mardi 29 avril 2014

Commercial Hanging Fluorescent Light Fixtures

By Eloise Hewitt


Since the 1930s, the goal of providing longer work hours in commercial and industrial locations has been met, at least in part by the development of larger, brighter and more economical light sources. Commercial hanging fluorescent light fixtures are more costly initially, but the lower operating cost makes them a choice which should be considered by commercial enterprises. Although the hanging fixtures are very utilitarian, they can also be designed in a way that is aesthetically pleasing.

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.

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 three major categories of fluorescent lamps, they have common characteristics as well. There are similarities in the construction of cold cathode lamps and hot cathode lamps. The third category is that of electroluminescent lamps which are different from the other two. All three styles use phosphors which are activated by electron beams, in order to provide light.

Of the three main types of fluorescent lights, the hot cathode style is most commonly found. Usually, it consists of a long glass tube containing an inert gas (often argon). The gas is under low pressure. There is an electrode on either side of the tube, made of tungsten. The ballast controls and regulates the AC power input to the electrode. The standard size of the tubes is four feet. The illumination offered is 40 watts. In the past, ballast tended to be magnetic. Today they are usually electronic. Electronic ballast is less costly to produce and requires less material.

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.

Electroluminescent or EL lamps are also known as high field electroluminescent lamps. The term refers to the conversion of electrical energy into light without the need for heat. They use electric current directly through a phosphor to illuminate the space. These bulbs can be shaped in wire-styles or can be flat.

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.




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