Luminescent ceiling lamps types of characteristics. Varieties, installation, pros and cons of fluorescent lamps. Advantages of fluorescent lamps
First of all, lighting should provide conditions for the performance of certain visual tasks. Depending on the type of work performed lighting requirements different.
At choice of fixtures and lighting systems, first of all, it is necessary to proceed from the functional purpose of the illuminated room. Approximately, the following types of premises can be distinguished:
Industrial (among them are separate groups - "clean", dusty and damp, with an aggressive environment, explosive, etc.).
Offices with lots of computers.
Ordinary offices.
Trading.
Educational.
Health care institutions.
Museum and exhibition.
Sports.
Halls, lobbies, etc.
Auxiliary (corridors, changing rooms, toilets, etc.).
Warehouse and auxiliary.
Color designations for fluorescent lamps
Conference halls, rooms for business meetings, negotiations, etc.
Type of illuminated room |
|
Offices with a lot of | PTF, PRB, PRBLUX, TOP |
computers | |
Offices in which work with computers | ARS, WRS, OTR, OTK, OTN, DR |
is not the main | |
trading floors | ARS, WRS, DLR, DLZ, SNC, SNS, AST, ASM, HBP, DLF, DLH |
"Clean" industrial enterprises | OWP, LZ, LB, LMB, HBP |
Industrial enterprises with heavy | PAC, LZ, LB, HBS, HBF, KRK |
School classes, auditoriums | |
Hotels, foyers, lobbies, etc. | AL, AL.ARS, ALO, CMP, BH |
Lounges, conference rooms | ARS, WRS, OTK, OTR, OTN, DR |
Hospitals | |
Libraries | OPL, PRS, TOP, AOT |
Exhibition halls | ASM, DLR, DLZ, SNC, SNS |
Auxiliary premises (corridors, stairs, wardrobes) | RTX, BAT, RKL, K, S |
Sport halls | SPORT, HBS, HBF, UM |
car parks | |
Catering establishments | |
Warehouses | |
Gas stations | |
Architectural structures (outdoor lighting) |
The most important problem in the design of lighting installations is choice of light sources. Table 2 shows the boundary values of the parameters of all modern mass-use light sources, their advantages and disadvantages are noted, and the main areas of application are named.
Summary table of comparison of light sources table 2
Parameter | Fluorescent lamps | Incandescent lamps |
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Linear | Compact | Electrodeless | general purpose | Halogen |
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Power, W | ||||||||
Luminous flux, lm | ||||||||
Light output, lm/W | ||||||||
Color temperature, K | ||||||||
Color rendering index, R a | ||||||||
Service life, hour | ||||||||
Flaws | ||||||||
Advantages | ||||||||
Main applications | Interior lighting of administrative premises, shops, etc. | Street lighting, industrial lighting enterprises. | Architect-art. lighting, accent lighting. | Street lighting. | Lighting residential premises. | Architect-art. lighting, accent lighting. |
In the line "Disadvantages" the numbers indicate: 1 - large dimensions; 2 - the presence of mercury; 3 - the need for special switching equipment; 4 - poor color reproduction; 5 - pulsations of the light flux; 6 - low light output; 7 - short service life.
In the line "Dignity" the numbers indicate: 1 - high luminous efficiency; 2 - long service life; 3 - compactness; 4 - good color rendering; 5 - perfect color reproduction; 6 - ease of inclusion; 7 - cheapness.
As can be seen from the table, there are no ideal light sources today - each type has a number of disadvantages. Perhaps LEDs are closest to the concept of an “ideal light source”, but so far it is still more exotic than a mass source.
Obviously, when illuminating industrial and public premises, it makes no sense to use incandescent lamps because of their low luminous efficiency and short service life. However, in everyday life, these lamps so far have almost no alternative due to their low cost, ease of switching on and the absence of mercury. In addition to these advantages, incandescent lamps, including halogen ones, provide perfect color reproduction and are therefore widely used in retail and showrooms for showcase and accent lighting. Cheap luminaires with conventional incandescent lamps may also be recommended for lighting small auxiliary rooms with low light levels.
