NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) Practice Exam

How do energy-efficient lamps compare to traditional incandescent lamps in terms of energy consumption?

1. They consume more energy

2. They consume the same amount of energy

3. They consume less energy

4. They consume energy differently

The correct answer is: They consume less energy

Energy-efficient lamps are designed to use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent lamps while producing the same amount of light, measured in lumens. The primary advantage lies in their technology, such as using compact fluorescent or LED technologies. These lamps convert a higher percentage of energy into light rather than heat, leading to lower overall energy consumption. For instance, while a typical incandescent bulb may consume 60 watts to produce about 800 lumens, an energy-efficient equivalent, like a compact fluorescent or LED bulb, can produce the same amount of light while consuming only about 13-15 watts. This reduction in wattage translates to lower energy costs for consumers and a decrease in the overall demand for electricity, making energy-efficient lamps a more sustainable choice.