Fluorescent lamps

Lighting is an essential attribute of any room. Several types of light sources are used for its organization today. Each of them has unique optical parameters and is suitable for solving specific problems. A special group should be allocated to fluorescent lamps, which have proven themselves in various industries.

Fluorescent luminaires, often referred to as fluorescent lamps, are characterized by their simplicity and unique light performance. These products are prized for their cost-effectiveness and versatility.

Among the positive aspects of these devices, several features can be distinguished:

• Low power. This allows you to significantly save electricity, in which such lamps are second only to LEDs.
• High efficiency. This characteristic is several times higher than that of conventional tungsten filament bulbs.

• Long service life. If used correctly, the lamps can work up to 12 thousand hours. Therefore, very often such devices are mounted in places where it is rather difficult to replace them.
• Various luminous flux characteristics. The color can vary, depending on the inner filler, while the light is distributed evenly throughout the volume.

Fluorescent lamps are not a universal solution, as they have several significant disadvantages:

• The lamp contains mercury vapor. This substance is very dangerous to humans. Therefore, such products should be operated with care. At the end of their service life, the lamps must be disposed of using special technologies.
• The quality of lighting largely depends on the ambient temperature. The lower it is, the weaker the luminous flux will be. But if lamps are used in domestic premises, then this effect is practically leveled, since the conditions here are almost always the same.

• Fluorescent lamps are very sensitive to periodic power outages. If this happens constantly and unexpectedly, it can reduce the life of the device. Experts recommend using them only in those places where the risk of rolling outages or the occurrence of power surges in the network is minimal.
• The operation of inexpensive models can be accompanied by an unpleasant sound - hum.

Fluorescent lamps are made in the form of bulbs of various shapes, but, regardless of this, they all consist of the following basic elements:

• Phosphor (opal diffuser, etc.). It is a layer of special paint that is applied to the inside of the lamp. Used to filter the luminous flux and obtain a specific spectrum.
• Glass tube. It is completely sealed. Gases (in most cases, mercury) are pumped into the flask, which are evenly distributed throughout the volume.

• Tungsten spirals. They are located along the edges of the flask. Special outputs are connected to them, which are used to connect the lamp to the network. Some models use pre-made patch cords for ease of use. Each coil is coated with barium oxide, which perfectly functions as a cathode.
• Frame. This often includes a cover that covers the lamp. These elements are used to decorate products.
• Ballastnik. The device is needed to ensure the normal operation of the entire system. There are several types of such structures, differing in the way of control.

The operation algorithm of a fluorescent lamp can be described in several sequential steps:

1. The current is supplied to the lamp contacts. In this case, the starter initiates the required voltage, which is transmitted to the tungsten coils.
2. During this period, an electromagnetic field arises between the spirals, which acts on inert gas vapors. This leads to the formation of ultraviolet light.
3. Passing through the luminescent coating on the glass, ultraviolet light is converted into the visible spectrum and goes out.

Fluorescent lamps can be found both in everyday life and in industry.

Fluorescent lamps have several unique features:

• Power. This figure can vary from 5 to 58 watts.
• Light flow. This value changes depending on the amount of phosphor. Standard models for indoor lighting emit a flux from 1 to 3.6 thousand lumens. But for some energy-saving modifications, this figure can be about 400 lumens for a single-layer phosphor coating.

• Color rendering index varies from 50 to 98, depending on the type of phosphor surface.
• Colour temperature. This value determines whether the luminous flux will be warm or cold. In various types of lamps, the color temperature can reach 3000-7000 K.

Lamps of this type differ in many parameters, which allows them to be divided into certain types.

Depending on the location on the surface, structures are:

• Recessed - during installation, the luminaire frame is hidden in a special niche in the wall. These products are the most common and practical.
• Overhead - the body of the device is located directly on the surface.

Open type luminaires can be divided into linear, corner and circular. The first are found everywhere today.

The luminaire body can also differ in different characteristics. On the market, you can find dust and moisture resistant or sealed frames. They are used for operation in specific conditions where a regular lamp will not withstand the load.

Modern office modifications are complemented by a mirror shielding grille, which not only diffuses light, but also gives originality to the product.

Depending on the power supply, fluorescent lamps can be divided into the following types:

• Stationary. Energy is supplied to the lamp from a standard electrical network. They are connected to it using sockets or special adapters.
• Autonomous. Battery-powered luminaires are great for domestic use, as they allow you to move the structure, regardless of the location of the outlet.

Particular attention should be paid to protected luminaires. These models are made from special materials that can withstand explosions. They are used in rooms with special conditions. These structures perfectly withstand high loads, and are also complemented by a dust and moisture resistant housing and a protective metal mesh.

Directional light devices can be divided into single and modular systems. The last version of the products assumes the possibility of using structures both individually and in a small bundle. Modules may differ in size and connection method. They are usually found in office or industrial premises.

Depending on the supply and consumption of energy, devices can be divided into:

• Compensated. Such lamps do not flicker when ignited.
• Uncompensated.At the moment of switching on, a flicker appears, which can continue for a certain time. It is undesirable to use such devices in industrial facilities. A large number of them can lead to melting of the contacts of the switches and loss of current in the wires.

Installation of fluorescent lamps is practically no different from the installation of other similar structures.

The first type of construction is relatively rare. In most cases, they are used in the domestic sphere as small sconces and other similar appliances. Ceiling modifications are more versatile and practical.

Fastening of all these elements can be done using several standard methods:

• Suspension of the body on special cables. This method is used in industrial facilities where several dozen products need to be placed in rows. Installation is possible if special grooves for fixing cables are provided on the luminaire body.

