Monday, April 28, 2014

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.

The purpose of fluorescent fixtures, just like the other types of bulbs is to provide illumination to working areas or commercial locations. The bulbs and fixtures are attached to chains or cords in order to drop the light source so it is closer to the work areas or customer areas in a factory or commercial establishment respectively. The right kind of illumination makes the products look more appealing. Better lighting reduces eyestrain for workers.

Using fluorescent fixtures offers several advantages. The cost of operation is much lower than for incandescent bulbs. The light tubes are inexpensive to produce. Ballast is the component which is more expensive. However, the tubes are long-lived. A range of colors are available, including everything from warm white tones to cool white. Use of the fixtures offers diffused lighting. The illumination is general and even. Unlike incandescent bulbs, there are no shadows created.

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.

Adding covers over the fixtures increases the aesthetic appeal. Opaque covers allow for diffusion of the lighting. The tendency for glare or strong shadows is limited. The size and shape of the lamps are fitted to the specific needs in the workplace or commercial space.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment