Table of Contents
- What Is Fluorescent Lighting?
- Types of Fluorescent Light Bulbs
- Benefits of Fluorescent Lighting
- Why Choose Fluorescent Lighting?
What Is Fluorescent Lighting?
Fluorescent lighting is a very adaptable kind of illumination which you will likely encounter in the workplace, school and supermarket, among many other places. Compared to incandescent and halogen light bulbs, it is more energy-efficient and costs less than LEDs.
Varieties of fluorescent lighting include linear fluorescent tubes, fluorescent bent tubes, fluorescent circline tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Due to their prevalence, linear fluorescent tubes are the subject of this post; these are often used in troffers and other above fixtures in commercial buildings.
Types of Fluorescent Light Bulbs
When purchasing fluorescent bulbs, two primary factors to consider are bulb type and colour temperature. Similar to other kinds of light bulbs, fluorescents often range from cold blue to warm white in hue. Personal tastes differ, so your colour selection will rely on the desired environment. Beyond colour, fluorescent lights are available in 3 distinct styles:
1. Compact Fluorescent Lights
Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) often have conventional threaded bases to fit into your current light fixtures and lamps. They are small and feature a thin, folded or coiled tube from which light originates. In addition, they contain built-in electronic ballasts, which eliminate the need for a complete system upgrade.
2. Standard Tubes
Most people envision straightforward, tube-shaped fluorescent lights when you refer to “fluorescents”. They have been prevalent in office, retail, and other commercial ceiling fixtures for years. These tubes come in various lengths and diameters, and are only compatible with ballast-equipped fluorescent fixtures.
3. U-Shaped Bulbs
These U-shaped bulbs are primarily intended for use in appliances with external electronic ballasts. They are a compromise between compact fluorescents with ballasts and tube-style bulbs. The primary difference between these bulbs and twist-in CFL bulbs is that the former contains a built-in ballast which enables them to function in a conventional light socket; the latter does not.
Benefits of Fluorescent Lighting
Fluorescent lighting is 66% less expensive than conventional lighting while giving the same amount of brightness. Considering light bulbs account for a quarter of a home’s electricity use, savings can be substantial.
Fluorescent bulbs live longer. A bulb or tube has an average lifetime of 6 times longer than a conventional incandescent bulb. After continued usage, they tend to burn less and they can be turned on and off without fear of overheating.
These lights do not emit heat, making them ideal for use in locations where extra heat can cause equipment to fail or annoy people.
Why Choose Fluorescent Lighting?
The luminous coating of fluorescent lamps emits light when ultraviolet light (generated by electricity inside the bulb) converts to visible light. There are two primary kinds of fluorescent light bulbs: the traditional long tubes and the smaller, incandescent-like compact fluorescent lights.
- Cold White Fluorescent Tubes
- Typically 4 to 8 feet in length
- Prevalent in workplaces
- Used in hospitals and industrial settings
- Create brilliant light
- Warm White Fluorescent Tubes
- Generate light in the orange portion of the visible spectrum
- Illuminating light
- Energy conservation
- Illumination is very pleasing (compared to cold white)
- Compact Fluorescent Lamps (Soft White)
- Commonly seen in homes
- Have begun replacing incandescent light bulbs
- 75% more efficient than an incandescent bulb
- Plant Lights
- Designed for areas of residences and businesses that get little sunshine
- Produce light at the correct frequency for plant growth
- Illuminated light encompasses a wide variety of colours (blue, green, red, orange)
In addition to the previously mentioned types of illumination, fluorescent lights can emit a wide range of colours (white, red, blue, green, orange, and yellow) to fulfil the needs of every residence and institution. Black light fluorescent bulbs, which cause certain colours to glow in the dark, are also extensively used in various industries.
Don’t dismiss fluorescent light bulbs – they are suitable for household, commercial and outdoor lighting requirements. Their lifetime may be 10 to 20 times that of incandescent bulbs, resulting in significant cost savings.
Call us at (604) 557-4734 in Burnaby and Abbotsford or visit Gregg Electric online to learn how we can transform your home or business with a new, energy-efficient lighting system.