For lighting administrative and public premises (offices, schools, hospitals, design bureaus, etc.), fluorescent lamps, including compact ones, are best suited. Of the fluorescent lamps, lamps in flasks with a diameter of 16 mm (T5 series) stand out especially - they have the highest luminous efficiency, a very long service life, a small decline in luminous flux during their service life, good color rendering, and fit well into the dimensions of standard suspended ceiling modules.
In all rooms with a long stay of people, preference should be given to high-frequency lamp power. Despite the high cost of lamps with electronic switching devices, their use is always justified in many rooms, especially in offices with computers or intensive visual work.
Luminaires of the same type, for example, ARS, are made with lamps of different power (18, 36 and 58 W) and with a different number of lamps. The luminous efficiency of fluorescent lamps increases with their length, and the proportion of power losses in the chokes decreases, which leads to an even greater increase in the luminous efficiency of the "lamp-ballast" set. For example, four 18 W lamps create a luminous flux of approximately 4200 lm and consume power (with chokes) 98 W, and two 36 W lamps - 5600 lm and 85 W, respectively. Therefore, from a lighting point of view, the use of luminaires with lamps with a power of 36 W is preferable than with lamps with a power of 18 W. However, when choice of power and number of lamps it is necessary to take into account not only the luminous efficiency of the lamps, but also all other factors. Practice shows that in rooms with relatively low ceilings it is better to use lamps with lamps with a power of 18 W, and in high rooms (3.5 m and above) - 36 and 58 W.
At choice of fluorescent lamps in terms of color rendering quality, one should be guided by the requirements of the new European lighting standards: in rooms with a long stay of people, Ra should not be less than 80. Obviously, much cheaper lamps with “standard” color rendering are quite suitable in corridors, toilets and other auxiliary rooms. Lamps with "excellent" color rendering (Ra not less than 90) should only be used where color rendering is one of the main lighting criteria - in the printing industry, textile and paint industries, in art galleries, flower shops, etc.
Table 3 gives color designations for fluorescent lamps with different color rendering quality in accordance with GOST 6825 and in the documentation of the world's leading lamp manufacturers - Philips and Osram.
Table 3
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low power metal halide lamps, especially with ceramic burners (CDM type), are now quite widely used for showcase and accent lighting instead of halogen incandescent lamps, since with good color rendering they have much longer service life and light output. In addition, metal halide lamps are widely used in projectors for outdoor architectural lighting.
High pressure sodium lamps indispensable for street lighting and for lighting industrial premises where there are no requirements for the quality of color reproduction (metallurgical, metalworking shops, warehouses, etc.).
High pressure mercury lamps with a phosphor (DRL) are widely used in street lighting of small towns and secondary streets in large cities, as they are much cheaper than sodium lamps and do not require the use of igniters. In interior lighting, the scope of such lamps is industrial premises without special requirements for the quality of color rendering (warehouses, woodworking, chemical shops, etc.).
In places where maintenance of lighting fixtures is difficult, electrodeless fluorescent lamps are preferred, having the longest service life among mass light sources.
It is obvious that the same illumination values can be provided by many different options. What criteria should be followed when choosing fixtures that provide good lighting, and what is “good lighting”? This question is not so naive - in Germany, for example, there is even a special scientific and technical society, which is called “Good Lighting”. This society has already published 16 brochures with the titles "Good Lighting for Industrial Premises", "Good Lighting for Administrative Premises" and the like.
Criteria lighting quality it could be considered:
1. Ensuring normalized quantitative parameters (illuminance).
2. Comfort.
3. Safety.
4. Reliability.
5. Profitability.
6. Ease of use.
7. Aesthetics.
These criteria are closely related. The importance of each of them is determined by the type of illuminated room or object and the nature of the work performed. For example, for industrial premises, it is necessary, first of all, to provide the levels of illumination required by the standards, and for representative premises, the appearance of luminaires, their aesthetics, is often the most significant.
Energy-saving fluorescent lamps are produced today in a fairly extensive range. Different models may differ in their own configuration, quantity, parameters of fluorescent lamps, electronics. This is not the whole list of differences between models of such lighting equipment, which can be purchased in specialized stores of lighting products. Despite so many differences and features, fluorescent lighting devices have a common device, connection scheme, and principle of operation.
