At present, luminaires fluorescent lamps have been widely adopted. They are used not only for domestic needs, but also for production. Ceiling lamps with 4x18 fluorescent lamps are most often used as sources. Consider further what these devices are and how they work.

Operating principle

The operation of luminaires using fluorescent lamps is based on the principle of operation of the latter. It lies in the fact that the phosphor layer is treated with ultraviolet rays, which covers the inner surface of the flask, resulting in a glow.

In turn, the current, passing through the gas filling of the lamp, which serves as the transmission medium for electrode pulses in order to generate an arc, creates ultraviolet rays.

Depending on the composition of the phosphor layer applied to the surface and the temperature, the flux produced will be of a different color. This imposes certain restrictions on the use of lamps:

• lamps that give a bluish about three thousand Kelvin) - daylight - are used in small areas and in table light sources, most often these are ceiling lamps with 4x18 fluorescent lamps;
• lamps emitting warm tones (six thousand Kelvin, yellow spectrum) - used in living rooms and small offices;
• lamps of intermediate characteristics of the previous two groups.

Advantages of fluorescent lamps

The main advantages of the lamps that are used in the 4x18 fluorescent lamp are:

• protective design guarantees safety of use;
• electronic ballasts (electronic ballasts) allow the luminaire to operate silently;
• compact size suitable for any design solutions;
• in comparison with the design of other lamps, they have a service life that is about twelve times longer;
• the light output of such lamps, including in a 4x18 ceiling lamp, exceeds the corresponding parameter of incandescent lamps by almost five times;
• it is possible to select the desired shade of the light flux;
• energy savings are almost three times compared to conventional lamps.

Cons of fluorescent lamps

Like any device, such light sources have not only advantages, but also disadvantages.

The downsides to this are:

• restriction on use - it is forbidden to use for lighting in supermarkets (to avoid distortion appearance products) and in workshops with equipment that has rotating parts (a stroboscopic effect may occur);
• sensitivity to frequent switching on and off - phase-frequency voltage fluctuations disable lamps;
• ceiling lamps with fluorescent lamps 4x18, like other similar ones, cannot be placed in niches of stretch ceilings - at temperatures above sixty degrees Celsius, they are deformed;
• harmful effects on humans - the flask contains mercury in the amount of one gram, this also causes difficulties in

Classification of fixtures and lamps

Luminaires with fluorescent lamps differ in the way they are mounted.

Their classification is as follows:

• suspended - mounted on high ceilings (more than two and a half meters) on suspensions;
• built-in - installation of such systems is carried out simultaneously with the ceiling in its frame using clamps;
• wall-mounted - fixed on cables or a wall, reflectors can be used in the design to illuminate a specific area;
• desktop - used as local lighting;
• overhead - installed on plasterboard or type-setting ceilings;
• raster - used to illuminate public places, for example - ceiling lights with fluorescent lamps 4x18 "Armstrong".

Fluorescent lamps are divided into three types:

• electromagnetic - flicker, buzz characteristically and unevenly distribute the flow of light;
• lamps with electronic ballasts - give better light, are stable in operation, there are no light vibrations and noise, they have a longer working life than the previous ones;
• compact - have a built-in electric ballast, are compatible with conventional lamp holders, give diffused daylight.

Four lamp fixtures

Overhead ceiling lamps with 4x18 fluorescent lamps are widely used, which are installed mainly in wet rooms, as they have appropriate protection. They are also used to illuminate corridors and office areas. Lamps for such lamps are available with power ratings of eighteen and thirty-six watts, various colors and designs.

As a rule, electronic ballasts are installed in such devices. They are built-in or suspended and provide a total of seventy-two watts of power.

Due to the fact that mirror grilles are built into the design of such lamps, these devices evenly distribute the luminous flux to any corner of the room.

For many people, the discovery will be that fluorescent lamps have many varieties. They can be selected for any kind of lighting: both for outdoor and for lighting inside the house. The characteristics of the bulbs also vary.

What is it and what are they called?

