Maximum power
The maximum power of the light source allowed for a given lamp.
This parameter has different meanings depending on the light source (see the corresponding paragraph). It is most critical for models with sockets for replaceable light bulbs: the power of the light bulbs used should not exceed the maximum power of the lamp. Otherwise, it will overheat, and the consequences can be very unpleasant - even a fire. In this case, for models with several cartridges, the total power of all installed light sources is indicated. In order to determine the maximum permissible power of an individual light bulb, you need to divide the total limitation by the number of sockets. For example, in a model with 7 “seats” and a limit of 140 W, you can install bulbs of no more than 140/7 = 20 W.
It is also worth recalling that the actual brightness of the light bulb will depend not only on its power, but also on its type. Thus, at the same brightness, “energy-saving” fluorescent lamps have a power 3 to 5 times less than incandescent lamps, and LED light sources - 10 times less. Thus, low permissible power does not interfere with achieving high brightness.
As for table lamps with built-in LEDs, the maximum power for them corresponds to the actual power of the LED unit. You can roughly estimate the capabilities of such a lamp using the above formula - the brightness of the LED corresponds to the brightness of an incandescent lamp with 10 times more power. For example..., if you previously made do with a 60-watt light bulb, an 8-watt LED lamp will most likely be enough for you.
Wattage also determines the energy consumption of the lamp. However, it is not particularly high in table lamps, and in models with a replaceable socket, it also depends not on the maximum power of the lamp itself, but on the characteristics of the actually installed light bulbs.
Luminous flux
Luminous flux provided by a lamp. This parameter is indicated only for models using built-in LED modules (see “Light source”) - in lamps with a socket, it will depend on the light bulbs used.
Luminous flux is essentially the brightness of the lamp. The brightness itself in lumens tells little to the average user, a non-specialist; however, there are tables that allow you to compare the luminous flux of a lamp with a particular light source of standard brightness. For example, a 40 W incandescent lamp produces about 415 lm, a 60 W lamp produces 710 lm, and a 100 W lamp produces 1340 lm. More detailed tables for comparison can be found in special sources.
Speaking of brightness, it is also worth noting that it should not be too low or too high: both create discomfort, increase fatigue and can lead to eye problems. Reference sources provide recommendations on optimal brightness for different tasks. However, this point can be determined for yourself experimentally. And if in doubt, you can purchase a lamp with adjustable brightness (see “Functions and capabilities”).
Colour temperature
The colour temperature of the light emitted by the lamp. It is indicated only for models with built-in LED (see "Light source"), since bulbs with different characteristics can be installed in the socket. In luminaires with
colour temperature control(see "Features"), the minimum value is usually taken into account.
This parameter directly determines the hue of the visible colour. At the same time, its physical meaning is such that as the colour temperature rises, this shade becomes more
“cold”, shifts from yellow to blue. Here are some examples of colour temperature, for clarity:
— 1500 – 2000 K — candle flame;
— 2800 K — 100 W incandescent lamp (
warm light);
— 4000 K — a fluorescent
lamp of daylight white light(such light can already be perceived as cold);
— 5000 K — the light of the midday sun;
— 5500 K — a shade from white clouds at noon;
And so on, thickening to blue cold shades.
Note that the choice for this parameter depends not only on personal preferences and design considerations, but also on the general purpose of the lamp. So, a high colour temperature (from 5000 K) is considered optimal for reading, an average colour temperature (about 4000 – 5000 K) is comfortable for mathematical calculations, working with documents and other tasks that require concentration, and
...soft warm light up to 4000 K is good for relaxing and creating atmosphere of comfort.Touch control
Touch control is considered more convenient and advanced than buttons, toggle switches, rotary knobs and other mechanical controls. Firstly, the touchpad has a flat surface without protruding parts, making it less dirty and easier to clean. Secondly, there are no moving parts on the panel, which increases its service life. Thirdly, the sensors can perceive different types of actions, which allows you to use one simple panel for different functions: for example, turn a lamp on and off with a short “tap”, and change the brightness by moving your finger up or down. There are also quite unusual functions - for example, “random” color selection depending on where the panel was touched and how many milliseconds it lasted. It is also worth noting that the sensors can have a “technological” appearance, perfect for modern style lamps; and among the “classics” there are models where the stand is one continuous touch surface.
Body / dome material
The material from which the body and/or lampshade is made.
— Plastic. Inexpensive and at the same time quite practical, thanks to which it is a popular material. Plastic can have any colour and transparency, parts of even complex shapes are easily made from it, plus such products weigh a little. The disadvantage of this option is considered to be relatively low strength; however, in the case of table lamps, it is quite enough for normal use, and even in case of various household "troubles" such as falling from the table to the floor. Plastic as a whole poorly resists scratches — but this point is purely aesthetic, and besides, a lot depends on the specific type of plastic.
— Metal. A common name that combines several types of alloys. It is indicated when the manufacturer, for one reason or another, decided not to specify the composition of the metal used for the lamp. Anyway, such cases and shades are noticeably stronger and more reliable than plastic ones, but they are more expensive and, in most cases, weigh more.
— Steel. Steel can be used in both advanced and relatively inexpensive table lamps. In the first case, the product is often made of "stainless steel" and has a polished surface; in the second, simpler grades of steel with paint or other protective coating can be used. Anyway, this material is durable and cheaper than aluminium, but it also weighs noticeably more.
— Aluminium. This material can be attributed to the pr...emium class. Aluminium combines the strength of steel and the low weight of plastic; in addition, such cases and shades can have a rather stylish and rich appearance, they are great for high-tech lamps. The disadvantage of this material is traditional — a rather high price.
— Glass. A material used primarily in decorative lamps and candle lamps (see "Type"). Glass can be transparent or translucent, have different colours, be complemented by various relief decorations. A similar appearance can be achieved when using plastic, but the glass looks more "representative", and also retains its original appearance for a very long time — thanks to scratch resistance. Such lamps turn out to be heavy, but this can be both a disadvantage and an advantage — a massive body is more stable and creates an additional sense of solidity. But the unequivocal disadvantages of glass lamps can be called fragility and high cost.
— Wood. Another material used in decorative lamps. It is worth noting that the tree not only looks good, but is also quite practical: the strength of such a material is comparable to the characteristics of plastic (and sometimes even higher), and small scratches on it can be completely invisible. However, wooden cases are more difficult to manufacture and much more expensive — so much so that the described advantages do not justify the difference in price. And in style, they fit poorly into the equipment of a modern workplace. Therefore, wood in table lamps is used exclusively as a design material.
— Ceramics. Ceramic gives the luminaire a cozy “homely” look, making it well suited for table lamps and decorative models (see “Type”). The main disadvantage of this material is the fragility and sensitivity to shock. Indeed, many types of ceramics are capable of cracking from a fall or other strong impact, but there are also high-strength varieties; specific properties of the material, usually, are directly related to the price category of the lamp.
— Textile. Textiles are practically not used in cabinets, but are often found in plafonds and lampshades, especially among table floor lamps (see "Type"): the fabric gently scatters the light passing through it and can give it one shade or another.
