What are GLS Light Bulbs?

When it comes to choosing the perfect lighting for your home or office, you need to know what’s available.

Within the lighting industry it is generally accepted that GLS bulbs, along with their counterparts Candle, Golf Ball and Pigmy, are referred to as “Lamps”, this is highlighted within the L part of GLS, General Lamp Service. However, the vast majority of end users know them as and refer to them as “Bulbs”.

One of the more popular choices of lighting is the General Lamp Service (GLS) light bulb – known for its classic shape and the energy-efficiency of its modern LED versions.

But what defines a GLS bulb? In this guide, the lighting experts at The Lighting Superstore explain what GLS bulbs are and their benefits.

What is a GLS Bulb?

The GLS bulb is a standard type of light bulb regularly used in UK homes and businesses.

It’s what you likely picture when you think of a light bulb – recognisable by its classic pear shape and practical, soft glow that makes it perfect for general-purpose lighting.

GLS bulbs are available in various wattages, usually from 40 to 100 watts. And they fit standard fixtures like lamps and ceiling lights.

The term ‘GLS’ refers to the specific shape of a light bulb – not the lighting element. So, modern GLS bulbs are available as both LEDs and CFL bulbs.

Difference between CFL and LED Bulbs

While both bulb types have the same GLS shape and design, there are distinct differences between CFL and LED bulbs.

CFL stands for ‘Compact Fluorescent Lamp’ – bulbs that use gas and phosphor coating to produce light. They’re generally better for cost-effective lighting, emitting warm and cool white light, ideal for cosy spaces.

LED stands for ‘Light Emitting Diode’ – a type of bulb that generates light through semiconductor technology. They generally have a longer lifespan and illuminate faster than CFL bulbs.

LED bulbs are great for workspaces where energy efficiency may be a priority. They’re also available in various colours, shapes and smart options for added versatility.

The Parts of a GLS Bulb

A GLS bulb contains several key parts:

• Glass Envelope: An outer bulb made of glass that encases the internal components. It provides protection and helps disperse the light over a wider area.

• Filament: A thin tungsten wire that produces light when an electric current passes through it. The filament heats up and glows – this is how a bulb emits light.

• Base: The bottom part of the bulb that connects to the light fixture. Common base types include bayonet (B22) and Edison screw (E27) fittings.

• Support Structure: A framework inside the bulb that holds the filament in place. This keeps the filament stable during operation.

• Inert Gas: The bulb is filled with an inert gas, like argon or nitrogen, that helps to protect the filament and prolong its life by reducing evaporation.

• Coating: Some GLS bulbs have a coating on the inner surface that can change the light output, either creating a softer glow or changing the colour temperature.

Advantages of GLS Bulbs

GLS bulbs have many qualities that make them perfect for use at home or work. These include:

• General Use Lighting Quality: Due to their reliability, GLS bulbs are perfect for a wide range of uses, encompassing both home and business.

• Instant illumination: LED varieties of GLS bulbs provide instant illumination. This makes LED GLS bulbs perfect for those looking for safety and clarity of vision, especially around obstacles that may be found in hazardous work environments like warehouses or tool sheds.

• Low Initial Cost: The initial price point for a GLS bulb can be much lower than that of other lightbulb types.

• Easily Available: GLS bulbs are widely available with lighting retailers like The Lighting Superstore.

Are GLS Bulbs Dimmable?

Some GLS bulbs are compatible with a dimmer switch, but it depends on the specific type. Not all LED and CFL bulb types are dimmable, so it’s important to check the product packaging before you make a purchase.

Examples of popular dimmable GLS bulbs include:

• Standard Dimmable LED Bulbs

• Smart LED Bulbs

• Vintage-style LED Bulbs

• Standard Dimmable CFLs

• Twist and Turn CFLs

It’s important to make sure your dimmer switch is compatible with the chosen LED or CFL bulb to avoid flickering lights or a reduced bulb lifespan.

What Are ES Bulbs?

Edison screw (ES) bulbs are a type of light bulb with a specific base design used for standard home fixtures, or in business and public spaces.

The typical Edison screw fitting has a threaded base which can be screwed into standard light fixtures. Common sizes include E27 (27mm diameter) for standard bulbs and E14 (14mm diameter) for smaller ES bulb varieties.

This is unlike other types of bulb fixtures – like the ‘bayonet cap’ light bulb, which features a cylindrical base with two pins that are secured into a fixture by pushing and twisting, instead of screwing.

Both GLS and LED bulbs come in ES varieties and provide significant energy savings options when compared with traditional incandescent ES bulbs.

The unique advantage of ES bulbs is their easy installation. Below is a diagram of an ES bulb and how it’s measured.

GLS Bulbs from The Lighting Superstore

The Lighting Superstore offers a wide range of GLS bulbs in different varieties, from bayonet (B22) to Edison screw (E27, E14) bases.

Choose from CFL or LED bulbs – as well as smart lighting and dimmable options – to find your perfect product.

SHOP GLS BULBS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is a B22 GLS Bulb?

A: B22 GLS bulbs feature a bayonet cap at the base. They’re commonly used in homes to provide a warm and soft illumination. B22 GLS bulbs are available in different wattages and are easy to install – making them a popular choice for standard light fittings. B22 bulbs come in the classic GLS shape.

Q: How many watts is a GLS bulb?

A: GLS bulbs range from 40 to 100 watts, with some of the most common wattages being 60 and 100 watts. Wattage indicates the amount of energy consumed by the bulb, which affects brightness. Lower-wattage bulbs can provide an energy-efficient lighting solution, with modern LED GLS bulbs emitting light at a much lower wattage.

Q: Are GLS bulbs energy efficient?

A: Modern energy-efficient GLS bulbs are considered highly energy efficient – up to 90% more efficient than incandescent bulbs. They’re also long-lasting and don’t need to be regularly replaced.

Q: How do I know what fitting my bulb is?

A: Check the bulb base type and size, which comes with the lightbulb product packaging. Common fitting types of Edison screw bulbs are 27mm (E27), and 14mm (E14). You can also measure the base diameter for accurate identification of bulb size.

Q: What is the difference between A60 and GLS bulbs?

A: A60 bulbs are a specific type of bulb, typically an Edison screw bulb with a diameter of 60mm. GLS bulbs are a broader category encompassing various bulb types – including the A60 bulb.

Q: Is a GLS bulb the same as an E27?

A: GLS refers to a broad category of bulbs defined by shape, while E27 bulbs are a specific type of bulb with a defined base diameter. In this case, E27 bulbs are Edison screw bulbs with a base diameter of 27mm.

Q: Is an E27 the same as an ES screw?

A: E27 bulbs are the same as ES bulbs. ES refers to ‘Edison screw’ bulbs – the general bulb type for the ‘E’ range. The ‘27’ in E27 refers to the base diameter of the bulb, which is 27mm. So, E27 simply means an Edison screw bulb with a 27mm base.