Fluorescent lighting fixtures use long tubes to generate light. Fluorescent lamps are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, using less power for operation.
Fluorescent lamps offer greater longevity than incandescent lights, lasting from 10,000 to 20,000 hours instead of the standard 1,000 hours.
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What is a Fluorescent Light?
Fluorescent lights are special lamps that convert electricity into light more efficiently than incandescent lamps do. This is mainly due to the way a fluorescent lamp’s tube works.
A fluorescent bulb is composed of a long glass tube containing mercury in a partial vacuum. An electrical arc inside the tube excites the atoms of mercury, producing ultraviolet (UV) light which stimulates phosphor coating on its inside surface.
Phosphors absorb UV light and give off visible light, giving off the fluorescent lamp its characteristic white glow.
Fluorescent lights come in a range of colors, such as yellowish-white, cool-white, and daylight bulbs. Each produces its own specific correlated color temperature (CCT), making them popular for general lighting in schools, offices, stores, and homes alike.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Fluorescent lights are more energy efficient and cost-effective than incandescent bulbs, plus they come in various wattages. As such, fluorescents make ideal choices for commercial spaces like warehouses or office buildings since they provide bright white light at an economical cost.
Fluorescent lights emit more blue light than incandescent lamps, which is beneficial for sleep and relaxation. Unfortunately, fluorescent lighting should not be used at home as it can cause eye irritation and fade complexions.
Fluorescent bulbs must be connected to a ballast in order to operate. Ballasts regulate the current flowing through the bulb, preventing overheating and flickering. They also keep your electrical system protected by protecting it from overloads or blown fuses.
Flourescent Light Fixture
Fluorescent Light Fixtures
Fluorescent lighting fixtures are commonly found in schools, hospitals, grocery stores, office buildings, and homes due to their energy-saving benefits compared to traditional light technologies like incandescent bulbs. Furthermore, fluorescent light bulbs last longer and use less electricity.
Fluorescent lights work by using a chemical reaction inside a glass tube to generate light. This involves gaseous substances interacting with mercury vapor, creating an invisible ultraviolet (UV) beam that illuminates phosphor powder coated on the inside of the glass tube.
Phosphor powder absorbs UV light and produces white “fluorescent” illumination instead. Without this substance, lamps would quickly burn out due to insufficient power supply.
Most fluorescent bulbs are hardwired into ceiling fixtures, usually as recessed lights called troffers. While more cost-effective than incandescent or LED lamps, they do come with some drawbacks. For instance, their omnidirectional light output makes them inefficient for certain tasks like illuminating spinning objects or creating glare in certain areas of the room.
Fluorescent Light Ballasts
Ballasts are the essential part of any fluorescent lamp or plug-and-play linear LED fixture, controlling current flow to its bulbs to maintain optimal output. Just as your heart regulates blood flow to your body, a ballast ensures your lights stay on and tubes don’t leak or overheat.
Modern ballasts are more energy-efficient and quieter than magnetic ones, plus they’re smaller and lighter. If your light still uses a magnetic ballast, it would be wise to upgrade to an electronic one.
One way to inspect a ballast is by taking off its bulb and fixture cover. If the ballast appears damaged or leaking, it could require replacement completely.