Fluorescent lamps are often referred to as fluorescent lamps due to their ability to produce pure white light that is close to natural. They differ from all other varieties due to a different mechanism for creating lighting. Once upon a time, fluorescent lamps were not popular, because the range of lighting shades was very poor: there were only white-green or white-pink tones. However, a significant advantage was that it was possible to create lamps of various shapes. Soon, designers appreciated the novelty, highlighting all sorts of interesting details with the help of fluorescent lamps of unusual configurations. So the lamps firmly entered into use.

It is worth dwelling a little more on the operation of the lamps. They glow due to the fact that an electric discharge in mercury vapor in the flask creates ultraviolet light, with which the phosphor reacts later - a special coating on the walls of the flask. It converts UV radiation to the light spectrum visible to the eye. In terms of light output, fluorescent lamps are not much inferior to LEDs. Lumens in LED lights don't always correlate closely with wattage, and the same can be said for daylight fluorescents. Do not confuse lumens with lux: the first show the light output of the light bulb, and the second - the degree of illumination of the room.

Various bases are produced for fluorescent lamps: compact fluorescent light bulbs can even be bought to replace ordinary incandescent lamps. Not only are phosphor models brighter, they consume much less electricity and are also less harmful to eye health. The main disadvantage of luminescent light sources is their harmfulness (if the bulb cracks, prolonged inhalation of mercury vapor can greatly harm the human body). Another disadvantage is the inability to use the lamp at low temperatures, as it simply will not turn on.

Species and types

Fluorescent lamps are divided according to many factors. One of them is size. There are compact models or large ones. Compact designs are often chosen as an alternative to ordinary incandescent lamps in ceiling chandeliers. They are equipped with a screw base. Large models are most often inserted into fixtures designed specifically for them. Lamps come in different shapes: long linear, tubular, curly. There are also more common configurations, for example, a round lamp or in the shape of a candle.

The finished model has the appropriate marking - the designation of light temperature.

According to the temperature of light, the following types are distinguished:

• LD - fluorescent lamp;
• LHB - cold white light lamp;
• LB - lamp of neutral white light;
• LTB - warm white light lamp;

• LE - natural light lamp;
• LC, LV, LZ, LG, LS - red, yellow, green, blue, blue, respectively;
• LUV - ultraviolet lamps used for disinfection of premises.

The color lamp is widely accepted. It is she who is often chosen in a street lamp, which allows the use of fluorescent light bulbs. In the case of outdoor lighting, ceiling lamps must be used to create a suitable microclimate for the operation of luminescent models. For public institutions like hospitals, administrative centers, and so on, it is customary to buy fluorescent lamps. There are single-lamp, two-lamp, four-lamp models depending on the size of the illuminated area. It is worth noting that due to certain features of the operation of the lamps, a dimmer cannot be used to adjust the intensity of the brightness of the light.

Another popular model is fluorescent energy-saving. It is made of several curved spirals and usually has a compact appearance and a screw base. On any energy-saving light bulb, they usually write about the principle of its operation. Please note that in the case of luminescent options, only high-quality options should be preferred, since in the event of a depressurization of the bulb, significant harm will be done to health.

In general, there are options for high and low pressure. The first type is used to create street lighting, and the second - to illuminate the living rooms of the house.

Characteristics

You can fully recognize the device of a particular model by looking at its marking. It reflects all the characteristics of the lamp. An important characteristic is the glow temperature. This aspect was discussed in more detail in the previous section. To measure the diameter of the bulb, 1/8 inch is used in accordance with International standards. When marking, the letter T and the corresponding part of an inch are put, for example, T8 (25.4 mm). Please note that the thickness of the lamp directly affects how long it will last: models with a wider diameter are much more durable than thin samples.

You can also find out about the socles and their number by marking the lamp.

The following types of connectors and socles are used:

• G24Q1;
• G24Q2;
• G24Q3;

In order to determine the mains voltage, it is also enough just to look at the lamp. The fluorescent fixture may be directly connected to a 220 volt supply, or it may be necessary to step down the voltage to 127 volts.

The shape configuration is reflected in the lamp designation. In addition to the standard notation, there are additional ones.

