Glow Object®
SOX E18W Low Pressure Sodium (LPS) Light Bulb
Product Details
Glow Object SOX-E18W Low Pressure Sodium (LPS) Lamp — Direct Replacement for Philips SOX-E18W
Direct Replacement for SOX-E18W Systems
Designed as a compatible replacement for Philips SOX-E18W and similar 18W low pressure sodium lamps used in existing ballast systems. Standard B22 base for municipal street lighting, industrial installations, and specialty lighting setups. Ballast required, not included.
Black Fire Experiment and Science Demonstrations
The SOX-E18W is the lamp of choice for the black fire optical illusion experiment. When used with a sodium vapor light source, black dye on a white surface appears to absorb all visible light, creating the appearance of black flames or a black fire effect. Widely used in physics classrooms, science demonstrations, YouTube experiments, and educational setups exploring monochromatic light and color perception.
Sensory Room and Soothing Ambient Lighting
The monochromatic amber sodium output contains zero blue light, making it one of the most visually calming light sources available. Commonly used in sensory rooms, autism-friendly environments, low stimulation therapy spaces, relaxation rooms, and wind-down bedrooms where harsh white or blue-rich light causes discomfort. The soft amber glow creates a soothing, non-stimulating atmosphere suitable for evening use, sleep preparation, and sensory-sensitive individuals.
Relax Light and Sleep-Friendly Environments
Zero blue light output means the SOX-E18W does not suppress melatonin production, making it suitable as a relax light for bedrooms, reading nooks, hallways, and nighttime ambient environments. Used by individuals seeking a warm, non-stimulating light source for evening routines, wind-down spaces, and sleep-friendly room lighting.
Street and Outdoor Low Glare Lighting
Produces a monochromatic amber sodium light with uniform low-glare illumination for outdoor environments including roads, street lighting infrastructure, parking areas, pathways, bridges, coastal lighting, tunnel lighting, seaport facilities, HOA community lighting, and hotel pathway applications. The narrow blue-free spectrum is used where visual comfort and reduced glare are preferred over high-intensity point source lighting.
Darkroom and Specialty Photography Use
Suitable for film developing darkroom environments, safelight applications, photography studios, lab environments, and experimental setups requiring monochromatic lighting conditions. Provides stable amber sodium illumination used in controlled low-light working environments.
Astronomy and Dark Sky Environments
Commonly used in observatory surroundings, backyard astronomy, and low light pollution areas. Compatible with dark sky practices to reduce upward light spill and maintain nighttime sky visibility in coastal and rural regions.
Indoor, Outdoor and Creative Atmosphere Use
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications with compatible fixtures and ballast systems. Frequently used for Halloween parties, sci-fi themed rooms, monochrome environments, cinematic stage lighting, retro industrial aesthetics, movie props, photography sets, and immersive art installations. The single-color sodium glow creates a distinct visual atmosphere different from LED or filtered lighting systems.
Room Size Reference
| Lamp Model | Wattage | Typical Coverage | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOX-E18W | 18W | 30–80 sq ft | Sensory rooms, bedrooms, black fire experiment, hallways |
| SOX-E26W | 26W | 60–120 sq ft | Garages, patios, studios, outdoor pathways |
| SOX 35W | 35W | 80–150 sq ft | Darkrooms, Thomas duplex safelight, studios, coastal wildlife |
| SOX 55W | 55W | 150–250 sq ft | Street lighting, parking lots, basements, workshops |
| SOX 90W | 90W | 250–450 sq ft | Warehouses, parking areas, open spaces |
| SOX 135W | 135W | 450–700 sq ft | Large warehouses, industrial facilities, outdoor areas |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this lamp be used for the black fire experiment?
Yes. The SOX-E18W is the correct lamp for the black fire optical illusion. The monochromatic 589nm sodium light causes black sodium-based dye to appear to absorb all visible light, creating the black fire effect used in science demonstrations and educational experiments.
Is this lamp suitable for sensory rooms?
Yes. The zero blue light monochromatic amber output makes it one of the most sensory-friendly light sources available. Widely used in sensory rooms, autism-friendly spaces, low stimulation therapy environments, and relaxation rooms.
Does this lamp affect sleep or melatonin?
No. The SOX-E18W produces zero blue light, which means it does not suppress melatonin production. It is suitable as a relax light and sleep-friendly ambient source for bedrooms and evening wind-down environments.
Does this lamp require a ballast?
Yes. A compatible low pressure sodium ballast is required and is not included. This lamp is not self-ballasted.
What base does this lamp use?
Standard B22 / BY22d bayonet base, compatible with existing SOX-E18W fixtures and ballast systems.
Is this lamp dark sky friendly?
Yes. The narrow 589nm sodium spectrum produces zero blue light, making it one of the most dark sky compatible lamp types available.
Technical Details
Model: SOX-E18W Compatible Lamp
Base: B22 / BY22d Bayonet
Light Type: Low Pressure Sodium (Monochromatic Amber)
Applications: Black fire experiment, sensory rooms, relax lighting, street lighting, darkroom safelight, astronomy, and low glare ambient lighting.
Technical Specifications
Base: B22 / BY22d Bayonet
Light Type: Low Pressure Sodium (Monochromatic Amber)
Spectrum: 589nm
Light Color: Amber
Special Features: Monochromatic, Zero Blue Light, Dark Sky Friendly, Darkroom Safelight
Ballast Required: Yes (not included)
Dimensions & Weight
Unit Count: 1 Ct
Length: 216mm
Diameter: 53mm
Weight: 0.41lb