In this article:
Scope of application
The main sources of lighting in residential premises are ceiling lighting fixtures. For rooms with low ceilings, pantries, corridors, bathrooms, overhead lights are usually used, for rooms with high ceilings - built-in lighting devices.
- Fluorescent lamps are most often used to illuminate tables, niches, kitchen furniture, in combination with LED lighting devices.
- Devices with miniature lamps are mounted in furniture sets for interior lighting.
- Wall options are used to illuminate paintings, mirrors, etc.
- Special linear lighting devices are used to illuminate aquariums, indoor plants. They are distinguished by the presence of a blue, red light spectrum, which is very useful for any vegetation. Such a light flux perfectly replaces the ultraviolet rays of the sun, which are necessary for vegetation, which contribute to the efficiency of photobiological processes.
Installation of daylight fixtures 2x18 W is carried out along the perimeter of the room, thus forming a hidden illumination. In this case, a modular system is used.
Sheds, room cornices, multi-level ceiling structures will look effective only with properly organized lighting.
Design features, principle of operation
The fluorescent lamp is one of the most common lighting devices used in residential and administrative buildings due to ease of installation and subsequent energy savings.
The principle of operation of such a device is based on the ability of gas and metal vapors to form a luminous flux under the influence of an electric field. Fluorescent light bulbs look like glass tubes.
The main elements of the design of such a lamp:
- phosphor - the inner coating of the lamp;
- a tube filled with an inert gas, mercury vapor;
- tungsten spirals located at the edges of the lamp structure, coated with barium oxide, which performs the properties of the cathode;
- two connecting pins between the coils that directly connect the devices to the power supply.
Important to remember! When installing motion sensors, it is not advisable to use fluorescent lighting devices in conjunction with automatic switching on, because the fairly frequent switching on of this type of lamps quickly disables them, significantly reducing their operating period.
Well-known manufacturers of fluorescent lamps, their products
When buying fluorescent lighting devices, first of all, each buyer is interested in the question of which manufacturer is popular, produces the highest quality products and other points. Indeed, today on the market there is a huge assortment of various goods, of which not all of good quality. According to the recommendations of experts, user reviews, you should pay attention to the brands listed below.
German company SLV
This company occupies a leading position in the European market, its products are sold all over the world. Thanks to the use of modern production technologies, the latest equipment, and the attractive cost of the finished product, the brand has won the trust of many users.
Some suggestions from SLV
Model | materials | Lamps | Options | ||||||
plafond | fittings | Power | plinth | Qty | L, mm | H, mm | B, mm | M, kg | |
Suspended SLV160831 Kuno | Aluminum + white plastic | White aluminum | 2х35W | 2xG5 | 2 | 1490 | 30 | 135 | 2,5 |
Suspended SLV160832 Kuno | Aluminum + silver plastic | White aluminum | 2х35W | 2xG5 | 2 | 1490 | 30 | 135 | 2,5 |
Ceiling SLV160773 Kuno | Aluminum + white plastic | White aluminum | 2х54W | 2xG5 | 2 | 1490 | 30 | 135 | 2,5 |
Suspension lamps with Kuno fluorescent lamps are produced in a modern style, their suspension is adjustable up to 1.5 m.
Hungarian company "Novotech"
It is also a fairly well-known manufacturer on the market, which uses the latest trends in lighting equipment in its own developments. The company's specialists pay special attention to halogen, luminescent energy-saving lighting devices.
Lighting devices of the SIDE series of closed types with a switch. The main purpose is to illuminate furniture elements, interior items, and are used for the kitchen.
Slovak company OMS
The products of this company are also quite popular. Thanks to its own production lines, equipped with modern equipment, it covers all segments of the European market - from the most economical luminaires to premium lighting fixtures.
Suspended fluorescent lamps OMS are able to satisfy the most demanding customer.
The manufacture of luminescent lighting devices today is carried out by almost all manufacturing companies in Europe that produce lighting products. A huge variety of lamps in this category on the market allows you to select products for any interior space, while they are distinguished by significant efficiency and a long operating period.
Advantages
- An essential advantage of fluorescent lighting devices 2x18 W is the saving of electrical energy. They are inferior in this regard only to LED designs.
- Efficiency - the efficiency of fluorescent lamps is five times higher than that of standard incandescent lamps.
- The service life of such a lighting system, depending on the operating conditions, can be from 5000 to 12000 hours. Therefore, such devices are ideal for installation in hard-to-reach areas.
- The radiation of the light flux occurs over the entire surface.
- Light can be of different colors.
To improve the technical characteristics of fluorescent lamps (reduce flicker, unpleasant hum emitted during operation), it is recommended to use electronic ballasts instead of standard electromagnetic ballasts.
Flaws
- The main drawback of the equipment is the presence of mercury in the structure. Therefore, the lamps must be handled very carefully.
- The efficiency of this type of lighting equipment depends on the external temperature. Luminous flux will decrease at minimum and maximum temperatures. Of course, when used in residential premises, this fact is inappropriate.
- The high sensitivity of luminescent devices to frequent power outages creates some inconvenience, and their service life is reduced. Therefore, it is not recommended to use such a lighting system for objects, premises where voltage drops and power outages constantly occur in the network.
Possible malfunctions of fluorescent lamps, their elimination
If the lighting device does not even try to light up, it is necessary to measure the presence of voltage at the input terminals before looking for a malfunction in it. If it is present, the sequence of actions is as follows:
- The lamps must be slightly scrolled along the axis. If the installation is done correctly, its contacts will be parallel to the plane of the lighting fixture. This position can be set according to the maximum force generated when the lamp rotates, you can remember the initial location of the product relative to space.
- Replace starter. When calling a professional master, he always has a set of spare starters for fluorescent lamps. To check, you can also use the starter of a neighboring working device.
- Check lamps for proper operation. In devices using two lamps, they have a series connection, a common choke and starter. Four-lamp fluorescent lighting devices are two two-lamp devices combined in one housing. If one bulb breaks, the other one goes out as well.
- To check the serviceability of the lamp, it is necessary to change it to a serviceable product or measure the resistance of the filaments with a multimeter, which should be no more than a dozen ohms. If the lamp bulb is blackened from the inside, this does not yet indicate a breakdown, but it is worth checking it first.
- The lamp, the starter are working, so you need to check the throttle resistance, which should be no more than 100 ohms. For this, a multimeter is used. Using a screwdriver-indicator, you can check the presence of a phase on the inductor. If it is present at the input, then it must be at the output. If in doubt, the throttle should be replaced with a new one.
- Checking the electrical wiring of the fluorescent lamp itself. It is necessary to carefully examine the connecting contacts of lamp sockets, starter, throttle. For convenience, safety of this procedure, it is recommended to dismantle the lamp from the ceiling, check it on the table.
If the 2x18 W lighting device tries unsuccessfully to light up, then it is necessary to look for the causes of the malfunction in sequence: in the starter, the lamp itself, the throttle, since in such a situation there is an equal percentage of the probability of failure of any of these elements.
In the event of a decrease in the brightness of the light flux, the lamp must be changed.
It's important to know! Lamps of industrial street luminescent lamps at negative temperatures can light up for a long time, they may not light up at all.
Conclusion
Lighting devices with fluorescent lamps are today considered one of the most economical light sources, and, despite the presence of some disadvantages, they deserve special attention from the consumer.
The importance of lighting in residential areas cannot be overestimated.
Luminescent lighting used to be used only in industrial enterprises, offices, shops. This is due to the size, cold blue glow, flickering and unpleasant buzz.
But recently, devices of compact sizes, various colors, and original designs have appeared, as they have found their rightful place in the loft style (see).
Design and principle of operation
The main feature and advantage of fluorescent lamps is the use of fluorescent lamps. They are inserted using special lamp holders (cartridges). Connection of cartridges with wires - bronze clamps.
Fluorescent lamps are glass tubes with soldered ends at both ends. The tube is filled with argon gas. The walls of the tube are coated with a layer of phosphor. In addition to argon, there is mercury inside the tube.
When power is applied between the electrodes at opposite ends of the tube, an arc discharge occurs. An electrical discharge causes a glow in ultraviolet light. This radiation is absorbed by the phosphor and converted into a visible glow perceived by the human eye.
The color of the glow depends on the composition of the phosphor.
The main elements are the body, reflector and diffuser (or grating). The grille is mirrored, matte or white. Lamps are produced with open light sources and with shades.
