NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) Practice Exam

What is the primary disadvantage often associated with incandescent lamps?

1. Low color rendering ability

2. Short service life

3. High operational cost

4. Incompatibility with dimmers

The correct answer is: Short service life

The primary disadvantage associated with incandescent lamps is their short service life. Incandescent bulbs typically last around 1,000 hours, which is significantly less than many other lighting technologies, such as LED or fluorescent lamps, that can last tens of thousands of hours. The short lifespan of incandescent bulbs means they need to be replaced more frequently, leading to increased maintenance and replacement costs over time. This aspect particularly impacts environments where lighting is used extensively, making the longevity of the light source an important consideration. While factors like color rendering ability, operational cost, and dimmer compatibility are relevant in evaluating lighting options, they do not match the significant issue of short service life that directly impacts both cost efficiency and convenience in frequent replacements.