The concept of fluorescent lighting has become extremely popular in recent times. Fluorescent lighting systems involve a variety of appliances such as bulbs and lamps and other such fixtures.
Let us discuss the discussing of a fluorescent lamp. Fluorescent lamps are also known as fluorescent tubes. Fluorescent lamps discharge gas by using an electric current to energize a vapor of mercury.
The mercury atoms upon gaining energy become excited and begin moving between states of excitement and rest. This creates an electric current and results in the mercury atoms emitting ultraviolet light in short wavelengths.
This causes the coating of phosphor to emit fluorescence and this gives off a white light. Contrary to incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps constantly need a ballast. The ballast is used to control the power flow through the lamp.
Large fluorescent lamps are of use mostly in large commercial buildings and office complexes. Incandescent lamps and bulbs at homes have been slowly but surely replaced by fluorescent lamps and bulbs which prove to be more efficient, effective, energy maximizing and cost effective.
In comparison to incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps make use of considerably lesser amounts of power and energy. It has been noted that the power used by fluorescent lamps is one fifth to one third less than the energy used by incandescent lamps.
Fluorescent lamps are being hailed as energy saving alternatives to incandescent lamps. Incandescent light bulbs have an exceptionally slight filament assembled from tungsten. The filament is sheathed in the interior of a glass orb.
The radiant bulbs show a discrepancy on the basis of the level of consumption of power and energy production. On the basis of these differences these bulbs are categorized into separate levels such as "75 watt" and "100 watt" and so on and so forth.
The conformist incandescent light bulbs work on a comparatively straightforward principle. Electrical energy is passed from end to end of the filament. Being extremely thing the filament presents extensive intensity of resistance to the electric current. Due to this resistance, the electrical energy gets transformed to heat. This heat energy is tremendously potent and it makes the filament "white hot". It is this heat energy which is emitted as white light.
This causes the filament to glow which lends sheen to the light being produced in the light bulb. Incandescent light bulbs have one chief drawback and this is the fact that the heat energy translates into a lot of wastage of electrical energy. It is in distinction to this theory that compact fluorescent bulbs function.
Compact fluorescent bulbs have a fluorescent pipe which has electrodes fastened to both its ends. The tube encloses a gas which consist of argon and mercury vapor. The gaseous combination allows a steady flow of electrons to pass from one electrode to another. This stream of electrons upon making contact with with the mercury atoms lends energy to them and this causes the mercury atoms to getting excited.
The mercury atoms release ultraviolet photons which come into contact with the coating of phosphor and create the visible light. Compact fluorescent bulbs are far more proficient and effectual because they produce far less heat. Compact fluorescent bulbs are confirmed to be four to six times more efficient than incandescent light bulbs.
Compact fluorescent bulbs have a greater increased lifespan as compared to incandescent light bulbs, ranging from 6,000 to 15,000 hours. Due to all the benefits it holds over incandescent lighting, fluorescent lighting has become extremely popular.
Article Written By
Tom Dahne
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