NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered an advantage of incandescent lamps?

1. No ballast required

2. Lowest initial cost

3. High energy efficiency compared to fluorescent

4. Easy to dim

The correct answer is: High energy efficiency compared to fluorescent

Incandescent lamps have several notable advantages, including not requiring a ballast for operation, being generally inexpensive to purchase initially, and being easy to dim. However, they are not considered high in energy efficiency, particularly when compared to fluorescent lamps, which are known for their significantly better efficiency. Incandescent lamps convert a lot of energy into heat rather than light, making them less efficient in producing illumination. The other advantages associated with incandescent lamps, such as their low initial cost, ease of dimming, and the absence of ballasts, contribute to their longstanding use in various applications despite their poor efficiency relative to more modern alternatives. This highlights that, while they have desirable features, their energy efficiency in comparison to fluorescent lighting is not one of them.