Fluorescent Lamps

Fluorescent lamps are familiar from the general lighting for offices, schools, hospitals etc. Fluorescent lamps are also used in illuminated advertising. Our experts will be pleased to advise you and to show you when the use of fluorescent lamps is advisable.

Fluorescent lamps are available in rod, ring, or U-form and continue to be a very efficient illuminant. Mass-produced fluorescent lamps are characterised by an unbeatable price-performance ratio. Simple handling, a high level of acceptance and global availability make this illuminant of value for a very wide range of applications.

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Fluorescent lamps have the following advantages:

• High light output: depending on type, over 90 Lumen/Watt
• High luminous flux: depending on type, over 6000 Lumen
• Long to very long service life: T8 (ø 26mm) fluorescent lamp + low-loss coil Medium service life: 10 – 13,000 hrsT8 Longlife lamp + low-loss coil Service life 12B10 : 35 – 46,000 hrs
• Simple procurement of replacement lamps: standardised worldwide, high level of acceptance
• Simple handling: lamps can be replaced by non-experts
• High degree of recyclability on disposal: almost 100%, as long as the lamp is taken to a collection point

The following points must be taken into account:

• Marked loss of luminous flux in low temperatures: a T8 fluorescent lamp supplies only a third of the nominal output at 0°C
• Starting difficulties in low temperatures: the lamps flicker or do not light up
• Standardised construction and light outputsStandardised tube lengths with corresponding outputs often do not allow optimum flexibility of illumination
• Service life losses during switching: many switching cycles considerably reduce service life
• Only dimmable to a certain extent: 5 - 100 %, after 100 hrs burning-in time. It is not permissible to operate at a low dimming value over long periods.
• Disposal via a collection point: fluorescent lamps contain 5 - 10 mg of mercury

Where are fluorescent lamps used?
Fluorescent lamps are regarded as simple, practical and energy-efficient light sources for illuminated signage.

However, fluorescent lamps are not the best illuminant for your illuminated advertising in every case. For example, the standardised lamp dimensions and outputs have a limiting effect on free selection of dimensioning, brightness, and light distribution.

We consider the main areas of use to be in double-sided illuminated signs and pylons. But large-scale illuminated transparencies and fascia boards are also ideal applications.

How do fluorescent lamps work?
Fluorescent lamps are low-pressure discharge lamps which work using mercury vapour. The mercury atoms stimulated by the inert gas filling emit ultraviolet radiation. The invisible UV-light is converted into visible light (fluorescence) by the illuminants inside the tube.

Depending on the composition of these illuminants, cold white (>5300 K), neutral white (3300 - 5300 K) and warm white light (<3300 K) can be generated with very good colour rendering.