Halogen and incandescent light bulbs are primarily designed to be powered by electricity. While theoretically, an incandescent bulb could be heated by gas passing through a hollow filament, this concept has not been mass-produced or widely implemented due to the inefficiency of such a method. Gas lamps, which produce light through burning gas, do not contain traditional light bulbs; instead, they emit light directly from the flame. The discussion highlights that while flames can produce light through incandescence, the definition of a light bulb typically involves a filament that generates light through electrical resistance. Historical references include the thorium-containing incandescent mantle, which was developed in the 19th century and utilized gas to create light, but this is distinct from conventional light bulbs. Additionally, legal definitions of incandescent lighting have evolved, particularly in the UK, where regulations previously restricted LED lights in favor of traditional incandescent sources.
