In spite of the fact that interior decorators prefer incandescent bulb in their projects, new generation of fluorescent light sources have some unbeatable advantages. First they do not produce heat – the light is cool. The lifespan of fluorescent bulb is up to ten times longer of that of the incandescent bulb. And they use up to four times less energy for the same light intensity.
Our team is looking forward to help you to pick up the best solution with fluorescent lighting in your projects.
Fluorescent bulbs are available in different colour temperatures that can be 2700K (like incandescent bulb) too, but most decorators will suggest not to use them because the light is not so „natural“. The main disadvantage of the flourescent bulb is that it is not suitable for on-off scenatios because their lifespan decreases and they do not achieve the maximum light intensity over the short time being on.
Bad reputation of the fluorescent lighting was a result of flickering that was acused for vision problems. Thanks to use of electronical ballasts over electromagnetic ones, today is fluorescent lighting equally „healthy“ as the incandescent lighting. New generation of T16 tubes (tube diameter is 16mm) is more used than basic T26 tubes because it gives 30% more light and uses exclusively electronic ballasts. The instant on-off, no flickering, less energy and possible dimming are main characteristics of new generation of fluorescent lighting.
Fluorescent luminaires are perfect for commercial use, specially in shops, offices and public places. There are recessed, surface mounted and pendant luminaires with plain or parabolic reflectors that increase the light intensity. But there are also specific designs that use shape and light characteristics of fluorescent bulbs.
And what about domestic application of fluorescent lighting? One of practical application of fluorescent tubes is for „invisible“ lighting – they are ideal for shelves, kitchen working surfaces, secondary working spaces, garages, laundry rooms… on the other hand, modern interior design opens new prospectives for common fluorescent lighting in other living areas.
Subcategory of fluorescent tubes are fluocompact light sources, called energy saving lamps too. They are in fact fluorescent tubes in specially designed shapes (straight, circular or spiral sticks) with the same characteristics. For everyday use they have electronic ballasts integrated into the lamp ending with thread for classic E27 or E14 lampholder. So, after going off of the lighting part we throw away the electronic part that might be still in function. But they found application in the direct substitution of the incandescent bulbs.
Recently, in the Green- and Eco- era of thinking, fluorescent and fluocompact light sources are disreputable because of mercury vapor that is released when the bulb breaks. Nevertheless, this was known from the beginning, and is not relevant in the individual application because the quantity of vapor is negligible. But certanly we have to asure that fluorescent light sources are properly recycled after use.
Detailed description of principle of functioning of the fluorescent tube you will find on: