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Lamp Lifetime
What is the lifetime of a Lamp?
Lamps vary in the average rated lifetime hours, depending on the type of lamp as shown below:
Incandescent Lamps usually need to be replaced after 750 – 2,000 hours and have the shortest
lifespan. Despite this, they still appeal to many consumers due to the relaxing and aesthetically pleas-
ing hue desired in more domestic applications.
Fluorescent Lamps last much longer, and typically need to be replaced after 24,000 – 36,000 hours.
Due to this their best use is in applications where they will be switched on for long periods of time,
such as commercial offices.
CFLs can go a long time between replacements, lasting between 8,000 – 20,000 hours. They can
sometimes be delayed in achieving full brightness but this is usually outweighed by the longer lifespan
they offer. These lamps can also be found in a variety of colours and shapes, making them ideal for
more sophisticated design applications.
Halogen lamps are a more efficient lamp than incandescents, although they largely do the same job.
They can last anywhere from 2,000 – 4,000 hours, almost twice as long as incandescents. They also
maintain the crisp, white light until the end of their life, rather than dimming in brightness as their
lifespan reaches its end.
Incandescent Lamps
Fluorescent Lamps
CFL Lamps
Halogen Lamps
Average Rated Lifetime Hours
Type of Bulb
Incandescent
Fluorescent
CFL
Halogen
LED
Typical Range (Hours)
750 - 2,000
24,000 - 36,000
8,000 - 20,000
2,000 - 4,000
35,000 - 50,000
LAMP LIFE
GUIDE