Fluorescent lamps are gas-discharge lighting fixtures. They consist of a glass bulb filled with a rarefied gas such as argon, neon, etc. They are coated on the inside with a phosphor. When voltage is applied to the anode and cathode, a gas discharge is observed, in which ultraviolet radiation is emitted. This leads to fluorescence of the phosphor. The type of phosphor is selected so that its glow compensates for the deficiencies in the spectrum of the gas glow in order to obtain light as close as possible to daylight.
ADVANTAGES OF LUMINESCENT LAMPS
The advantage of fluorescent lamps, on the one hand, is that the spectral composition of the emitted light is much closer to the composition of daylight than the spectrum of an incandescent lamp. On the other hand, fluorescent lamps are much more economical. This means that in them a larger part of the consumed electrical power is converted into radiation from the visible part of the spectrum.
Fluorescent lamps are improved mercury vapor lamps. They are better than standard incandescent lamps because they use less electricity to achieve the same brightness and have a longer lifespan (about 7500 hours). It depends on how they are used. These lamps use less electricity, which makes them energy-saving.
Fluorescent lamps cannot operate without a ballast. In addition to their appearance, fluorescent lamps differ fundamentally from incandescent lamps in that they cannot operate independently. They require a ballast to regulate the flow of energy. Despite this fact, they operate more efficiently and use less energy to produce a given amount of light than incandescent lamps.
Although they use less electricity than standard lamps, fluorescent lamps are more expensive, which somewhat evens out the competition between the two types. However, in the long run, their purchase is worth it. Large fluorescent lamps are more often used in offices and industrial buildings, while smaller and compact ones (energy-saving bulbs) are preferred mainly for home use.
TYPES OF FLUORESCENT LAMPS
Fluorescent lamps are divided into two types: with cold and hot electrodes. The former are for higher voltage. They ignite at 400 – 1500 volts. Lamps with hot electrodes are preheated to 1000°C. They have tungsten electrodes coated with strontium or barium oxide. These lamps are started using a starter or thermal relay. The starter closes the electrical circuit and thus creates the conditions necessary for self-induction of high voltage (1000 volts) in the choke. The lamp ignites only when this voltage is reached.
The choke is a coil with a magnetic circuit, the purpose of which is to provide the ignition voltage and then limit the current flowing through the lamp. At 160 volts, a glow discharge begins. The bimetallic strips close the circuit when they heat up and bend. This continues until the lamp ignites. Then the starter stops functioning and the voltage decreases to between 100 and 130 volts. The task of the phosphor is to create visible light from the received ultraviolet.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
With us you will find a wide variety of fluorescent lamps, which differ in both their technical characteristics and shapes. The powers vary from 6W to 58W, and the color temperatures from 2700K to 6500K. We offer lighting fixtures in the shape of tubes, cigars, ovals. There are also ultraviolet models. There is also a wide variability in the bases, on which the purpose of the lamps depends.
Among the brands, the products of a reputable manufacturer such as PHILIPS prevail, whose high quality is beyond doubt. SYLVANIA also enjoys a good reputation in the industry, while EL-BI is the choice of consumers looking for a more affordable price. We also have lamps from VIVALUX and REAL SAVE.
