Little Known Facts about Fluorescent Tubes

A low pressure mercury-vapor gas-discharge tube that produces visible light by using fluorescence is called a fluorescent tube. The inside of the tube has a phosphor coating that glows when short-wave ultraviolet light is produced by running an electric current in the gas to excite the mercury vapor. A fluorescent tube is more efficient and useful than standard incandescent bulbs that work by reacting to heat. Fluorescent Tubes first became popular in offices, but the advantages of this type of lighting have given it a place in homes too. Key advantages include the following:

• Fluorescent tubes last six times longer than regular incandescent lights. Even after continuous use, they burn less and there is no fear of burning out.
• While being equally bright, fluorescent lighting is 66% cheaper than regular lighting. The savings add up to a neat amount if all lights in a home are fluorescent tubes.
• Fluorescent tubes do not emanate heat. So they are suitable for lighting large areas, especially areas where heat can cause equipment to malfunction.
• Fluorescent tubes are more efficacious than incandescent lamps as the typical luminous efficacy is 50–100 lumens per watt, much more than incandescent bulbs with comparable light output.
• Light is more even and does not emanate as a pointed glare. A fluorescent tube has a physically larger light source and lower luminance.

The flip side includes the following:

• A higher initial cost of up to three times more than other types of bulbs.
• More complex electrical connections that require professional installation the first time around.
• Less attractive as mostly they are not amenable to decorative fittings.
• Problem of flicker that invariably means a change of the tube.
• Risk of mercury contamination if a tube is broken.
• Unsuitable for places with below-freezing temperatures as the tubes may not start outdoors in cold weather.
• Cannot be connected to dimmer switches.

A major concern is disposal of fluorescent tubes, which contain mercury classified as a hazardous waste. The amount of mercury can range from 3 to 46 mg, depending the size and age of the tube. It is important that fluorescent tubes should not be mixed with general waste, and special care must be taken while handling broken tubes. The tubes must be isolated and marked for recycling or safe disposal by competent persons. It is important to ensure that fluorescent tubes do not get into landfills.

Fluorescent tubes found a permanent place in offices as they help in reducing the cost, size, and energy of air conditioning in the buildings, which typically install fewer windows and numerous light points. With the soaring cost of living, the same now applies to the home too. Energy bills become affordable by using fluorescent tubes.

National Lighting UK - A market leader in the commercial lighting sector, our extensive range of over 3500 lighting products varies from cutting edge contemporary to timeless classics. Visit at http://www.nationallighting.co.uk/