• Rigid fastening with mounting plates or strips. Often, such systems are complemented by many household appliances. A similar method can be used for both ceiling and wall modifications of products.

The design performance of fluorescent luminaires today is limited only by the lamp that is used inside the housing. The most popular are long frames where straight lamps are used. But on the market you can also find round models of devices, which are complemented by several small lighting fixtures.

In offices, square pendant modifications are increasingly used, which illuminate the premises well. There are also more sophisticated forms that are relatively rare.

The dimensions of the luminaire also depend on the lamp installed inside.

Today, there are several popular standard sizes of such products:

• 2x36 cm. The weight of the lamp does not exceed 2.5 kg, while the power can reach 49 W. The service life of such products is about 50 thousand hours.
• 4x36 cm. Structures can already weigh up to 2.7 kg. But such a lamp, if properly used, will last 100 thousand hours.

• 4x18 cm. Household models that can be operated at temperatures from +1 to +45 degrees. The weight of the product reaches 3.5 kg, and the period of operation is 50 thousand hours. The power of one such module is 33 W.
• 60x60 cm. Universal square luminaires that deliver power up to 42 watts. They can be used at ambient temperatures from -30 to +40 degrees.

There are other standard sizes of fluorescent lamps, but they are quite rare and are often made to order.

The main materials for the manufacture of fluorescent lamps are glass and metal. Today, there are aluminum modifications on the market that differ in color and texture and are characterized by strength and durability.

Very often, lampshades are made of various types of plastic, polycarbonate and other polymers. Glass is used not only in lamps but also for decorating frames.

The main purpose of fluorescent lamps is to create comfortable indoor conditions that allow you to work, regardless of natural light. Today, such designs are widely used.

Depending on the application environment, they can be divided into several types:

• Household. A wide range of lamps. Here you can find both bathroom appliances and kitchen modifications. Some of them perfectly complement living rooms, but they are found only in specific interior styles.

• Office. The most common lamps are Armstrong ceiling models.They are suspended and allow you to organize optimal lighting both in offices and in the corridor or reception area.
• Industrial. Devices of this type are distinguished by special technical characteristics. They are able to withstand low or high temperatures. Their housings are additionally protected with durable materials.

The quality of a fluorescent lamp depends not only on its technical parameters, but also on the brand.

Today, many companies are engaged in the manufacture of similar products, among which there are several high-quality manufacturers:

• SLV. The luminaires of the German company are among the highest quality in Europe. The range includes several dozen modifications that are suitable for both office and residential premises.

• Novotech. Hungarian luminaires are distinguished by their reliability, as the manufacturer uses the most modern technologies. The company produces not only luminescent, but also halogen energy-saving modifications.
• OMS. The Slovak company focuses its efforts on meeting the needs of its customers. In their assortment you will find both expensive designs and economy class products.

Fluorescent lamps are simple and reliable designs, but sometimes they can fail. Before looking for the cause of the breakdown, you just need to make sure that the device is receiving current. To do this, check the connection terminals using special devices.

There are several more common types of breakdowns of these products:

• Protection tripping. This often occurs when a short circuit occurs in the electrical network, as well as in the event of a breakdown of the input capacitor. This drawback can be eliminated by replacing the capacitor. It is also advisable to check the contacts of the starter and the cartridge.

• Lack of ignition. This effect occurs when a weak current is applied to the bulb. Therefore, first of all, this indicator is checked by a tester. If, when switched on, a glow appears at the edges of the tube, then the cause of this is a breakdown of the starter. This can only be corrected by replacing this device. Sometimes only one end of the cobble can glow. Here you need to check if you have connected the lamp correctly.
• Blinking lamp. This phenomenon occurs due to a breakdown of the starter, which it is desirable to replace, or a low voltage in the network.
• Unauthorized inclusion. If a similar effect occurs quite often, then it can only be corrected by installing a new lamp.

There are many fluorescent lamps available.

When choosing such products, you should consider a few simple recommendations:

• Decide where the lamp will be installed. If it needs to be installed outdoors, it is important that it can withstand temperature extremes and withstand climatic factors.
• It is important that the voltage of the electrical network matches the lamp of the luminaire. If this is not observed, then it may simply flicker or poorly give off light.

• Design and dimensions of the luminaire. Often, devices are produced for various purposes, so they can radically differ in size. The styling of the structure should match the style of the room.
• Pay attention to the technical parameters. It is important to choose not only the power, but also the type of luminous flux. This will help create comfortable lighting for high-quality performance of the assigned tasks.

Malfunctions of fluorescent lamps often arise due to the failure of systems that organize and control the supply of current:

1. Throttle. The normal operation of this device does not imply its accompaniment by extraneous sounds.
2. Starter. To test this mechanism, it must be connected to an incandescent lamp and an outlet in series.
3. Capacitor capacity.

Check all the characteristics of the lamp should only be with a completely disconnected electricity. A multimeter or ohmmeter is used for measurement. To obtain the lamp resistance data, you need to remove the element from the lamp, and then connect the device probes to the vacated outputs.

It is worth mentioning that fluorescent lamps are gradually being phased out of production and operation due to their possible danger - the presence of mercury in the structure. Modern technologies make it possible to replace such lighting devices with safer ones.

Thanks to fluorescent lamps, you can design the most unexpected and super-original interiors, for example, futuristic. This is how unusual the kitchen looks, on the white painted brick wall of which there are multicolored lamps, reminiscent of swords from "Star Wars".

Daylight lamps will make you forget about the darkest night, if hidden on the white ceiling of the living room with the same color floor, walls and curtains on the windows. Armchairs, a sofa, a carpet and green plants are bright accents here.

For information on how to replace fluorescent lamps, see the next video.