Wednesday, 23 April 2014

The Details About 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.

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.

Use of this type of lighting offers a number of advantages. For instance, they are the most energy efficient type when utilized in the interior of a space. They can also be utilized outdoors. The tubes are not expensive to produce. The ballast components are more expensive. Both the bulbs and the ballast are long-lasting. Colors are available in cool to warm white shades. The illumination is diffused, thus eliminating shadows and harsh glare.

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.




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