The standard ones include:

• The linear form has no designation;
• U - horseshoe shape;
• S - spiral shape, usually used with compact lamps;
• C - candle lamp;
• G is the shape of a sphere;
• R - in the form of an ordinary incandescent lamp with a reflector that sets the direction of the light flux;
• T - tablet lamp.

Additional values ​​include the following:

• M - small. The letter comes after the one that denotes the shape, for example, TM - a small-sized light bulb of a round flat shape.
• P - housing that scatters light.

Far from all the characteristics are listed, since each manufacturer considers it necessary to bring something of their own to the design of fluorescent light bulbs. There are, however, such important indicators as power, lamp sizes and the principle of their operation, and I would like to dwell on these points in more detail.

Power

Power marking is done using the letter W followed by a number indicating the number of watts in the light bulb. However, you should not focus only on power: in the case of fluorescent lamps, their light output means much more. Below is a table of correspondence between the power of fluorescent lamps and incandescent lamps with equal light output.

Power of fluorescent lamps Power of incandescent lamps 6 30 7 36 8 40 9 45 10 40 11 55 12 60 13 65 15 75 16 80 18 90 20 100 23 115 24 120 26 130 36 180 55 275

The greater the power of the lamp, the wider or longer it is. For example, a linear design with a power of 18W with a diameter of 26 mm will be 590 mm, with 30W - 895 mm, with 36 W - 1200 mm, and with 58W - 1500 mm. The table clearly demonstrates the huge efficiency of daylight lamps compared to traditional incandescent lamps. The classification of capacities was made on the basis of the most frequent choice. This includes models of both street lighting and indoor lighting.

There are a few more nuances that relate to the power of energy-saving lamps. Regardless of the selected luminescent model, over time it will lose some of the brightness of the light. This is due to the gradual burning out of the element inside. You also need to know that 30% of the total power consumed during operation falls on the fact that the lamp lights up. Some lamps are equipped with a special start-up system, which does not make them more economical at all. In such cases, electricity consumption is simply stretched over time.

Regardless of the power of the lamp, it does not get very hot. Unlike incandescent lamps, the heating limit of the luminescent version is 50-60 degrees Celsius. Even touching the lamp without gloves, it is almost impossible to get burned. Very few modern models light bulbs boast the same distinctive properties.

Dimensions

As mentioned above, there are compact models or standard large linear ones. Currently, compact fluorescent lamps are more often used, so it would be logical to dwell on them in more detail. Compact samples are light bulbs with a curved tube. There are both U-shaped and spiral models. Compact versions are made under different types socles, which opens up a wide scope for replacing ordinary lamps with fluorescent energy-saving ones.

There are models with screw bases, and there are those designed only for special fluorescent lamps. It is worth noting that models with a screw base are more expensive, since all fluorescent lamps require a ballast, and in such models it is built directly into the base housing.

Compact energy-saving fluorescent lamps differ from incandescent lamps in the following characteristics:

• Energy-saving models absorb 80% less electrical energy at the same light output as incandescent lamps;
• It is possible to choose the model of the desired light temperature;
• As a rule, the life of a compact fluorescent model is much longer than that offered by incandescent lamp manufacturers. Traditional tungsten bulbs last about 1000 hours, while a quality fluorescent replacement can last 6000-15000 hours without replacement;
• Thanks to the durability of daylight models, it takes much less time, effort and money to maintain and maintain them in working order.

Linear large models are most often used for lighting in non-residential premises, for example, in warehouses. Due to the high ripple factor, equal to twice that of the mains ripple, they cannot be installed to illuminate moving conveyors without additional, more stable incandescent lamps.

Principle of operation

Due to the special structure of the lamp for long-term operation, it must be supplied with a ballast, which allows leveling the negative consequences of what is passed through the lamp a large number of current. Ballasts are electromagnetic and electronic. Electromagnetic ballast is cheaper and simpler in design. However this model has a number of serious shortcomings. The most significant of these is that lamps with such a ballast flicker strongly and frequently. This leads to rapid fatigue, loss of strength, and also increases eye strain during long-term work in a room with such lighting.

