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Bulb Basics: What You Need to Know Today
The Bright Edit: The Lighting Buyer’s Guide, Part 3
Choosing a light bulb used to be simple: pick a wattage, screw it in, and you’re done. But with today’s lighting technology and updated energy regulations in South Africa, there’s more to consider if you want your space to look great, feel right, and run efficiently.
In this edition of The Bright Edit, we break down what you need to know about LED bulbs, lumens, colour temperature, and why halogen and CFL bulbs are officially off the shelves.
Why You Won’t Find Halogen or CFL Bulbs Anymore
As of May 2024, the sale of incandescent, halogen, and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs for general household use is banned in South Africa. These bulbs simply don’t meet the minimum required 90 lumens per watt energy standard set out in new national regulations.
What’s Out:
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Halogen bulbs – High energy use, short lifespan, generate a lot of heat
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CFL bulbs – Slightly more efficient, but contain mercury and don’t outlast LEDs
What’s In:
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LED bulbs – Energy-efficient, long-lasting, cooler to the touch, and now the legal standard
“LEDs use up to 80% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs.”
LEDs vs Halogen vs “Smart” Bulbs (What You Actually Need)
Here’s a quick breakdown of what matters — and what’s no longer relevant:
| Feature | LED | Halogen (banned) | CFL (banned) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Use | Very low | High | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 15,000–25,000 hours | 1,000–2,000 hours | 8,000–10,000 hours |
| Heat Output | Minimal | High | Low |
| Mercury | None | None | Yes |
| Availability | Widely available | No longer sold | No longer sold |
| Smart Use | ✔ Works with smart switches* | ✘ Not compatible | ✘ Not compatible |
⚠️ Note: We don’t sell smart bulbs, but many of our LED fittings are compatible with smart switches and automation systems, giving you future flexibility.
Lumens vs Watts: A Quick Guide
Back in the day, watts = brightness. But with LEDs, watts now only tell you how much energy the bulb uses — lumens are the true measure of brightness.
Approximate Lumens-to-Watts Conversion
| Traditional Wattage | LED Equivalent | Brightness (Lumens) |
|---|---|---|
| 40W | ~5–7W | 400–500 lm |
| 60W | ~8–10W | 700–800 lm |
| 100W | ~15–18W | 1,300–1,600 lm |
Colour Temperature & CRI: How Light Affects Mood
Lighting doesn’t just change how a space looks — it changes how it feels. That’s where Kelvin and CRI come in.
1. Colour Temperature (Kelvin)
This tells you whether the light feels warm and cosy or crisp and energising.
| Kelvin (K) | Appearance | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2700K–3000K | Warm white | Bedrooms, lounges, ambient lighting |
| 4000K | Cool white | Kitchens, bathrooms, home offices |
| 5000K+ | Daylight white | Garages, laundry, task-heavy areas |
2. CRI (Colour Rendering Index)
CRI measures how accurately a light source reveals true colour (0–100 scale).
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80–85 CRI: Good for general household use
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90+ CRI: Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and anywhere colour accuracy matters (like applying makeup or showcasing art
Key Takeaways
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LEDs are now the only legal and practical choice for home lighting in South Africa
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Look at lumens for brightness — not watts
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Choose Kelvin temperatures to match the function and mood of each space
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For detail-heavy or colour-sensitive areas, aim for CRI 90+
What’s Next in The Bright Edit?
Room-by-Room Lighting Planning
We’ll guide you through the ideal fittings, placements, and brightness levels for every space in your home — from kitchen counters to bedroom reading nooks.
Need the right bulb today?
Browse our full range of LED bulbs and fittings at Lighting.co.za here
