, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LED technology has become widely prevalent due to higher efficiency, longer life, and improved form factors. Key performance metrics include luminous efficacy (lumens per watt), correlated color temperature, and color rendering index, which influence brightness, warmth of light, and color appearance.

There are many lamp types, such as table lamps, floor lamps, desk lamps, wall lamps, ceiling-mounted luminaires, pendants, chandeliers, floodlights, and streetlights. Lamps may incorporate diffusers, shades, or reflectors to control glare and distribution. Controls range from simple on/off switches to dimmers, timers, and smart systems that adjust output and behavior based on occupancy or daylight.

Historical development spans from oil and gas lamps to electric arc lamps, then incandescent bulbs, followed by fluorescent and high-intensity discharge sources. In recent decades, LEDs have driven significant gains in efficiency and lifespan, transforming design and energy use across applications.

Safety and environmental considerations include heat management, proper ventilation, electrical protection, and the disposal or recycling of certain lamp types (notably fluorescent lamps containing mercury).