But one lamp and housing is not enough. For operation, special ballast equipment is required. Previously, the lamps were equipped with electromagnetic ballasts (choke), which during operation made an unpleasant sound and had large dimensions.
Modern devices do not have such a disadvantage. They are equipped with electronic ballasts (PRA).
Digital control gear implements the most original lighting projects, allows them to be used in an energy-saving “smart home” system.
Variety of species
Fluorescent lamps are used as ceiling and wall lighting. divided into overhead, built-in and suspended. Overlays are attached to the ceiling. can be used for suspended ceilings. Suspended are used for local lighting.
Devices can be single, double, etc. They use linear fluorescent lamps. The most widespread are linear devices with tubes:
- T4 (with a diameter of 12.7 mm),
- T5 (with a diameter of 15.9mm),
- T8 (with a diameter of 25.4mm).
T4 and T5 tubes have a G5 base, T8 tubes have a G13 base. The numbers on the bases indicate the distance between the pins in millimeters. The length depends on the power for all types and manufacturers.
15W | 18-20W | 30W | 36W | 58W | 70W |
450mm | 600mm | 900mm | 1200mm | 1500mm | 1500mm |
Depending on the diffuser, devices can be direct, directional, diffused and reflected light.
They are divided according to the level of protection against moisture and dust. The level of protection is classified according to the IP system. This is the Ingress Protection code system. The higher the IP, the higher the moisture and dust protection.
The spectrum of the luminous flux depends on the temperature of the glow. As the color temperature increases, the light spectrum changes from red to blue.
Application area
Ceiling lamps are the main source of lighting in the house. For low ceilings in storage rooms, in corridors, in bathrooms, it is better to use overhead lighting fixtures, and for rooms with high ceilings, built-in ones are suitable.
Fluorescent lamps are installed around the perimeter of the room in order to create a hidden backlight. To do this, use a modular system.
Multi-level ceiling, awnings, cornices in the rooms. All this looks only with the right lighting. They are used, in combination with, in kitchen sets to illuminate niches and tables. Devices with miniature lamps are used in furniture for local lighting. Wall used for paintings, panels.
Linear lamps for special purposes are used for plants and aquariums.
Their main difference is the red and blue regions of the luminescence spectrum. Such light is very useful for plants. It compensates for the lack of sunlight and improves photobiological processes in plants.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of fluorescent lamps is energy saving. Their efficiency is 5 times higher than the efficiency of devices with incandescent lamps, but inferior in efficiency.
Service life varies from 5 to 12 thousand hours. This creates additional convenience when used in hard-to-reach places.
Lamps emit a luminous flux over the entire surface. A variety of colors of the light flux allows you to choose the desired color.
The use of electronic ballasts (ballasts) instead of traditional electromagnetic ones improves the characteristics of fluorescent lamps - eliminates unpleasant hum, reduces flicker.
The main disadvantage is the presence of mercury. They require careful handling.
Another disadvantage is the dependence on external temperature. At too low and high temperatures, the luminous flux decreases. But for residential premises, this is not so true. But sensitivity to frequent switching on and off creates inconvenience.
Possible malfunctions and ways to eliminate them
Fluorescent lamps have a reliable design. Malfunctions are primarily associated with a malfunction of lamps, gear or electrical wiring. The lamp holder (cartridge) may also fail. But this happens very rarely.
Consider the problems that you may encounter during operation:
- Dull orange glow at the ends. The reason is air getting into the tube. Impossible to fix - lamp needs to be replaced.
- The device lights up, but then darkens and goes out. The reason - a malfunction of the ballast - needs to be replaced.
- It goes out intermittently, then turns on by itself. The reason is a malfunction of the starter or lamp.
- The device blinks, a glow from one end of the tube. The reason is a short circuit in the cartridge or wiring.
- When turned on, the ends of the tube turn black. The reason is a mismatch between the device voltage and the mains voltage or a malfunction of the ballast resistance. If the voltage is OK, replace the ballast resistor.
- Does not turn on. The reason is a broken wire or electrodes in the lamp, a malfunction of the starter, or problems with the supply voltage.
Manufacturers and models
When choosing fluorescent lamps, the question arises, which manufacturer's products should be preferred? There is a huge selection on the market: from well-known brands to cheap Chinese fakes.