On top of that, the electromagnetic ballast options produce an unpleasant buzzing noise that quickly causes a headache. There are also disadvantages that are not related to the well-being of a person. For example, lamps equipped with an electromagnetic ballast take time to start up. Usually it fluctuates within 1-3 seconds, but as the model wears out, it will increase. Also, fixtures consume more electricity than models on electronic ballast.

Electronic ballast converts standard mains voltage into high frequency alternating current, which is used later to power the lamp. Such models are a little more expensive, but they do not produce noise, do not flicker, the ballast itself takes up less space and also weighs less. There are models that instantly light up, but such a start-up system has a bad effect on the life of fluorescent lamps. Much better if there is a preheating system. In this case, the start takes about one second, which usually does not play a special role.

Thus, it is best to choose a model with electronic ballast, since its cost is not much higher, and the advantages are obvious. Moreover, today this option is more common than with electromagnetic ballast, so there should be no problems with searches.

What brands are produced?

To date, many manufacturers produce all kinds of light bulbs. There are models of both Russian and foreign production. Below are a number of firms that enjoy great confidence among consumers.

• G.E. is a company founded by Thomas Edison. If initially General Electric specialized only in the production of incandescent lamps, now it is one of the oldest and most respected brands in the world.

• Orsam is another world-famous brand that produces various types of lighting equipment, ranging from options for cars to grandiose lighting structures for public events.

• Phillips offers high quality luminescent models and their accessories. Lamps are produced different: both tubular and compact. There are different types of socles, suitable for both special lamps and ordinary ones.

• Lisma is the leading manufacturer of lamps in Russia. The company offers high quality samples, as well as all the details for them. The advantage is a large selection of models.

• Sylvania specializes not in simple lamps, but in environmentally friendly ones. As you know, birds are very sensitive to ultraviolet light, so for the rooms in which they are kept, it is necessary to choose special models. Similar options are just produced under this brand.

• RUPP "Vityaz" produces average quality products that have a democratic price. Many people prefer the lamps of this company just because of the cost.

• Tomsk Electric Lamp Plant engaged in the production of lamps since 2009 and has already won a good reputation among users. Products have an attractive price and good quality.

In a word, there are plenty to choose from. You can choose a quality model for every taste and budget.

How to choose?

When choosing luminescent models, you need to focus on many factors. Some of them have already been given in this article. The lamp must be from a reputable manufacturer. Poorly made options in case of depressurization are hazardous to health. You should not buy a Chinese fake, because it will not last long, and no one needs mercury vapor in the air.

Be guided by the purpose for which you need a fluorescent lamp. There are specialized options for premises, streets, medical institutions. Luminescent options are used everywhere, including for maintaining a constant illumination of flowers or for keeping animals. In the latter case, it is worth paying special attention to the selection of an option, it must be suitable for these purposes, otherwise you will only harm the animals. Do not forget about the optimal light temperature. The most comfortable for the eyes is the natural white color. When combining multi-colored models, try to select high-quality samples.

Pay attention to the type of ballast. It is best to prefer electronic, since such lamps have proven themselves better.

Take a closer look at how the lamp works. It may imply a built-in starter or its presence in the lamp.

There are models of the following types:

• RS - rapid start - do not require a starter and ignite without preheating the elements.
• InS - instant start - models with a gradual start are “delayed” when turned on by 1-3 seconds, but they serve better.
• US - universal start - universal options.
• PHs - pre-heat start - fluorescent lamps requiring a starter.

Models that do not have such markings require the mandatory presence of a starter. So, the lamp itself is so arranged.

How to check the correctness?

In order to check whether a failed fluorescent light bulb is in a usable condition, a small test should be carried out:

• First, remove the lamp itself directly from the lamp and see if the tube has turned black. As a rule, the presence of large black spots indicates that the lamp has worked out the allotted time and will no longer light up.
• Next, with a multimeter, you need to check if the filaments are intact. To check, set it to the resistance test mode and test each of the threads one by one with a tester. If any of them are burned out, the value on the multimeter will be equal to one. In simple terms, this means that electrical circuit torn.
• If both of these factors are in perfect order, then it is necessary to work with ballast.

