Where Are R7s Light Bulbs Used?

Where Are R7s Light Bulbs Used?

R7s light bulbs are a linear double ended lamp used in a variety of lighting fittings and applications.  They are cylinder-like in shape and have metal caps at both ends which go into fittings with spring loaded holders.  They can be used in both retail and domestic environments.

What does the term R7s mean?

R7s refers to the type of base on the bulb, this being the metal caps located on each end.  The bulbs are available in 78mm; 118mm and 189mm lengths.  It is important to make sure you are purchasing the correct length to make sure the bulb will fit inside of the desired fitting.

Where are R7s light bulbs commonly used?

R7s bulbs are in light fixtures that need a high light output to cover a wider vicinity.  We will list some examples of where these bulbs can be used below:

Security and floodlighting often requires R7s bulbs as their design enables them to distribute light evenly over a wide area.  This makes them ideal for illuminating many outdoors areas such as illuminating a driveway, garden or work area. 

R7s lamps are great for work and task lighting as they are frequently used in portable work lights which are used on construction sites or DIY projects in the home. 

R7s bulbs are often used in wall washers, uplighters, and designer floor lamps meaning they can often be found in domestic decorative light fixtures.   In the late 20th and 21st centuries R7s bulbs became the bulb of choice for fittings like these. 

Much like the above R7s bulbs also became useful in commercial and retail spaces as they can deliver consistent bright light and are useful for decorative light fixtures.

Can I replace halogen/incandescent R7s with LED?

Yes you can.  This is now highly recommended with updated government legislation on using energy efficient lighting as LED versions will use much less than their halogen/incandescent counterparts.

It is however important to make sure the LED versions are the correct size for your fitting.  You will need to check the length and also the diameter as LED versions can be larger as they require extra internal electronics and heat sinks to make sure they do not overheat.  If you are unsure about which wattage to choose you can compare the lumens between your previous bulb and the LED version as this is how brightness is measured.

Are all R7s bulbs the same?

No, not all R7s bulbs are the same, there are a few different factors to consider in choosing your R7s bulb to make sure it is the correct one.

1. Length.

It is vital to check that you are purchasing the same length of bulb as your previous one. A 78 mm R7s bulb cannot replace a 118 mm bulb for example. 

2. Technology.

It is highly recommended that you purchase LED if possible as halogen versions produce more heat and consume more energy, while LEDs are more efficient and durable.  However this may not always be possible at this moment in time so falling back on halogen if needed would be the next recommendation.

3. Brightness and colour temperature

Making sure you purchase a bulb that has the same brightness can be tricky especially with the transition to LED.  Lumens are how brightness is measured for lighting so if you make sure this is similar to the light you had previously you shouldn’t have an issue.

4. Dimming.  Whilst the majority of halogen and incandescent bulbs are dimmable this is not always the case with R7s bulbs.  It is important to check the description and labelling before purchasing if you are planning to dim the bulb and to make sure if it is LED that it will be compatible with your dimmer switch.

The future of R7s lighting

As halogen and incandescent technology is steadily being phased out in the UK due to updated energy efficiency regulations it is only a matter of time before all R7s bulbs shift to LED.  

In Conclusion

R7s bulbs are used in a wide variety of applications including outdoor security lighting, decorative fixtures, construction work and commercial/retail spaces.  It is important when purchasing an R7s bulb to make sure that you are choosing the right length and diameter and to make sure it is dimmable if required.  Halogen and incandescent technology was the previous choice for these bulbs but this is now steadily shifting to LED.