FLUORESCENT LIGHTING

1. Why choose a fluorescent fixture?

Fluorescent fixtures are substantially more efficient than incandescent fixtures and their lamps have a much higher output (approximately three times as much watt to watt) and their lamps can last up to 20 times longer.

7. What are the major types of fluorescent lamps and their advantages?

Table 1.  T5 lamps are available for standard output and high output. The wattages for standard T5 lamps are 14, 21, 28, and 35 watts. The high-output T5 (T5 HO) lamps are available in 24, 39, 54, and 80 watts (49-watt T5 HO lamps are also available from GE Lighting). Table 1-2 summarizes the features of the standard T5 and T5 HO lamps available in the United States. A four-foot long, 54-watt version that delivers 5,000 lumens is popular in the United States. The high light output allows fewer luminaries to achieve the same illuminance levels as when using other fluorescent lamps. As Table 1-2 shows, however, T5 HO lamps are slightly less efficacious than standard T5 lamps.

Table 2 illustrates features of four-foot standard T8 and T12 lamps. Standard T5 and T5 HO lamps have a rated average lamp life of 20,000 hours, the same as most standard T8 and T12 lamps. New prolonged-life T8 and T12 lamps have lives of 4,000 to 10,000 hours longer than T5 lamps. (Table 1-3 excludes these lamps.) The lamps in Table 1-2 all use RE80, a rare earth phosphor with a color rendering index (CRI) value of 85.

© 2004 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. All rights reserved.

8. What is CRI?

The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is the measurement of the ability of a source to render pure color with respect to natural daylight.   Since daylight equals 100 CRI and thereby perfect color rendering, the closer the source can emit to a CRI number of 100, the closer the colors will mimic their appearance in natural light.

9. What are the major colors temperatures available in fluorescent light bulbs?

• The Kelvin temperature goes from Red (3000k) to blue hot (5000k)

  • 3000k                                    Restaurants, lobbies, boutiques, libraries, office areas, and retail stores

  • 3500k                         Public areas, showrooms, office areas

  • 4100k                          Conference rooms, classrooms, hospitals, mass merchandising

  • 5000k                                    Galleries, museums, jewelry stores, medical tasking areas

13. What are the different types of ballasts and what do they do?

• Magnetic Ballast - use high quality electromagnetic materials to help save on energy consumption.

  • There are three  kinds:

    • Preheat Ballast - economical ballast. Starts light bulbs in 2-4 seconds.

    • Residential Grade Ballast - energy saving. Produces same lumens per watt as commercial grade ballasts, but since residential grade ballasts use fewer watts, they have lower total light output than commercial grade ballasts. Not for commercial applications.

    • Energy Saving Ballast - Highest quality, highest performing magnetic ballast available. 30% more light output than residential grade ballasts. Saves 68% in energy costs against incandescent lamps (one 34 watt fluorescent vs. one 50 watt incandescent), $124 over the life of the light bulb based on costs of 10¢/kw hour. Economical to install; for commercial use; meets Federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act.

• Electronic Ballast - incorporates solid state technology, integrated circuits and transistors to save energy, and eliminate lamp flicker.

  • There are several kinds

    • Instant start

      • Standard and most cost effective of the electronic ballast, however, they use a high initial voltage which can lead to a somewhat quicker deterioration of the electrodes. 

        • Rated for 10-15k switching cycles (starts)

        • Wired parallel:  if one lamp goes out, the other stays on.

    • Rapid start

      • More efficient than an instant start ballast, they require lower voltage to start the lamp electrodes which is better for the lamps

        • Rated for 15-20k switching cycles (starts)

        • Wired in series:  if one lamp fails, the fixture shuts off

    • Programmed rapid start

      • Higher efficiency and electronics provides for more flexibility in use:  motion sensors, daylight switching, etc.

        • Rated for up to 30k switching cycles (starts)

        • Wired in series or parallel

    • Programmed start

      • Highest efficiency using an integrated circuitry which in turn cooperates with the lamps to maximize lamp life and operational characteristics.

        • Rated for up to 50k switching cycles (starts)

        • Wired in series

14. Do fluorescent fixture ballasts hum?

All ballasts hum to some minor degree. Ballasts for 48 inch, 72 inch and 96 inch slimline lamps are sound rated C and D and are the least quiet. Slimline ballasts should only be used in industrial/commercial applications where noise is not a problem. Energy saving ballasts, residential ballasts, and solid state (electronic) ballasts are sound rated A. You may hear them in a quiet room.  However, in most applications, noise from sound rated A ballasts is covered up by the usual amount of ambient noise in a typical room. A loose magnetic ballast can be the cause of ballast hum. Check that ballast mounting screws are tight.