SLV
One of the leaders in the European market is the German company SLV. The dealer network is spread all over the world. Innovative technologies, attractive price, design. All this makes SLV products attractive to buyers.
SLV 160831 Kuno outboard | SLV 160832 Kuno outboard | SLV 160773 Kuno ceiling |
Shade material | ||
Aluminum + white plastic | Aluminum + silver plastic | Aluminum + white plastic |
Rebar material | ||
Aluminum white | Aluminum silver | Aluminum white |
Lamp power | ||
2х35W | 2х35W | 2х54W |
Plinth type | ||
2xG5 | 2xG5 | 2xG5 |
Number of lamps | ||
2 | 2 | 2 |
The size | ||
L - 1490mm, H - 30mm, B - 135mm, 2.5 kg | L - 1490mm, H - 30mm, B - 135mm, 2.5 kg |
Suspended models of the Kuno series are made in a modern style. Adjustable suspension up to one and a half meters. The luminaire is supplied without a base. Base with Tron cable clamp and lamps ordered separately.
Novotech
Another well-known brand is the Hungarian company Novotech. The company in its developments uses modern trends in lighting technology. Pays special attention to energy-saving fluorescent and.
Shade material | ||
Transparent polycarbonate | Transparent polycarbonate | Transparent polycarbonate |
Rebar material | ||
Aluminum white | Aluminum white | Aluminum white |
Lamp power | ||
1х18W | 1х30W | 1х13W |
Plinth type | ||
G13 | G13 | G13 |
Number of lamps | ||
1 | 1 | 1 |
The size | ||
L - 675mm, H - 65mm, B - 35mm, 0.065 kg | L - 950mm, H - 70mm, B - 48mm, 0.065 kg | L - 571mm, H - 42mm, B - 22mm, 0.065 kg |
The table shows the models of the SIDE series. These are closed devices with a switch. Designed to illuminate furniture (kitchen tables).
OMS
Lamps from the Slovak manufacturer OMS are widely used in Europe. The factory covers all market segments - from the most economical to the premium class thanks to the modern equipment of production lines.
FF02-12 | FF02-25 | FF02-26 |
Shade material | ||
Opal resin with spacer | Matte polymer | Resin with anti-reflective grating |
Rebar material | ||
Aluminum gray | Aluminum gray | Aluminum gray |
Lamp power | ||
2х35W | 1х35W | 1х35W |
Plinth type | ||
G5 | G5 | G5 |
Number of lamps | ||
2 | 1 | 1 |
The size | ||
L - 1510mm, H - 65mm, B - 260mm | L - 1480mm, H - 75mm, B - 100mm |
Suspended models by OMS will satisfy the most demanding customer.
Almost all European manufacturers of lighting equipment are engaged in the production of fluorescent lamps. Cost-effectiveness, durability, a diverse light spectrum allow you to choose models for any room design.
Ceiling luminescent lamps - in comparison with incandescent lamps - compare favorably with a color temperature more acceptable to the human eye. They are economical and have high efficiency. However, their choice is subject to a number of specific requirements, ignoring which can lead to a negative result.
In many city apartments, residents equip stretch ceilings. The use of such lamps in this case is either impossible or very difficult. This is explained by the fact that such lighting devices are distinguished by a significant thermal background, which for high-power lamps - from 80 W or more - can exceed +60 degrees. Under such conditions, fabric ceilings are likely to sag, and film ceilings will be intensively deformed. It is undesirable to install fluorescent lamps in bathrooms - high humidity and the possibility of water splashes on a working light source leads to failure of not only the lamp itself, but also the entire lighting fittings of the device.
Ceiling spotlights of this type are distinguished by a low angle of change in the direction of the light flux, therefore they are intended mainly to create not a directed-concentrated, but a general diffused light flux. Therefore, it is not recommended to use them as sources of local lighting for certain areas in the room.
How to choose a fluorescent lamp?
It is recommended to install a surface-mounted lamp on the ceiling, especially since the variety of housings allows you to purchase a device that is quite consistent with the interior of the room. When buying, pay special attention to the marking of the light source.
