Fluorescent Lighting

Fluorescent Light

Low-weight mercury vapor lamps use fluorescence to deliver lighting. Electric currents in the gas charge mercury vapor, which in turn deliver ultraviolet radiation through the discharge process. The ultraviolet radiation causes the phosphor coating of the lamp’s inner wall to radiate visible light.

Fluorescent lighting is highly praised for its long life span. This is in comparison to traditional incandescent and halogen light bulbs. They are environmentally friendly and low on maintenance cost. Additionally, they emit better quality light.

Fluorescent Lighting Usages

This type of tube light is common in overhead fixtures, in various types of building structures.

Retail stores

It is highly recommended to use the 20/80 rule when setting up store lighting. This means 20% of the lighting is decorative and 80% is standard lighting. Retail stores typically utilize 80% as prime territory for linear fluorescents.

Warehouse

Fluorescent tubes are the ideal choice for warehouses when it comes to lighting. They produce more light (great for areas with high ceilings) and last longer than regular bulbs. They have high output voltage and can last up to 90 000 hours.

Commercial Offices

Fluorescents offer long-serving functionality. This is great for commercial environments.  It also easily blends into the environment.

Hospitals

Similar to office spaces, hospitals also use linear fluorescents to save money on energy and to produce a white, clean, efficient source of light.

Fluorescent Light Options

T2 Fluorescent

Bulbs in this tube are 7mm in diameter. These are best suited for application on lighting display cases, display backlights, and under cabinets

T4 Fluorescents

These are slim fit lighting accessories and relatively small. They are ideal for kitchen displays and work-surface lighting. They are suited to a broad range of applications. They offer high levels of energy-efficiency and can last up to 10,000 hours.

T5 Fluorescent

These tube lights can last up to 30,000 hours. They have an eco-friendly coating on the inside of the glass that prevents phosphorus from absorbing mercury. T5 tubes usually are installed in the likes of offices, schools, and supermarkets.

T8 fluorescent

Are useful for domestic and commercial purposes. They have very high levels of light emission. These tube lights have outstanding colour rendering capabilities and offer high-energy efficiency. The light emitted is effective in the prevention and treatment of the seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Circular Fluorescent Light

These are available in T5 (15mm diameter), T6 (20mm diameter), and T9 (29mm diameter) dimensions. Lighting designers commonly use circular fluorescent tubes when creating well-lit interior spaces. These fluorescent tubes offer a slimline design, making them the ideal option for ceiling lighting. Round fluorescent lamps are only compatible with circular fluorescent tube fixtures.

Fluorescent vs LED Lights

Compact fluorescent bulbs may be made of glass, plastic, metal, or mercury. Light-emitting diode (led) lights are made of aluminum and polycarbonate lens. Fluorescent lights are very efficient compared to led tube lights. They are also cheaper to purchase.

However, they do require extra special handling, care, and disposal due to the hazardous mercury material inside the lights. Led Lights are difficult to damage and have great shock resistance.

Purchasing Considerations 

The area to be lit should be taken into account. Pick the right fitting type of light. The light chosen should offer even distribution on the light output of the area.

Lighting accessories require maintenance. Some less than others. Ideally, one would prefer a light fixture that requires infrequent maintenance. 

For high ceilings, louvers and baffles provide a wide distribution of light. These types of diffusers require little maintenance.

Newer version T8 fluorescent tubes is designed to be more energy-efficient. Replacing the older models with this type will reduce your energy bill costs.

Fluorescent Lighting Benefits

In comparison with led lighting, linear fluorescent lighting is more affordable. Fluorescents offer cool color temperatures. These are ideal for quiet relaxing spaces. The range of colours available from warm to cool is a point of distinction for fluorescents. 

Its high energy efficiency plays a great role in reducing energy costs. Even though the tube lights require a warm up period, the illumination emitted is worth the wait.

If you are still not convinced that fluorescent lighting is the best choice for your home, ArchiPro can help you find the right professional for all your lighting needs and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.