Pages

Ads 468x60px

AD

The Facts About Commercial Hanging Fluorescent Light Fixtures

By Eloise Hewitt


In the drive to develop better and more effective interior illumination, most of the progress has been made since the 1930s. Commercial establishments and employers wanted to be able to work longer hours, particularly during the war years when higher production was demanded. The development of commercial hanging fluorescent light fixtures were not only less costly to operate, but they had other advantages as well. They are used in many locations today where they are both utilitarian and attractive.

As with any other lighting source, the main reason for using fluorescent bulbs is to provide illumination. With large open spaces, the source of the illumination is often this type of lighting fixture. The chains or cords are utilized to bring the fixture closer to the worker or customer's level. Illumination is the best way to make products look attractive and to improve the workspace of employees during night shifts.

Use of this type of lighting offers a number of advantages. For instance, they are the most energy efficient type when utilized in the interior of a space. They can also be utilized outdoors. The tubes are not expensive to produce. The ballast components are more expensive. Both the bulbs and the ballast are long-lasting. Colors are available in cool to warm white shades. The illumination is diffused, thus eliminating shadows and harsh glare.

Although there are similarities between cold cathode tubes and hot cathode tubes, there are differences as well. In addition to these two major categories of fixtures, there is a third type. Electroluminescent bulbs are different from the other types. All three types operate under the principle of phosphors which are acted upon by electrons.

The hot cathode is the most common type of lamp. It has a glass tube which contain argon, or other inert gas under low pressure. On each side of the tube is a tungsten electrode with a ballast which regulates the power (alternating current) to the electrode. The popular size is four feet in length and emits 40 watts. Ballasts can be either magnetic or electronic, with the electronic type favored today, due to lower production cost and less material needed.

A cold cathode light resembles the hot cathode type, but has an interior coating, making it more suitable to produce free electrons, especially when the voltage is elevated. This type of tube was not considered to be a source of illumination originally. Like the hot cathode, it is contains gas and there is paired electrodes, one on each end.

The third type of lighting is EL (electroluminescent or high field electroluminescent lamps). In this style of fixture, electrical energy is converted into light and no heat is required in the process. Electrical current is transferred directly through phosphor in order to achieve the desired result.

The lamps are made more attractive by adding decorative covers. The covers help to further diffuse the light and remove any glare or strong shadows. Although a long straight bulb is the most common style of lamp, it is being joined by other shapes and lengths in order to meet specific needs in the commercial area. For lower energy usage and functional lighting, the fluorescent lamps represent the best option.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment

 

AD4

AD5

AD7

 
Blogger Templates