The simplest thing you can do to check the operation of the ballast is to remove the fluorescent tube, connect ordinary cables to the body wires and install a standard light bulb between them. Please note that it is impossible to turn on an electrical appliance without a light bulb, otherwise the ballast may burn out. If the bulb lights up, then the ballast is working, and the point is in the luminescent tube itself: maybe the bulb burst or one of the filaments burned out. If the bulb does not light up, then the ballast is faulty, and you will have to change the entire lamp.

These methods are only suitable for checking light bulbs already in operation. Before buying a fluorescent lamp, you should check it directly in the store. If there is an unpleasant smell, strong flickering or other things that cause alertness, feel free to ask for a replacement of the model provided to you, otherwise it may burn out after a couple of weeks after purchase.

How to connect?

It is possible to connect one or two fluorescent lamps at the same time. Each of these methods has its own connection scheme. Take a look at the diagram. It clearly shows how and what mechanisms are connected to each other for proper operation. To begin with, the current from the network enters the inductor, where it is converted to further power the lamp. After the current has entered the lamp itself, it goes to the starter. Further, the current passes to another spiral of the light bulb, closing the circuit, and thus an electric discharge is formed inside the lamp, which ignites the mercury vapor.

For two lamps, the principle of operation is almost the same, except that the current from the choke gradually flows into the two starters.

To connect the lamp, follow the instructions below:

• First you need to choose the right lamp. Pay attention not only to the aesthetic component, but also to whether the mains voltage in your house corresponds to that indicated on the lamp. Otherwise, it will quickly fail.
• Depending on what type of lamp you have chosen, either screw it into the socket, or fix it in the lamp by snapping it on both sides. In the second case, make sure to fix your option as indicated on the lamp body. Sometimes the performance of the lamp depends precisely on how correctly all the contacts were connected when connected.
• Check if the lamp is working by turning it on. When working properly, it will not flicker or make noise.

As you can see, connecting a fluorescent lamp on your own is not particularly difficult even for a beginner. The most important thing is to remember the elementary safety rules: do not work with bare wires when the mechanism is in current supply mode.

How to change?

Many people have difficulty changing a fluorescent lamp for a new one on their own due to the fact that they have no idea how to get a burned-out model out of the case. Fortunately, there is nothing complicated about this:

• Turn off the power. It is advisable not just to turn off the light itself, but to completely de-energize the apartment.
• Grasp the lamp firmly and begin to rotate it. You will have to rotate all the way, the total angle is approximately 90 degrees. This will rotate the lamp pins to a vertical position.
• Next, gently pull the lamp towards you and down until it completely disengages. Put the dismantled light source in a safe place so that it does not break: remember, mercury vapor is dangerous to health and life!
• Carefully install the new bulb. Repeat the path along which you pulled out the lamp, only in the opposite direction. Having reached the grooves, begin to gently twist the tube until it is completely fixed. The reliability of the bulb can be checked by pulling it a little.
• Check if the device is working. To do this, turn on the current in the apartment and flip the switch.

It is safe to say that replacing the lamp is very simple, and if desired, it will be performed by anyone. Don't forget to arm yourself with a stepladder if you are mounting the lamp on the ceiling. So you make your job easier, at the same time reducing the likelihood of accidentally dropping a faulty fluorescent lamp and breaking it. When replacing lamps in an office where panels of several lamps are usually protected with frosted glass, be sure to wipe the lamp inside. It is not known when you will still have the opportunity to clean it of dust, moreover, it is unlikely that you will want to do all the above manipulations specifically for this.

Service life and disposal

Fluorescent luminaires have one of the longest lifespans available today. Some manufacturers claim that their models are suitable for 20,000 hours of continuous operation. Such figures cannot but amaze, however, the average value of the operation of such options is 13,000 hours. Models with a long service life are good for office spaces in which it is not possible to constantly replace one lamp with another. It is worth noting that tubular models usually work longer than curly ones. The same rule applies to the diameter of the lamps: thicker models can be operated longer than thin ones.

