A fixture designed to offer three different light settings: low, medium, and high. In order to work properly, a 3-way light bulb must be used in the 3-way fixture.

A median value of life expectancy of light bulbs measured in hours.  The average rated life is determined by burning a group of bulbs until 50% are still burning and 50% have burned out.

The part of a lamp that serves as a connection to the fixture by being inserted into the socket.  Typical household sockets are designed for medium and candelabra bases.

The direction in which a lamp must be installed so it will operate properly.  Universal Burn means a lamp can be in any position; other burning positions include Base Up, Base Down, or Horizontal.

An E12 screw-in style lamp base that is 7/16” (12 mm) in diameter.  Candelabra bases are commonly found on decorative lamps and fixtures, such as ceiling fans and chandeliers.

The general term applied to fluorescent lamps that have small diameter tubes that are bent to form a compact shape.  Because they are bent into compact shapes and engineered with screw-in bases, CFLs can be used to replace less efficient incandescent light bulbs.

Describes the apparent color, or chromaticity, of a light source measured in degrees Kelvin (K).  The higher the color temperature, the visually cooler, or bluer, the light appears.  Typical color temperatures are 2700K (soft white), 4100K (cool white), and 5500K (natural light).

A term typically used to describe the total cost for bringing light to a given area.  The Cost of Light includes the cost of the electricity to power the bulb, the labor to change the bulb, and the cost of the bulb itself.  On average, electricity makes up 88%, the labor 8%, and the bulb 4% of every dollar spent on lighting.

A device used to control the intensity of light emitted by a light fixture by controlling the voltage or current available to it.

A small, direct lighting unit which directs the light downwards, such as a recessed can.

High frequency electronic ballasts and other electronic devices can produce a small amount of radio waves which can interfere with radio and TV. Federally mandated requirements for EMI levels must be met before an electronic device is considered FCC compliant.

Some lamps have earned the ENERGY STAR designation. They meet strict energy efficiency and performance guidelines set by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy.

A compact fluorescent light bulb that emits the full color spectrum of light, similar to the full color spectrum of natural sunlight.  While most Full Spectrum CFLs typically have a color temperature of 5000K-5500K, the color temperature of the light is not what emits the full color spectrum of light.  A true Full Spectrum CFL, such as the Earthmate Full Spectrum light bulb, contains a total of five phosphors – as opposed to a regular CFL with three phosphors – which enable it to emit a full color spectrum of light that replicates natural sunlight.

The measure of electrical power equal to 1000 watts.

The standard measure of electrical energy and the typical billing unit used for electricity use. Example: A 100-watt lamp operated for 10 hours consumes 1000 watt-hours (100 x 10) or one kilowatt-hour. If the utility charges $0.10/kWh, then the electricity cost for the 10 hours of operation would be 10 cents (1 x $0.10).

A unit of measurement used to describe the amount of light output provided by a light bulb.  Light bulbs with higher lumen ratings produce a greater amount of light output than those with lower lumen ratings.

The width of a lamp at its widest point. 

The length of a lamp from the top of the bulb to the bottom of the base.

A screw-in base, often referred to as a standard base because it is the most common. This is an E26 base, measuring 1” (26 mm) in diameter.

The minimum temperature of the environment surrounding the light bulb required for it to turn on.  The surrounding temperature must be at least 0° Fahrenheit for an Earthmate light bulb to turn on.

A term used to describe the color of light emitted by a light bulb.  A light bulb produces natural light if the color temperature of the light is between 5000K and 5500K, a replication of natural sunlight.

A fixture that has been built into the ceiling so that the bottom edge of the fixture is flush to the ceiling.

A light source with a built-in reflecting surface. Reflector bulbs are the best type to use in recessed cans because they are designed to push light downward.

A term used to describe the color of light emitted by a light bulb.  A light bulb produces soft white light if the color temperature of the light is between 2700K and 3000K, the same color as incandescent light bulbs.

Light directed to a specific surface or area that provides illumination for visual tasks.

A private organization that tests and lists electrical equipment for electrical and fire safety according to recognized UL and other standards.

The amount of time it takes for a compact fluorescent light bulb to reach its full brightness.  Earthmate bulbs take 30 seconds to one minute to reach full brightness.

The unit of electrical power used by an electrical device during its operation.  Light bulbs are rated in watts to indicate their power consumption; power consumed over time equals the electrical energy used.