Expert Explains Difference Between Watts and Lumens
By: Matt Turner
Updated: January 17, 2012
As the old incandescent light bulbs are phased-out in 2012 and replaced with CFLs, LEDs and Halogens -- a lot of consumers will have to change the way they shop
After almost 100 years of looking at watts to gauge the power of a bulb, people will make the switch to lumens.
"Technically a lumen is how we measure the light output, or the brightness if you will," said Joseph Howley, Manager of Environmental Marketing for GE.
Howley says the Federal Trade Commission has prescribed new regulations that will result in new packages for light bulbs. They'll feature the number of lumens on the front in big bold letters.
The label will also include the annual operating cost. Basically, that lets you know how much money the electric company will get, if you use the bulb for approximately one year.
As for lumens, here's a quick breakdown when they're compared to watts.
"The way to start thinking about it is, if I was using a 60 (watt), I'd want a lamp close to 800 lumens," Howley said. "If I was using a 100 watt, I'd want a lamp double that, close to 1,600 lumens."
After almost 100 years of looking at watts to gauge the power of a bulb, people will make the switch to lumens.
"Technically a lumen is how we measure the light output, or the brightness if you will," said Joseph Howley, Manager of Environmental Marketing for GE.
Howley says the Federal Trade Commission has prescribed new regulations that will result in new packages for light bulbs. They'll feature the number of lumens on the front in big bold letters.
The label will also include the annual operating cost. Basically, that lets you know how much money the electric company will get, if you use the bulb for approximately one year.
As for lumens, here's a quick breakdown when they're compared to watts.
"The way to start thinking about it is, if I was using a 60 (watt), I'd want a lamp close to 800 lumens," Howley said. "If I was using a 100 watt, I'd want a lamp double that, close to 1,600 lumens."
