1. Frequent Switching Causes Early Failures. If the lamp is installed where it is frequently switched on and off, it will age rapidly.
2. Fluorescent Bulbs Contain Mercury. If a fluorescent lamp is broken, a very small amount of mercury can contaminate the surrounding environment. About 99% of the mercury is typically contained in the phosphor, especially on lamps that are near the end of their life.
3. Fluorescent Lights Give Off Ultraviolet Light. Ultraviolet emission Fluorescent lamps emit a small amount of ultraviolet (UV) light. A 1993 study in the US found that ultraviolet exposure from sitting under fluorescent lights for eight hours is equivalent to only one minute of sun exposure.
4. The "Buzz" On the Fluorescent Ballast. Magnetic single-lamp ballasts have a low power factor. Fluorescent lamps require a ballast to stabilize the current through the lamp, and to provide the initial striking voltage required to start the arc discharge. LED Tubes do not.
5. Power Quality and Radio Interference. Inductive ballasts include power factor correction capacitors. Simple electronic ballasts may also have low power factor due to their rectifier input stage.
6. Not As Efficient At High and Low Temperatures. Fluorescent lamps operate best around room temperature. At much lower or higher temperatures, efficiency decreases.
At below-freezing temperatures standard lamps may not start. Special lamps may be needed for reliable service outdoors in cold weather.
7. Fluorescent Lamp Shape Cause Retrofit Problems. Fluorescent tubes are long, low-luminance sources compared with high pressure arc lamps and incandescent lamps. However, low luminous intensity of the emitting surface is useful because it reduces glare.
8. Most Fluorescents Are Not Able To Be Dimmed. Fluorescent light fixtures cannot be connected to dimmer switches intended for incandescent lamps.
9. Contaminants Cause Disposal and Recycling Issues. The disposal of phosphor and particularly the toxic mercury in the tubes is an environmental issue.
Governmental regulations in many areas require special disposal of fluorescent lamps separate from general and household wastes.
10. Light From Fluorescent Bulb Is Non-Directional. The Light from fluorescent bulbs is non-directional light source. When a fluorescent bulb is lit, it gives off lighting all the way around the bulb or otherwise 360 degrees.
This means that only about 60-70% of the actual light being given off by the fluorescent lamps is being used. The other 30-40% is wasted.
For more information please contact Shadow Lighting at 604-372-2400.
2. Fluorescent Bulbs Contain Mercury. If a fluorescent lamp is broken, a very small amount of mercury can contaminate the surrounding environment. About 99% of the mercury is typically contained in the phosphor, especially on lamps that are near the end of their life.
3. Fluorescent Lights Give Off Ultraviolet Light. Ultraviolet emission Fluorescent lamps emit a small amount of ultraviolet (UV) light. A 1993 study in the US found that ultraviolet exposure from sitting under fluorescent lights for eight hours is equivalent to only one minute of sun exposure.
4. The "Buzz" On the Fluorescent Ballast. Magnetic single-lamp ballasts have a low power factor. Fluorescent lamps require a ballast to stabilize the current through the lamp, and to provide the initial striking voltage required to start the arc discharge. LED Tubes do not.
5. Power Quality and Radio Interference. Inductive ballasts include power factor correction capacitors. Simple electronic ballasts may also have low power factor due to their rectifier input stage.
6. Not As Efficient At High and Low Temperatures. Fluorescent lamps operate best around room temperature. At much lower or higher temperatures, efficiency decreases.
At below-freezing temperatures standard lamps may not start. Special lamps may be needed for reliable service outdoors in cold weather.
7. Fluorescent Lamp Shape Cause Retrofit Problems. Fluorescent tubes are long, low-luminance sources compared with high pressure arc lamps and incandescent lamps. However, low luminous intensity of the emitting surface is useful because it reduces glare.
8. Most Fluorescents Are Not Able To Be Dimmed. Fluorescent light fixtures cannot be connected to dimmer switches intended for incandescent lamps.
9. Contaminants Cause Disposal and Recycling Issues. The disposal of phosphor and particularly the toxic mercury in the tubes is an environmental issue.
Governmental regulations in many areas require special disposal of fluorescent lamps separate from general and household wastes.
10. Light From Fluorescent Bulb Is Non-Directional. The Light from fluorescent bulbs is non-directional light source. When a fluorescent bulb is lit, it gives off lighting all the way around the bulb or otherwise 360 degrees.
This means that only about 60-70% of the actual light being given off by the fluorescent lamps is being used. The other 30-40% is wasted.
For more information please contact Shadow Lighting at 604-372-2400.
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