Difference between revisions of "Fluorescent Light Technology"
(New page: Fluorescent Light: A gas-discharge lamp that uses electricity to excite mercury vapor, producing short-wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor to fluoresce, resulting in visibl...) |
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| − | Fluorescent Light: A gas-discharge lamp that uses electricity to excite mercury vapor, producing short-wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor to fluoresce, resulting in visible light emission. Fluorescent lights require a ballast to regulate the flow of power through the bulb. | + | '''Fluorescent Light''': A gas-discharge lamp that uses electricity to excite mercury vapor, producing short-wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor to fluoresce, resulting in visible light emission. Fluorescent lights require a ballast to regulate the flow of power through the bulb. |
There is phosphor inside the fluorescent light bulb tube that, when excited, converts ultraviolet radiation into visible light. The chemical composition of the phosphor determines the color temperature of the light emitted by the bulb. | There is phosphor inside the fluorescent light bulb tube that, when excited, converts ultraviolet radiation into visible light. The chemical composition of the phosphor determines the color temperature of the light emitted by the bulb. | ||
| − | Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL): A CFL can use less than one-third the electricity of incandescent bulbs of equivalent brightness and last up to nine years. CFLs contain an average of 5 milligrams of mercury, which increases the bulb’s efficiency, posing a new toxic threat to the environment. | + | '''Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL)''': A CFL can use less than one-third the electricity of incandescent bulbs of equivalent brightness and last up to nine years. CFLs contain an average of 5 milligrams of mercury, which increases the bulb’s efficiency, posing a new toxic threat to the environment. |
| − | Legislation: The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (the “Energy Bill”), signed by the President on December 18, 2007 requires all light bulbs use 30% less energy than today’s incandescent bulbs by 2012 to 2014. The phase-out will start with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014. By 2020, a Tier 2 would become effective which requires all bulbs to be at least 70% more efficient (effectively equal to today’s CFLs). In California, a legislator recently proposed banning the sale of incandescent light bulbs in the state by 2012. | + | '''Legislation''': The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (the “Energy Bill”), signed by the President on December 18, 2007 requires all light bulbs use 30% less energy than today’s incandescent bulbs by 2012 to 2014. The phase-out will start with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014. By 2020, a Tier 2 would become effective which requires all bulbs to be at least 70% more efficient (effectively equal to today’s CFLs). In California, a legislator recently proposed banning the sale of incandescent light bulbs in the state by 2012. |
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| + | == Fluorescent Systems == | ||
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| + | === T5 === | ||
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| + | The T5 lamp is an increasingly popular development in fluorescent lighting. In 1995, T5 fluorescent lamps entered the market in the United States. Today, the three major lamps manufacturers aggressively market T5 lamps. Luminaire manufacturers create innovatively designed compact luminaires using up-to-date optical materials. Recently, lighting designers have begun to specify such T5 luminaires for high-end new construction. The marketing and innovative design of T5 systems have left many end users wondering whether they should consider T5 luminaires instead of T8 luminaires, especially in new construction and retrofitting of T12 magnetic systems. End users are confused by the 10°C (18°F) difference in optimal temperature and the small difference in system efficacy between T5 and T8 systems. This section focuses on physical characteristics of T5 systems compared to T8 systems. This publication discusses T5 systems—including T5 lamps, ballasts, and luminaires—to answer commonly asked questions. | ||
Revision as of 10:03, 10 September 2008
Fluorescent Light: A gas-discharge lamp that uses electricity to excite mercury vapor, producing short-wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor to fluoresce, resulting in visible light emission. Fluorescent lights require a ballast to regulate the flow of power through the bulb.
There is phosphor inside the fluorescent light bulb tube that, when excited, converts ultraviolet radiation into visible light. The chemical composition of the phosphor determines the color temperature of the light emitted by the bulb.
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL): A CFL can use less than one-third the electricity of incandescent bulbs of equivalent brightness and last up to nine years. CFLs contain an average of 5 milligrams of mercury, which increases the bulb’s efficiency, posing a new toxic threat to the environment.
Legislation: The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (the “Energy Bill”), signed by the President on December 18, 2007 requires all light bulbs use 30% less energy than today’s incandescent bulbs by 2012 to 2014. The phase-out will start with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014. By 2020, a Tier 2 would become effective which requires all bulbs to be at least 70% more efficient (effectively equal to today’s CFLs). In California, a legislator recently proposed banning the sale of incandescent light bulbs in the state by 2012.
Fluorescent Systems
T5
The T5 lamp is an increasingly popular development in fluorescent lighting. In 1995, T5 fluorescent lamps entered the market in the United States. Today, the three major lamps manufacturers aggressively market T5 lamps. Luminaire manufacturers create innovatively designed compact luminaires using up-to-date optical materials. Recently, lighting designers have begun to specify such T5 luminaires for high-end new construction. The marketing and innovative design of T5 systems have left many end users wondering whether they should consider T5 luminaires instead of T8 luminaires, especially in new construction and retrofitting of T12 magnetic systems. End users are confused by the 10°C (18°F) difference in optimal temperature and the small difference in system efficacy between T5 and T8 systems. This section focuses on physical characteristics of T5 systems compared to T8 systems. This publication discusses T5 systems—including T5 lamps, ballasts, and luminaires—to answer commonly asked questions.