15. Do I have to ground all fixtures?

Yes. You must ground all fixtures for effective use and safety.

16. Can I use a dimming switch on a fluorescent fixture?

Yes, BUT ONLY if the fluorescent fixture is equipped with a special dimming ballast, which can be special ordered. DO NOT use an ordinary dimming switch made for an incandescent light bulb with fluorescent fixtures.

17. If I require less lighting, do I need to install all the light bulbs or can I leave one out?

All light bulbs must be installed for the unit to operate correctly. Ballasts are designed to drive all the light bulbs and use energy regardless of whether or not a bulb is installed. For light bulbs and ballast to function most efficiently and to full brightness, install all required bulbs (especially circline types).

18. When should I change the fluorescent bulb?

If you see darkened ends on any fluorescent light bulb, this may indicate that the light bulb should be replaced for best results. A new light bulb will keep the fixture running efficiently and at maximum brightness.

EXIT AND EMERGENCY LIGHTING

What is so important about universal voltage?

All exit and emergency lighting has universal voltage. This assists in eliminating issues in the field as the units can operate with either 120 or 277 volts.

Why is degree of rotation for lighting heads so important?

Degrees of rotation identify where the light can be directed from the lighting heads. Our lighting heads are designed for use in almost any position. Our Thermo P Combo (TPC) is equipped with lighting heads that swivel 360°. This allows the user to install this unit in any configuration and be able to illuminate the desired area during emergency operation. Our emergency lights are equipped with lighting heads that swivel 180°.

Why a thermoplastic housing?

They are durable and lightweight, and easier to manufacture for starters.  Additionally, they have more of an architectural look do to the rounded corners.  Moreover, these units work great for damp locations where the metal units would be susceptible to rust. All our Exit and Emergency Lights have a thermoplastic housing except for the Edge Lit, which is aluminum.

What is Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD)?

It is a feature in battery backup units where it activates to prevent the battery from deep discharge, but not before the minimum 90-minute emergency operation. All our battery powered units have LVD.

What is deep battery discharge?

Deep battery discharge occurs when the battery is permitted to drain all the way down to where it is totally depleted. This deep discharge affects future performance, as the battery is not able to hold a charge as well and consequently will cause the light not to stay on as long as required. All our fixtures with battery power are equipped with LVD to avoid deep battery discharge.

What is the Brilliant Lighting Exit/Emergency light warranty?

Five year warranty on all electronics and housing. Batteries are pro-rated warranted for 5 years.

How long does the Exit/Emergency light take to light once power is off?

Once power is disconnected or disrupted Exit/Emergency lights with battery backups will illuminate immediately.

What happens if the sprinklers are activated?

Most Brilliant Lighting exits and emergency units are Damp Location Listed, which means they are water-resistant and will operate under damp locations. If the sprinklers have been activated it is recommended that the fixture be opened for removing of any water once the sprinklers have been turned off.

Do batteries have the charge to illuminate immediately after installation or do they require charge time?

Although batteries hold a minimal charge and will work immediately, they require a charge time, 12 hours, to ensure the required 90-minute emergency operation.

Can a user field install a battery into AC Exit units?

No. The user must purchase a battery backup unit.

Does Brilliant Lighting have an automatic test feature, self-diagnostic?

Yes, we have an optional self diagnostic and test system which will remove the physical effort to test for function and proper illumination.  Units without this option and which have battery backup units are equipped with a Push to Test Switch to simplify testing. Brilliant Lighting recommends periodic testing for three minutes, every thirty days to comply with fire codes.

What if the user wants to convert an incandescent unit to an energy-efficient LED?

Brilliant Lighting has LED retrofit kits which can be screwed into the incandescent lamp socket for an easy and efficient retrofit.

Do the emergency lighting heads accept different wattage lamps?

Yes. Our emergency lighting heads are designed for use with 5.4 watt lamps, yet they will accept different wattage lamps.

Are all of the remote heads capable of outdoor/indoor use?

No. While all remote heads can be used indoors, only the WPRH is weatherproof for outdoor use.

What is the preferred product to use when supplying emergency power to remotely mount lamp heads?

We recommend using a 12 volt remote head for applications requiring a long run (more than 25 feet).

NOTE:  THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN HAS BEEN SOURCED, COMPILED AND AMENDED FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES AVAILABLE ON LINE AND IN PRINT.  WE AT BRILLIANT LIGHTING AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS ARE MORE THAN HAPPY TO PRIVIDE THOSE ORIGINAL SOURCES UPON REQUEST, IF FURTHER INFORMATION IS REQUIRED.