For example, "IP" version luminaires are characterized by the highest dust protection class. There is a gradation according to the classes of protection of the body against solid particles (the highest class is 6), as well as for protection against moisture (the highest class is 8). Thus, if IP 68 is indicated in the passport for a fluorescent lamp, then the device can be installed in the most problematic areas of the apartment.
When choosing a luminaire, you should also pay attention to its housing: the most versatile are devices in a combined housing. An important parameter for choosing such a lighting device is the presence or absence of a reflector.
Ceiling similar lighting fixtures of the second version have a lower price, but their use is functionally limited. For example, it is not advisable to install them on the ceilings of high and large rooms, since the uneven illumination will be very high.
The most economical light sources today are considered to be fluorescent lamps. The ratio of their main characteristics (radiated light flux and electricity consumption) is many times more profitable than that of incandescent lamps. The same can be said about the service life of such light sources.
What are fluorescent lamps, their device and principle of operation
Fluorescent lamp- the most common type of lighting, which is found in administrative premises (kindergartens, schools, offices), as well as in households and industrial areas. Its installation and subsequent waste of electricity will be inexpensive. Design features allow you to use them for both external and internal lighting.
The light source in such devices is Fluorescent Lamp. The principle of its operation lies in the ability of metal vapors and some gases to emit light when exposed to an electric field. Lamps look like glass tubes.
The device of a fluorescent lamp can be represented as follows: inside it there is a coating - a phosphor, an inert gas with mercury vapor is present in the tube. On each edge of the lamp structure are tungsten spirals with a layer of barium oxide, which act as cathodes. They are connected to two pins that connect the lamp to an external power source. This is a typical scheme of such lighting fixtures.
There are also fluorescent lamp designs that are designed for small lamps. They have a slightly different appearance, while the pipe can be bent into a spiral, ring or other shape.
The above designs have their pros and cons. The advantages of such lighting devices include:
- the ability to increase light output: a device of 20 W is equal in power to an incandescent lamp of 100 W;
- The efficiency is higher than that of lighting fixtures with incandescent lamps;
- a large selection of shades of emitted light;
- longer service life compared to incandescent lamps;
- The emitted light is not a point, but diffused.
If we talk about the shortcomings of such lighting devices, then they can be considered:
- special disposal required due to mercury vapor content;
- the radiation from such lamps has an uneven spectrum, which is unpleasant for the eyes;
- Some lamps may make unpleasant noises during their operation.
It is not advisable to use a luminaire with fluorescent lamps in a design with automatic switching on (when motion sensors are installed), since too frequent operation of lighting devices leads to their rapid failure, reducing their service life.
Varieties of fluorescent lamps
It is difficult to calculate what underlies the active development of electrical devices - rush consumer demand or engineering developments. But the fact that today on the market you can find options for lighting fixtures of various designs is considered indisputable. So, devices appeared that are outwardly similar to fluorescent ones, but the light bulb was replaced with LED elements.
But, despite all the innovations, this type of fixtures is not the last place both in demand and in the number of varieties of devices.
Conventionally, they can be divided into two large groups: ceiling and furniture. Each of them has a fairly large number of subspecies.
Ceiling luminaires
Ceiling fluorescent lighting fixtures are the most common fixtures. The main function of which is the organization of general lighting.
Depending on the location, they are conditionally divided into the following subgroups:
- ceiling office;
- ceiling industrial.
There are many types of fluorescent ceiling lamps, they can be divided into the following types:
- four-lamp (4x18, 4x36);
- two-lamp (2x23, 2x58).
Luminaires for industrial areas
For these purposes, the same type of lamp is used, but their distinguishing feature is the absence of decorative excesses when using such lighting fixtures for industrial areas. They are characterized by a strict form, but at the same time they give a good luminous flux. Industrial fluorescent fixtures provide a good source of light for large warehouse, retail and industrial spaces. In addition, higher requirements are put forward for such lamps compared to household or office structures.
So, industrial luminescent light sources should be safer (explosion-proof lamp), relatively low cost, easy to install, provide a long service life under not always favorable circumstances. If working conditions require compliance with increased safety, then the ideal option is explosion-proof lamps with fluorescent lamps. For the convenience of working in such lighting, devices that do not give glare are chosen. An industrial luminaire should emit an even light.
