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The Fluorescent Lighting System

Fluorescent lighting is a popular and efficient lighting system used worldwide. Fluorescent lighting is most commonly found in commercial facilities, partly because traditional fluorescent lighting systems are more complex and physically larger than the simple incandescent lamp and socket, and historically, fluorescent lighting tended to only be available in "colder" colors of light than the accepted "warm" color produced by incandescent lighting. The non-warm colors produced by most fluorescent lighting systems seemed inappropriate for some applications.

However, recent technological improvements have produced "warmer" lamp colors, smaller fluorescent lighting systems, and with growing concern over energy costs, there has been a renewed interest in using fluorescent lighting in residential locations.

The initial cost of Fluorescent lighting systems is another barrier to wider use, although this is short-sighted thinking. Fluorescent lamps and fixtures are definitely more expensive to install than incandescent lighting, but they are considerably cheaper to operate and the lamps last far longer than incandescent lamps, making the long term cost-of-operation for fluorescent lighting far less than incandescent lighting.

These documents describe how fluorescent lighting systems work and how to select the best brightness, energy efficiency, color, and size that various fluorescent lighting systems provide.

Section 1: The Fluorescent Lighting System Overview (HTML)
A general overview of the terminology and the basic physics behind gas discharge lighting.

Section 2: Components of the Fluorescent Lighting System (HTML with JPEG photographs)
A discussion of the types of fluorescent lighting and the major components used in each system. A table appears here which shows which pre-heat lamp sizes go with which types of replaceable starters. Some general information on fixture power consumption is provided in this section.

Section 3: All about Fluorescent Lamps (HTML with JPEG photographs)
The variety of fluorescent lamp light colors and some of the special use lamps are detailed.

Section 4: Traditional Pre-Heat Fluorescent Fixtures (HTML)
The original fluorescent light fixture design (still in use today, mainly in small lamp fixtures) is covered with step-by-step diagrams of how the pre-heat lamp starting process works. Recommended reading even for those using rapid-start or instant-start fluorescent lighting systems.

Section 5: Rapid Start Fluorescent Fixtures (HTML)
It would be safe to estimate that at least 75% of all fluorescent fixtures in use today use rapid start technology.
(If the lamps are three or four feet in length and the lamps are not marked as being "HO" or "FO32" lamps, it is likely a Rapid Start fixture.)

Section 6: Instant Start Fluorescent Fixtures (HTML)
For years, instant start has been found exclusively in eight-foot and special application fixtures. However, the new solid-state "electronic" instant-start ballasts are starting to take business away from the rapid-start world. (Lamps longer than four feet in length, HO, and FO32 lamps are all used in Instant Start fixtures.)

Section 7: Compact Fluorescent Lighting Systems (HTML)
With energy prices on the rise and improvements in compact fluorescent lamps, their use has skyrocketed in recent years as valuable energy savers compared to the traditional "screw-in" incandescent lamps that they replace.

Section 8: Fluorescent Lighting Energy Savings and product comparisons (HTML)
Tables comparing different types of fluorescent lamps to incandescent lamps as well to different brands of fluorescent lamps are presented. These tables can assist you in making sure that you are getting the most light for your money and it is in the shade and quality of light that you want.

Section 9: Fluorescent Lighting Safety (HTML)
As with any lighting system, there are safety issues. (Even candles have unique safety problems.) Because fluorescent systems are more complex than the simple incandescent lamp, there are more safety issues to consider, which are covered in this section.

Section 10: Troubleshooting Fluorescent Lighting (HTML)
Tables of common problems for various types of fluorescent lighting systems with likely causes and the corrective action that should be performed. Every building maintenance group should have a copy of this document.

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Appendix A: Fluorescent Lamp Replaceable Starter Size Table (HTML)
For Pre-Heat fluorescent fixtures, this chart shows which starter is used with which lamp.

Appendix B: I Broke A Fluorescent Lamp. Now What? (HTML)
A discussion of what you should do (and things not to do) if a fluorescent lamp breaks. Medical assistance is always first, followed by clean-up procedures. Also included in this appendix are details on the special problems associated with broken fluorescent lamps in aquariums.

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