The Details 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.

Using fluorescent fixtures offers several advantages. The cost of operation is much lower than for incandescent bulbs. The light tubes are inexpensive to produce. Ballast is the component which is more expensive. However, the tubes are long-lived. A range of colors are available, including everything from warm white tones to cool white. Use of the fixtures offers diffused lighting. The illumination is general and even. Unlike incandescent bulbs, there are no shadows created.

Although there are similarities between cold cathode tubes and hot cathode tubes, there are differences as well. In addition to these two major categories of fixtures, there is a third type. Electroluminescent bulbs are different from the other types. All three types operate under the principle of phosphors which are acted upon by electrons.

Of the three main types of fluorescent lights, the hot cathode style is most commonly found. Usually, it consists of a long glass tube containing an inert gas (often argon). The gas is under low pressure. There is an electrode on either side of the tube, made of tungsten. The ballast controls and regulates the AC power input to the electrode. The standard size of the tubes is four feet. The illumination offered is 40 watts. In the past, ballast tended to be magnetic. Today they are usually electronic. Electronic ballast is less costly to produce and requires less material.

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.

Electroluminescent or EL lamps are also known as high field electroluminescent lamps. The term refers to the conversion of electrical energy into light without the need for heat. They use electric current directly through a phosphor to illuminate the space. These bulbs can be shaped in wire-styles or can be flat.

Adding covers over the fixtures increases the aesthetic appeal. Opaque covers allow for diffusion of the lighting. The tendency for glare or strong shadows is limited. The size and shape of the lamps are fitted to the specific needs in the workplace or commercial space.




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