The Facts 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 three major categories of fluorescent lamps, they have common characteristics as well. There are similarities in the construction of cold cathode lamps and hot cathode lamps. The third category is that of electroluminescent lamps which are different from the other two. All three styles use phosphors which are activated by electron beams, in order to provide light.

Of the three categories, the one found most often is a hot cathode. It consists of a glass tube containing an inert gas which is under low pressure. A hot cathode has a tungsten electrode located on each side of the tube. The ballast controls and regulates AC power to the electrode. Usually the standard size is four feet long. 40 watts of illumination is provided. Ballast is most likely to be the electronic type today. It is less costly to produce than the magnetic type.

The cold cathode lamp has an interior coating which is more suitable for creating free electrons in conditions with elevated voltage. It was not originally intended as a source of light. The tube is filled with gas and has an electrode on either 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.

The lamps are made more attractive by adding decorative covers. The covers help to further diffuse the light and remove any glare or strong shadows. Although a long straight bulb is the most common style of lamp, it is being joined by other shapes and lengths in order to meet specific needs in the commercial area. For lower energy usage and functional lighting, the fluorescent lamps represent the best option.




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