Lamps for offices and household
Office and household lighting options can be classified depending on the number of lamps in them. So, there are ceiling two-lamp (LPO 2x36 and 2x58) or four-lamp lighting fixtures. Their choice depends on the area of the territory that needs to be illuminated. Depending on the installation option, they are divided into embedded and overhead subspecies.
Recessed lighting fixtures
Built-in models are used to illuminate office or domestic premises. The design of such devices allows installation in suspended, rack and stretch ceiling structures. Recessed lighting fixtures are placed in frames when mounting ceilings.
The most popular and well-established of all types of such built-in structures are Armstrong fluorescent ceiling fixtures. They are produced by dozens of manufacturers and differ in their parameters. The selection of such lighting devices is carried out by selecting parameters based on the size of the section. So, if the Armstrong ceiling block is 600x600, then the luminescent lamp is selected with the same dimensions. As a result, the ceiling background is even.
Luminescent 2x36 models (for 2 bulbs) are often used as one of the cheapest types of lighting for rooms where protection of the lighting device is required. Luminescent recessed luminaire 2x36 is found in sports halls, schools, kindergartens.
Overhead lighting fixtures
Overhead luminescent lamps (4x18) are mounted on a solid surface. It can be both a wall of a room and a ceiling (plastered reinforced concrete slab or drywall). This overhead design is not used on stretch ceilings. Their choice is quite wide. Luminescent light sources 2x36 are also very popular. Installation takes place using screws or dowels. The ideal place for surface-mounted luminaires is modern kitchen interiors, schools and office spaces.
One of the types of overhead lighting structure is the above-mentioned model 4x18 LPO-71. It consists of a solid steel base. The body of the luminaire is powder coated in white or metallic. On this basis, 4 fluorescent bulbs of 18 W are installed, therefore it has a 4x18 type.
The 4x18 model also has an overlay lattice material that is attached to the body with hidden springs.
Features of explosion-proof fluorescent lighting fixtures
An explosion-proof fluorescent lighting device is used in rooms with increased danger. The case of such devices is made of heavy-duty aluminum alloy, which resists corrosion, temperature extremes, moisture ingress. In addition, all parts in explosion-proof luminaires with fluorescent lamps have a tight connection with a sealant, which ensures that the contacts are isolated from dust and other possible contaminants.
Installation of fluorescent lighting fixtures
Installation of fluorescent lamps is made depending on their design. Devices for installing fixtures are attached to ceiling structures, to walls (wall version), columns using dowels and embedded parts. At the same time, when mounting fasteners, a ceiling socket is also installed, which serves to connect the wires of the lighting device to the power supply network and closes the slot of their output.
The wiring diagram of the lamp is also important. Initially, there were only models with chokes and starters. They are two devices with separate sockets. Capacitors perform different functions. The first, connected in parallel, serves to stabilize the voltage. The second, located in the starter, performs the function of increasing the time of the starting pulse. This connection scheme is also called electromagnetic ballast.
A diagram is drawn on the reverse side of each fluorescent lighting fixture. It carries complete information about how many lamps are connected, their power and quantity, and the technical characteristics of the device.
Note that the lighting device that was used for fluorescent lamps can be easily converted to LED. But before replacing, the ballast should be removed from the circuit. The voltage should go directly to the LED pins. That's the whole difference.
Before connecting a fluorescent lighting fixture, make sure that the ends of the mains are insulated.
The best way to place fluorescent lamps is to hang them on the main lighting boxes (KL-1 or KL-2). The boxes are supplied with all the necessary parts for high-quality installation to beams, ceilings, walls, etc.
Possible breakdowns
Consider the main possible malfunctions of fluorescent lamps and ways to eliminate them:
How to test a fluorescent light
The serviceability of fluorescent lighting fixtures is checked by the integrity and operation of the main elements that provide current supply:
- throttle (during normal operation, it should not make extraneous sounds);
- starter (its operation is checked by connecting it in series to an incandescent lamp and a socket);
- capacitor capacitance.
All diagnostic measures are carried out in the passive state of the lamp, that is, when completely disconnected from the power source. It is recommended to use a multimeter or ohmmeter for testing. Remove the starter from the cartridge, connect the contacts. Connect the two probes of the device to the output disconnected wires of the lamp. The device will show the value of the total resistance of the lamp.
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