Often used in task lights, these bulbs are comparable to PL, Dulux, and Biax bulbs. Brightness is measured in lumens; the higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb. Bulbs with a warm light appearance have yellow tones. Bulbs with a neutral light appearance are often used in workspaces. Bulbs with a cool light appearance have white/blue tones and are good for inspecting. A bulb’s estimated yearly cost is based on 3 hours of usage per day at $0.11 per kWh.

LED bulbs last longer and are more efficient than CFL bulbs. They generate little heat, withstand vibration, and are shatterproof. Plug socket-ready bulbs into an existing fixture with a compatible ballast. Ballast bypass bulbs eliminate the need for a ballast so the socket must be wired directly to the power source.

CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs are energy efficient, but take several seconds to reach full brightness. They cannot be sold to Canada because they do not meet local efficiency standards and exceed local regulatory limits on mercury (for disposal information, visit www.epa.gov/cfl). Plastic-coated glass bulbs are shatter resistant; the coating retains glass shards if they break.