As you know, inside the flask there are mercury vapors, which is why the disposal of lamps must be carried out according to a special technology. Abroad, fines have long been established for the thoughtless handling of such equipment due to the great harm to the environment caused by recycling. Absolutely all fluorescent lamps have a warning that they cannot simply be thrown into the trash can. Mercury is a poisonous substance, and if the lamp is accidentally broken, its vapors will remain in the air for a long time, not moving anywhere and poisoning the space. Unfortunately, few people in Russia are concerned about this problem.

However, not everything is so bad. There are some firms dealing with the recycling of fluorescent lamps, but there are not so many of them yet. The simplest solution would be to bring the burnt-out lamp into the light salon. As a rule, specialists there know what to do with fluorescent light bulbs, and some even cooperate with recycling companies. Be sure to ask if it is possible to hand over a burned-out flask to a large lighting salon closest to you.

How to restore a fluorescent lamp with your own hands, see the following video.

Let's consider a luminaire device for T8 tubular fluorescent lamps, G13 base , this is one of the most common types of fluorescent lamps that you have probably come across in everyday life.

As an example, take a surface-mounted fluorescent lamp 2x36 W "Iceberg" with degree of protection ip65.

Fluorescent lamp device

Structurally, a fluorescent lamp consists of:

1.Plastic housing.

which closes and protects all elements electrical circuit, and also carries fasteners both for mounting the lamp on a wall or ceiling, and for assembling all the components of the lighting device into a single whole.

2. Metal mounting plate - base.

It contains all the electronic components necessary for the operation of the lamp, as well as accessories for installing fluorescent lamps.

3. Translucent diffuser.

Which creates more comfortable lighting for our vision, as it evenly distributes the light flux of fluorescent lamps.

In addition to these main components that make up the luminaire, the delivery set usually contains:

- fasteners for installing a fluorescent lamp on walls or ceilings.

- Clamps connecting the translucent diffuser with the body. Allowing you to simply get access to the interior of the lamp, primarily to the lamps, to replace them.

- Plugs - membranes. Which closes unused inlet openings into the lamp, and also seals the place where the power cable enters.

Note! Fluorescent lamps, most often, are not included in the scope of supply of the luminaire and must be purchased separately.

The device of the electrical part of the fluorescent lamp

To understand the structure of the electrical components included in the circuit of a fluorescent lamp, you need to understand working principle of fluorescent lamps.

Usually, fluorescent lamp is a tube filled with an inert gas containing mercury vapor. The inner surface of the lamp is coated with a special substance - a phosphor. Electrodes are installed along the edges of the tube, between which, when electricity is turned on, an arc discharge is formed, while, when an electric current passes inside the lamp, ultraviolet (UV) radiation is formed, which acts on the phosphor, causing it to glow.

As you understand, with such a complex principle of operation, a fluorescent lamp will not be able to fully work with a simple connection to the electrical network. In more detail the reasons for this, we will consider in one of the following materials, entirely devoted to fluorescent lamps.

Now it is worth noting one thing, for the full-fledged operation of fluorescent lamps in lighting devices, special ballasts (ballasts) or, in other words, ballasts are used. The most common are electromagnetic ballasts / ballasts (EMPRA) and electronic ballasts / ballasts (EPRA).

In our example, the "Iceberg" luminescent lamp, an electronic ballast is used, which is installed on a mounting plate - base. Also, all the necessary wires are connected to the ballast. On one side of the ballast, wires leading to the sockets for connecting the lamps fit, on the other side to the terminals to which the power cable is connected. There is a connection diagram on the ballast, according to which you can restore the connection at any time, or replace a faulty ballast by correctly connecting all the wires to the appropriate terminals.

The general scheme for connecting fluorescent lamps, which, of course, is fully suitable for this Iceberg 2x36W lighting fixture, we have already described in our article “Fluorescent lamp connection diagram”.

Now, in general terms, having become acquainted with the device of a fluorescent lamp, you can proceed to its installation. In the following material "Installation of a fluorescent lamp", we describe in detail the entire process of assembling and installing a luminaire with fluorescent lamps. For a better understanding of the design of a fluorescent lamp, be sure to check out this article. There, all the components of the lamp, their interaction and much more are shown in some detail.

