Could some thirty years ago the owner of a standard apartment hope that he would have a choice of light source, and that he would be able to neglect the usual incandescent lamp?! Fluorescent fluorescent lamps have recently ceased to be perceived by consumers as exclusively office ones, people have begun to move away from the stereotype that warm yellowish light is for home, and cold white is only an office option.
Yes, and modern lamps with fluorescent lamps have a decent spectrum - the choice of shades is wide just as much as the consumer needs it. Anyone can navigate in the color (light) range of lamps by letter marking:
- LB - white light;
- LD - daytime;
- LE - natural;
- LHB - cold;
- LTB - warm.
Colored fluorescent lamps are used to illuminate outdoor advertising, and here the color scheme has no restrictions.
Home, garden, office
Luminaires with fluorescent lamps are universal devices, they can be used in large and small apartments, in production workshops, in office premises and as outdoor lamps.
And although modern landscape design is more inclined to equip the garden and backyard with solar-powered lamps, no one has canceled the long-lasting fluorescent light bulb on a support and probably will not cancel it. It is one thing - a little light near the paths, patios or directly on the alpine slide, and quite another - a sufficient flow of soft, unobtrusive light from the lamppost.
Lamps for the home
To equip a home with high-quality, durable and economical lighting, the market provides a wide range of modern lighting fixtures for the consumer to choose from:
- overhead - for installation on plastered and plasterboard surfaces;
- built-in - for installation in rack, suspended and stretch ceilings;
- rack - designed specifically for rack structures;
- spot - to illuminate a small area.
Office lamps
Office lamps are not much different from home ones, but since you have to strain your eyes more in the offices, read the text on paper and electronic versions, experts advise using a lamp with 4x18 fluorescent lamps, the power of which allows you to feel comfortable and save your eyesight.
Ideal for office use:
- Raster fixtures - this type of lighting fixtures are built in instead of one of the suspended ceiling sections and equipped with a diffuser grille.
- Spot and built-in lamps can also be used for offices with full right.
Luminaires for industrial workshops
To work in large factory or factory workshops, a certain atmosphere is characteristic, not always positive - increased dust or humidity, movement of large machines around the premises or the presence of large equipment.
To illuminate spacious and high workshops, use:
- suspended ceiling lamps for rooms with high ceilings, which differ in the method of installation - they are mounted using height-adjustable cables.
When choosing luminaires for industry, their characteristics are important in terms of the degree of protection against dust and moisture (from IP54 to IP65).
street lighting
Experts call fluorescent lamps the most reliable type of street lighting today. The luminous flux of fluorescent lamps is no different from that of incandescent lamps, only the power of the light source is strikingly different.
So a 200 W incandescent lamp gives a flux of 2500 Lm, and we get exactly the same amount of light from a 60-80 W fluorescent lamp.
- high pressure lamps are used to illuminate city streets;
- low pressure lamps - for personal plots.
Why are they good?
The first thing that a consumer pays attention to when evaluating a lighting device is the comfort of lighting and the economy of energy consumption. Ceiling lamps with fluorescent lamps comply with these two parameters perfectly. In addition, these lamps:
- durable, able to function uninterruptedly for 20,000 hours, and this is not the limit, samples have already been developed that function for 40,000 hours;
- highly efficient (see above for an example of matching the luminous flux);
- modern and comfortable, presented in various shapes and sizes;
- harmonious in any interior;
- protected from dust and moisture ingress;
- capable of suppressing radio waves.
For consumers who are going to replace a couple of light bulbs in the bathroom, a separate tip: pay attention to the two-lamp fluorescent ceiling lamps 2x36, they are equipped with maximum protection against moisture, such are used in rooms with a swimming pool, saunas, baths.
Disadvantages you should be aware of
A fluorescent lamp cannot be bought for a penny, and for a few tens of rubles, too. The high cost of the product is the first of the shortcomings that somewhat cool the consumer's ardor. There are other disadvantages that every potential buyer simply must be aware of:
- it takes a few minutes to start the lamp;
- limited temperature regime- lamps do not work at temperatures below -250;
- frequent failure of the starter for fluorescent lamps;
- the impossibility of frequent switching on and off (that is, it is practically possible to do this, but such actions shorten the life of the lamp);
- the lamp emits a low hum that is not very pleasant to hear;
- the presence of mercury compounds in the lamp;
- special disposal at the end of its useful life.
Connection nuances
Direct connection to the power grid for these lamps is contraindicated: their negative resistance (the more current passes through the lamp, the more it loses resistance) requires connection through a ballast.
A resistor as a ballast is not suitable, since a large amount of energy will be lost in it, but a capacitor or an inductor are quite acceptable options.
If you are "ripe" to buy
Now buying a light bulb is equivalent to the process of buying a cow in the 18th century. And this is without any irony. The device, although small, is purchased for many years, and in order for it to serve the allotted time safely, it must be chosen correctly. Yes, and the price ... This is not a copper trifle for you for a Soviet light bulb in the economic department, the amount is impressive, and hardly anyone is ready to throw money away just like that.
To begin with, the consumer needs to decide for which rooms he buys fixtures with fluorescent lamps. Everything is important: area, ceiling height, humidity, dustiness, purpose of the room.
Study the labeling of the lamps (it is indicated on the box): some of them are designed for a difficult microclimate, others are for operation only in favorable conditions, and others are for rooms with high humidity.
Do not neglect these nuances, they are not as small as they seem. But do not buy light bulbs with the highest protection rates for the living room - they are useless in this room.
When choosing, consider not only the design, but also the physical parameters of lighting fixtures and always have an idea for what purpose you need lighting: for study and work, for a cozy dinner with your family or for applying makeup in front of a mirror. Each of these cases involves a different lamp power.
You want to leave the zone of too bright light as soon as possible - it is discomfort. A soft, unobtrusive stream of light has always been associated with home, family, twilight - an intimate light, suitable for bedrooms.
A thoughtful approach to choosing a light source is not just a banal briefing. The comfort of your stay depends on it. If you do not plan the location of the fixtures in advance, their optimal power will also remain unknown, and errors in placement are possible.
The light distribution of fluorescent lamps is different:
- direct projection - they shine only in one direction, they are convenient to place above a dressing table or a mirror in the bathroom to illuminate a specific area (for this purpose, a single-lamp fluorescent lamp is often used);
- scattered radiation - the direction of the rays goes in different directions from the light source, designers use such lamps to create a general light background in the room;
- combined radiation - two types of lamps are installed on the ceiling: with direct and diffuse radiation, uniformity of illumination with this option can be achieved with more luminaires with direct beam projection.
To keep the lamp from flickering
A characteristic feature of old-style fluorescent lamps was their unpleasant and rather loud buzz, from which, as the workers of offices and institutions complained, the head splits. Therefore, at enterprises, and at home, they preferred not to use two-lamp fluorescent ceiling lamps - they believed that the more lamps, the louder the noise.
The hum remained in some new lamps of the middle price segment (this is discussed in the section on the disadvantages of lighting devices).
The use of starter units for advanced samples eliminates lamp hum, flicker and noise during start-up.
"Quiet" lamps gained popularity, first of all, among employers and school principals, because they were able to combine their main dream: high-quality lighting + high labor productivity.
Let's consider a luminaire device for T8 tubular fluorescent lamps, G13 base , this is one of the most common types of fluorescent lamps that you have probably come across in everyday life.
As an example, take a surface-mounted fluorescent lamp 2x36 W "Iceberg" with degree of protection ip65.
Fluorescent lamp device
Structurally, a fluorescent lamp consists of:
1.Plastic housing.
which closes and protects all elements electrical circuit, and also carries fasteners both for mounting the lamp on a wall or ceiling, and for assembling all the components of the lighting device into a single whole.
2. Metal mounting plate - base.
It contains all the electronic components necessary for the operation of the lamp, as well as accessories for installing fluorescent lamps.
3. Translucent diffuser.
Which creates more comfortable lighting for our vision, as it evenly distributes the light flux of fluorescent lamps.
In addition to these main components that make up the luminaire, the delivery set usually contains:
- fasteners for installing a fluorescent lamp on walls or ceilings.
- Clamps connecting the translucent diffuser with the body. Allowing you to simply get access to the interior of the lamp, primarily to the lamps, to replace them.
- Plugs - membranes. Which closes unused inlet openings into the lamp, and also seals the place where the power cable enters.
Note! Fluorescent lamps, most often, are not included in the scope of supply of the luminaire and must be purchased separately.
The device of the electrical part of the fluorescent lamp
To understand the structure of the electrical components included in the circuit of a fluorescent lamp, you need to understand working principle of fluorescent lamps.
Usually, fluorescent lamp is a tube filled with an inert gas containing mercury vapor. The inner surface of the lamp is coated with a special substance - a phosphor. Electrodes are installed along the edges of the tube, between which, when electricity is turned on, an arc discharge is formed, while, when an electric current passes inside the lamp, ultraviolet (UV) radiation is formed, which acts on the phosphor, causing it to glow.
As you understand, with such a complex principle of operation, a fluorescent lamp will not be able to fully work when simply connected to electrical network. In more detail the reasons for this, we will consider in one of the following materials, entirely devoted to fluorescent lamps.
Now it is worth noting one thing, for the full operation of fluorescent lamps in lighting devices, special ballasts (ballasts) or, in other words, ballasts are used. The most common are electromagnetic ballasts / ballasts (EMPRA) and electronic ballasts / ballasts (EPRA).
In our example, the "Iceberg" luminescent lamp, an electronic ballast is used, which is installed on a mounting plate - base. Also, all the necessary wires are connected to the ballast. On one side of the ballast, wires leading to the sockets for connecting the lamps fit, on the other side to the terminals to which the power cable is connected. There is a connection diagram on the ballast, according to which you can restore the connection at any time, or replace a faulty ballast by correctly connecting all the wires to the appropriate terminals.
The general scheme for connecting fluorescent lamps, which, of course, is fully suitable for this Iceberg 2x36W lighting fixture, we have already described in our article “Fluorescent lamp connection diagram”.
Now, in general terms, having become acquainted with the device of a fluorescent lamp, you can proceed to its installation. In the following material "Installation of a fluorescent lamp", we describe in detail the entire process of assembling and installing a luminaire with fluorescent lamps. For a better understanding of the design of a fluorescent lamp, be sure to check out this article. There, all the components of the lamp, their interaction and much more are shown in some detail.
All questions that you have after reading the material, ask in the comments to the article, we will try to help!
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.
At modern appliances there is no such 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 illumination. 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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.
Fluorescent ceiling lights are used for office, public buildings, industry and for high-quality lighting of common areas in multi-apartment areas. These are economical systems in the form of built-in and overhead luminaires, distinguished by power level, color temperature and the number of lamps used. Among the most popular LPO 2x36, 2x18, 4x18 are usually used for public buildings, which can be used with suspended ceilings.
A feature of fluorescent lamps is a bright luminous flux, sufficient power and the ability to save up to about 80% of electricity compared to conventional incandescent lamps. In addition, compact models can be equipped with E14 and E27 lampholders, which allows the replacement of light sources without replacing the entire luminaire.
In this article:
Fluorescent lamps - all the pros and cons
Fluorescent ceiling lights can be one-, two- and four-lamp. They are the most profitable and economical, optimally suited for public spaces. At the same time, the number of lamps for one lighting device largely determines the purpose of the lamp. So, two-lamps are usually used for corridors and for lighting workplaces, and four-lamps 4x18 are ideal for large spaces and premises.
But, like any equipment, such systems have their advantages and disadvantages. The benefits should include:
- ceiling lights have good light output, a power of 20 W corresponds to 100 W for a conventional incandescent lamp;
- the level of efficiency is higher;
- the spectrum is as close to natural as possible;
- you can choose the desired shade using a light fixture with neutral, warm or cold light;
- lighting devices create a pleasing to the eye, bright diffused lighting;
- service life is about 20 thousand hours versus 1 thousand for incandescent lamps.
But when choosing such a lighting option, you must remember that it is not recommended to use it with motion sensors and automatic switches. This is due to the fact that frequent on / off reduces the life of the lamp and significantly reduces the period of its use.
The disadvantages of this type of lighting include:
- light sources contain mercury, although its level is less than 1 gram for each product, but this still creates a certain health hazard if the bulb is damaged;
- special conditions for disposal are required;
- during operation, there is flickering, which negatively affects mental health and vision, so such systems are used for offices and public buildings;
- noise is heard during work, which can create discomfort, it does not matter for workplaces, shopping centers or offices, but for residential premises is critical;
- the equipment requires the use of expensive electronic ballasts or chokes for starting, which creates a lot of noise;
- during prolonged operation, the starter of the device gives a false start - a flash appears before ignition.
Fluorescent ceiling lights are the best choice for office and public buildings. They are easy to use, practical, have a longer service life than incandescent lamps. But during operation, the equipment makes noise, which does not allow it to be fully used for residential premises.
A feature of such lamps for ceilings is a bright, close to natural luminous flux. When choosing lamps for the office, it is recommended to give preference to systems for 400 Lux with a temperature of 6000 K, for corridors and small spaces - from 75 Lux with a temperature of 3000 K.
Comparative characteristics of LED lamps and ceiling models with standard 4x18 fluorescent lamps:
| Characteristics | LVO 4x18 | DVO 600x600 (LED) |
| Power, W | 71,5 | 49 |
| Diffuser type | Opal | Opal |
| Luminous flux level, Lm | 3500 | 4500 |
| Glow, K | 4000 | 4000 |
| Power factor | 0,92 | 0,95 |
| Ripple, % | 3 | Up to 1 |
| Food, V | 198-264 | 198-264 |
| Exit to operating mode | 1 second | 0.1 seconds |
| Operational terms | 12,000 hours (20,000 hours for some models) | Up to 60 thousand hours |
| Weight | Up to 4kg | Up to 3.8 kg |
Color options
For luminescent chandeliers, the following color rendering marking is used, according to GOST 6825-91:
- white light - LB;
- daylight - LD;
- cold white shade - LHB;
- natural shade - LE;
- warm white - LTB.
In addition, models are produced with an improved phosphor layer, marked "C" and "CC", multi-colored models (LG, LV, LZ and others) and ultraviolet LUV, a special blue color LSR. The packaging also indicates the temperature index, color rendering index and flow temperature.
Scope of ceiling fluorescent lamps
The purpose of fluorescent lamps is quite wide. Most often these are industrial models and special office lamps with diffusers. Their shape can be square, which allows the use of lighting systems for suspended ceilings. For small spaces, rectangular models for one and two lamps can be used.
For indoor pools and rooms with a high level of humidity, special moisture-proof models are used. Dust- and dirt-resistant lighting fixtures can be used in lobbies and even outdoors, such as exit groups. Special TTX models are indispensable for construction sites.
For medical institutions, kindergartens, canteens and kitchens of restaurants, ultraviolet germicidal lamps are used. For offices, powerful and bright lamps with a white neutral and cold light flux with square shades are best suited.
Fluorescent lamps are a modern and reliable solution for offices and industry. Economical, very user-friendly and practical lighting products that reduce energy consumption and improve room ergonomics.
