Bulbs in the means of light are one of the most incredible inventions on the planet. A light bulb commonly effuses little amount of heat and this liberates a lot of vitality.
But before starting, just imagine for a few minutes what if there is no electricity in the world? How would people survive at night time without electricity? How were electric bulbs invented?
In 1878, an American inventor Thomas Alva Edison started researching and in 1879, he succeeded. He invented an early type of the electric bulb.
The size of the bulb is indicated by the numerals 30 and 40, which are expressed in units of 1/8 of an inch. So, a BR30 bulb is 3.75 inches long and a BR40 bulb is 5 inches long.
Find out more about the differences between these two bulbs as you read this blog post.
What is a Bulb Meant For?
The bulb which is invented by Thomas Edison is an electronic machine that produces light by using a wire filament. It is also called an incandescent lamp. It means you can save almost 98% of the light used by incandescent bulbs.
The smaller energy is essential for the working of electric bulbs means a small need for electricity which can easily be created by fossil fuels. Electric bulbs are of different sizes and shapes; they utilize voltage in the range of 1.5 volts to 300 volts alternatively.
Now, first, discuss and learn about the different parts of the bulb in detail.
Structure of a Bulb
An electric bulb includes three main parts:
- Filament
- The glass bulb
- Base
Electric bulbs have a simple structure. At the bottom side, it has two metal junctions.
These two junctions are connecting with the ends of an electrical circuit. The metal junctions are linked to two rigid wires; these wires are connected to a narrow fine metal filament.
The filament is situated in the center of the bulb, made by a glass mount. All the parts are accommodated in a glass bulb. This glass bulb is filled with inert gases like argon and helium. When the current is supplied, it passes from one junction to another by the filament.
The electric current is a mass movement of electrons from the negative to positive charge region. By this method the bulb discharges light.
Mainly, the base of a bulb has two types:
- Spiral base: This type of base has a spiral piece of lead that joins the lamp to the circuit.
- Two-side nail base: In this type of bulb, nails at the bottom hold two pieces of lead that join the lamp to the circuit.
Now, come to the point, and let’s learn about Br30 and Br40 bulbs.
What is Meant by an LED Bulb?
LED stands for “light emitting diodes.” They are actually more energy coherent than normal light bulbs.
In past years, people had used incandescent bulbs but as technology increases LED lights have also upgraded. They are environmentally friendly and save energy more than other bulbs.
In the 1960s, LED bulbs have been invented. At start LED lights only emit red light with low frequency. Later, in 1968 the first energy-saving LED lights have been invented.
These bulbs utilize a semiconductor gadget that releases light when a current pass through it. This phenomenon is known as electroluminescence. It uses electric current to galvanize mercury gas until it releases ultraviolet rays.
LED bulbs can easily work for 50000 hours maximum by using 8-11 watts of energy. It means that these bulbs can save 80% of electric current.
Br 30 Bulbs
As the name above, Br stands for “bulged reflector.“ Br30 bulbs are bulbs which has a specific size of 3.75 inches in length and 4 inches (or less than 4 inches) in diameter.
They are mostly obtainable in a variety of color temperatures. In fact, these bulbs are the substitution for incandescent bulbs.
They give a warm and soft look because of the lower Kelvin (K) which makes the spot warmer.
Why do we call it Br30?
In other light ignition products, usually the digit mentions its diameter with eighths inches. However, here 30 specifies the bulb’s diameter as 30/8 inch or 3.75 inches.
Br30 bulbs are alike PAR30 LED bulbs in size but they have bulged and sleeted humidifier covers. On the other hand, PAR30-led bulbs have correlated lenses. Br30 essentially vary in their beam angle.
Uses of Br30 Bulbs
- Br30 bulbs have different beam angles but commonly, these bulbs have 120 beam angles.
- By this broad beam, Br30s are the best option for wall-washing techniques (a term used for indirect lighting, placed on the floor or ceiling at the spacious gap from the wall).
- In this technique, the light spread over the whole space constantly with an even glow.
- So, we can say, Br30 bulbs are good for art galleries, museums, and playrooms.
Br40 Bulbs
Br40 is also a bulged reflector; this type of bulb can increase the volume of light extinguished. This is also an incandescent bulb which makes the look soft and calm.
Br40 are the bulbs that have a specific size of 40/8 or 5 inches in length and 4 inches (or more than 4 inches) in diameter. Br40 bulbs have a broader lens and can expand light across substantial space.
Why do we call it Br40?
As the name Br40 implies, it is a sizeable reflector with a broad beam with R-style of sizeable lights. We call them flood lights because of their wider diffuser to make wider less absorbed light.
They are lightweight, broad-spectrum lamps that divide light in an even beam pattern. That’s why we call them Br40 which means bulge reflector 40 whereas 40 represents its size, which is 40/8 inches.
Uses of Br40 bulbs
Br40s are the best option for track or road lights and hanging pendant fixtures.
Usually, they assemble in 6-inch hollowed cans fixed in the ceiling. Because of their 5-inch diameter, they are difficult to assemble in 5-inch hollowed cans.
So, before using Br40, you have to make sure the size of the can which should be more than 5 inches.
Difference Between Br30 and Br40 Bulbs
| Characteristics | Br30 Bulbs | Br40 Bulbs |
| Diameter | Less than 4 inches | More than 4 inches |
| Types | It is an LED bulb. | It is also an LED bulb. |
| Length | 30/8 or 3.75 inches | 40/8 or 5 inches |
| Brightness | Normal brightness | High brightness |
| Color temperature | It is directional with 670 lumens. | It is non-directional with 1100 lumens. |
| Color | Mostly used in white color. But other colors are also present. | It is also used in white color but other colors like warm white, soft white, cool white, and daylight give them a variety. |
| Color display | They are good in color display. | They are best in color display. |
| Beam angle | 120 beam angle | Wider beam angle |
| Uses | Commonly use in rooms with lower ceilings, art galleries, and museums. | Commonly used in hall rooms with high ceilings, road tracks, and big hanging pendants. |
| Lifespan/ Durability | 5,000 to 25,000 hours maximum | Have a warranty of 25,000 hours which means the next 22 years. |
Which is Better: Br30 or Br40?
Br30 and Br40 both are LED lights; they give a cool effect on the space. However, when choosing Br30 or Br40 first you have to consider the size of the area, the height of the ceiling, the color contrast of the walls, and the brightness you want.
Br30 is good for small spaces with low ceilings while Br40 is the best option for large spaces with high ceilings.
Are BR30 and BR40 Bulbs Interchangeable?
Most cans for basic illumination are 4″, 5″, or 6″. You cannot use BR40 bulbs in 4″ cans because they are too large.
A BR30 will fit 5″ cans with some side space, whereas a BR40 will fit with little to no side space.
Which is Brighter: BR30 or BR40?
The BR40 LED is significantly brighter than the BR30 LED, which is a notable change.
Since the BR40 LED is 40 to 70% brighter and has 1100 lumens, floodlights are a better fit for it. The light will flood the space. Better for directed lighting are BR30 LEDs.
Conclusion
- BR bulbs have smooth glass coating which allows the light to produce a better range.
- BR bulbs are best for indoors like kitchens, lower and high ceiling rooms, and stair or track lights.
- All the BR bulbs are energy savers, they save 60% more energy than usual bulbs.
- Both Br30 and Br40 are light bulbs; they only differ in their size.
- They both are LED lights which clearly means they use less power and save energy.
- The plastic body burns with an extra shine without being hot.
- Thus, whenever you want to change your house’s lighting, Br30 and Br40 could be the best choice for it.