All questions that you have after reading the material, ask in the comments to the article, we will try to help!

Fluorescent ceiling lights are used for office, public buildings, industry and for high-quality lighting of common areas in multi-apartment areas. These are economical systems in the form of recessed and overhead luminaires, distinguished by power level, color temperature and the number of lamps used. Among the most popular LPO 2x36, 2x18, 4x18 are usually used for public buildings, which can be used with suspended ceilings.

A feature of fluorescent lamps is a bright luminous flux, sufficient power and the ability to save up to about 80% of electricity compared to conventional incandescent lamps. In addition, compact models can be equipped with E14 and E27 lampholders, which allows the replacement of light sources without replacing the entire luminaire.

In this article:

Fluorescent lamps - all the pros and cons

Fluorescent ceiling lights can be one-, two- and four-lamp. They are the most profitable and economical, optimally suited for public spaces. At the same time, the number of lamps for one lighting device largely determines the purpose of the lamp. So, two-lamps are usually used for corridors and for lighting workplaces, and four-lamps 4x18 are ideal for large spaces and premises.

But, like any equipment, such systems have their advantages and disadvantages. The benefits should include:

• ceiling lights have good light output, a power of 20 W corresponds to 100 W for a conventional incandescent lamp;
• the level of efficiency is higher;
• the spectrum is as close to natural as possible;
• you can choose the desired shade using a light fixture with neutral, warm or cold light;
• lighting devices create a pleasing to the eye, bright diffused lighting;
• service life is about 20 thousand hours versus 1 thousand for incandescent lamps.

But when choosing such a lighting option, you must remember that it is not recommended to use it with motion sensors and automatic switches. This is due to the fact that frequent on/off reduces the life of the lamp and significantly reduces the period of its use.

The disadvantages of this type of lighting include:

• light sources contain mercury, although its level is less than 1 gram for each product, but this still creates a certain health hazard if the bulb is damaged;
• special conditions for disposal are required;
• there is flicker during operation, which negatively affects mental health and vision, so such systems are used for offices and public buildings;
• during work, noise is heard that can create discomfort, this does not matter for workplaces, shopping centers or offices, but for a residential area it is critical;
• the equipment requires the use of expensive electronic ballasts or chokes for starting, which creates a lot of noise;
• during prolonged operation, the starter of the device gives a false start - a flash appears before ignition.

Fluorescent ceiling lights are the best choice for office and public buildings. They are easy to use, practical, have a longer service life than incandescent lamps. But during operation, the equipment makes noise, which does not allow it to be fully used for residential premises.

A feature of such lamps for ceilings is a bright, close to natural luminous flux. When choosing lamps for the office, it is recommended to give preference to systems of 400 Lux with a temperature of 6000 K, for corridors and small spaces - from 75 Lux with a temperature of 3000 K.

Comparative characteristics LED fixtures and ceiling models with standard 4x18 fluorescent lamps:

Characteristics	LVO 4x18	DVO 600x600 (LED)
Power, W	71,5	49
Diffuser type	Opal	Opal
Luminous flux level, Lm	3500	4500
Glow, K	4000	4000
Power factor	0,92	0,95
Ripple, %	3	Up to 1
Food, V	198-264	198-264
Exit to operating mode	1 second	0.1 seconds
Operational terms	12,000 hours (20,000 hours for some models)	Up to 60 thousand hours
Weight	Up to 4kg	Up to 3.8 kg

Color options

For luminescent chandeliers, the following color rendering marking is used, according to GOST 6825-91:

• white light - LB;
• daylight - LD;
• cold white shade - LHB;
• natural shade - LE;
• warm white - LTB.

In addition, models are produced with an improved phosphor layer, marked "C" and "CC", multi-colored models (LG, LV, LZ and others) and ultraviolet LUV, a special blue color LSR. The packaging also indicates the temperature index, color rendering index and flow temperature.

Scope of ceiling fluorescent lamps

The purpose of fluorescent lamps is quite wide. Most often these are industrial models and special office lamps with diffusers. Their shape can be square, which allows the use of lighting systems for suspended ceilings. For small spaces, rectangular models for one and two lamps can be used.

For indoor pools and rooms with a high level of humidity, special moisture-proof models are used. Dust- and dirt-resistant lighting fixtures can be used in lobbies and even outdoors, such as exit groups. Special TTX models are indispensable for construction sites.

For medical institutions, kindergartens, canteens and kitchens of restaurants, ultraviolet germicidal lamps are used. For offices, powerful and bright lamps with a white neutral and cold light flux with square shades are best suited.

Fluorescent lamps are a modern and reliable solution for offices and industry. Economical, very user-friendly and practical lighting products that reduce energy consumption and improve room ergonomics.

Fluorescent lamps are low pressure gas discharge lamps. They can be of various shapes: straight tubular, figured and compact (CFL). Fluorescent lamps are much more complex in design than lamps with, and they have many more malfunctions. The table below lists typical faults and their solutions.

Tubular lamps have two-pin base types, differing in the distance between the pins: G-13 (distance - 13 mm) for lamps with a diameter of 40 mm and 26 mm and G-5 (distance - 5 mm) for lamps with a diameter of 16 mm.

A feature of the compact device is that the tube is made in a special shape to reduce the length of the lamp. Many low power compact fluorescent lamps (up to 20 W) are designed to replace incandescent lamps and are designed to be screwed directly into a threaded socket or via an adapter. Compact fluorescent lamps can be of different shapes, they can be with electronic ballasts (electronic ballasts) and of different lengths.

Fluorescent lamps require a special device for operation - a ballast (choke). Most foreign lamps can work with both conventional (with a choke) and electronic ballasts (electronic ballasts). But some of them are designed for only one type of ballast.

Table 1. Typical malfunctions of luminaires with fluorescent lamps.

Luminaires with electronic ballasts have the following advantages: the lamp does not flicker, it lights up better, it does not make noise (noise from the throttle), it is lighter in weight, it saves energy (power losses in electronic ballasts are much lower than in ballasts).

Advantages: compared to incandescent lamps, they are more economical and durable, have good light transmission. The service life is up to 10,000 hours for imported lamps and up to 5,000-8,000 hours for domestic ones. It is convenient to use where the light is on for many hours.

Disadvantages: at temperatures below 5 degrees, it is difficult to ignite and may burn more dimly.

By changing the types of phosphor, you can change the color characteristics of the lamps. The letters included in the name of the types of such lamps mean: L - fluorescent, B - white color, TB - warm white, D - day color, C - with improved color rendering. The numbers 18, 20, 36, 40, 65, 80 indicate the rated power in watts. For example, LDC-18 is a fluorescent lamp, daylight, with improved color rendering, with a power of 18 watts.

Table 2. Typical malfunctions of luminaires with fluorescent lamps.

Luminaire with fluorescent lamps works as follows. The tubular lamp is filled with argon and mercury vapor. The starter is needed to start the lamp, you need to warm up the electrodes for a short time. The current flowing through the choke and starter increases significantly, heats up the bimetallic plate of the starter. The lamp electrodes warm up, the starter contact opens, the current in the circuit decreases, and a short-term high voltage is formed on the inductor. Its accumulated energy is enough to break through the gas in the bulb of the lamp. Further, the current goes through the inductor and the lamp, while 110 volts falls on the inductor, and 110 volts on the lamp. Mercury vapor with the help of a phosphor creates a glow that is perceived by the human eye.

The throttle consumes almost no energy. The energy that he takes during magnetization, he almost completely returns when demagnetizing, while the wires are uselessly loaded. To unload the network, capacitor C is used. Energy is exchanged not between the network and the inductor, but between the inductor and the capacitor. The presence of a capacitor increases the efficiency of the lamp, without it the efficiency of the lamp is 50-60%, with a capacitor C - 95%. The capacitor, which is connected in parallel with the starter, is used to protect against radio interference.

A malfunction of a fluorescent lamp may consist in a violation of the electrical contact in the lamp circuit or in the failure of one of the elements of the lamp. The reliability of the contacts is checked by visual inspection and by a tester.

The operability of the lamp or ballast is checked by successively replacing all elements with known good ones.