Trystan Casey
Electrical discharge lighting fixtures are a type of lighting system that uses fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, or neon tubing for illumination. Electric discharge lamps are lighting devices that consist of a transparent container within which a gas or vapour of a metallic compound is energised by an applied voltage and made to glow. These lamps have been used since the early 20th century and are known for their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and versatility in various settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. They are commonly used in street lighting, retail signage, and decorative lighting fixtures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A lighting device consisting of a transparent container within which a gas or vapour of a metallic compound is energised by an applied voltage and thereby made to glow. |
| Types of gas used | Neon, argon, xenon, mercury vapour, sodium vapour |
| Types of lamps | Fluorescent, high-intensity discharge (HID), short-arc, high-pressure, low-pressure, photochemical, bactericidal, blacklight, sun lamps |
| Uses | Residential, commercial, industrial, decorative, street and outdoor lighting, motion-picture projectors, night-lights, voltage regulators, indicator lights |
| Advantages | Energy-efficient, versatile, long lifespan, low operating temperature, custom shapes and sizes, low power consumption |
| Disadvantages | Long start-up time, sensitive to voltage dips, gas leakage or worn electrodes over time |
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What You'll Learn
Electric discharge lamps use gas or vapour excitation
Electric discharge lamps are lighting devices that use energised gas or vapour excitation to produce light. The lamps consist of a transparent container, typically a glass tube, within which a gas is energised by an applied voltage and made to glow. The excitation current through the gas is usually applied using two electrodes placed at opposite ends of the tube. One electrode is the cathode (negative), emitting electrons into the gas, and the other is the anode (positive), collecting electrons.
The gas atoms or molecules are transferred into excited electronic states by impinging electrons or energy transfers from other gas atoms, ions, or molecules. The excited atoms then emit visible light or ultraviolet radiation as they fall back to their previous energy level. The type of light emitted depends on the spectral energy distribution of the electrical discharge lamp, which is influenced by the type of vapour or gas used, vapour pressure, the nature of the electrode, and the electrical energy.
Various gases and vapours can be used in electric discharge lamps, each producing a different colour of light. For example, mercury vapour in a neon lamp emits a bluish light, while sodium-vapour lamps produce a yellow light. Other common gases include argon, neon, krypton, and xenon. The choice of gas or vapour depends on the desired colour temperature and the specific application of the lamp.
In some cases, the ultraviolet radiation produced by the lamp can be converted into visible light using a fluorescent coating on the inside of the lamp's glass surface. This is commonly seen in fluorescent lamps, where a phosphor coating alters the emission to produce a more continuous light spectrum in the visible range. The fluorescent coating also allows for colour adjustment, as the light emitted by the lamp can be changed to the desired colour.
Electric discharge lamps have been in use since the early 20th century and offer advantages such as long life and high efficiency. They are widely used in applications such as motion-picture projectors, ultraviolet light generation for industrial processes, and lighting fixtures.
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They are more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs
Electric discharge lighting fixtures, also known as discharge lamps, are a type of lighting system that uses fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, or neon tubing for illumination. These lamps have been in use since the early 20th century and are known for their energy efficiency and long lifespans.
One of the key advantages of electric discharge lamps is their energy efficiency. They are significantly more energy-efficient than conventional incandescent bulbs, converting a larger percentage of electrical input into visible light. This efficiency makes them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice for lighting.
The energy efficiency of electric discharge lamps can be attributed to their unique operating mechanism. These lamps use a gas or vapour of a metallic compound, such as neon, argon, mercury, or sodium, enclosed in a hermetically sealed transparent envelope. When an electric current is passed through the gas or vapour, it excites the atoms or molecules, causing them to emit photons and produce visible light. This process of excitation and light emission is highly efficient, resulting in a higher proportion of electrical energy being converted into light energy.
In contrast, incandescent bulbs operate by heating a filament to a high temperature, which then emits light. This process is less efficient because a significant amount of the electrical energy is lost as heat energy, rather than being converted into light.
The energy efficiency of electric discharge lamps makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, including residential, commercial, industrial, and decorative lighting. For example, fluorescent lamps, a type of electric discharge lamp, are commonly used in homes due to their energy efficiency, stable illumination, and long lifespan. Similarly, high-intensity discharge lamps, such as metal halide lamps, are often used in outdoor and commercial settings as they provide high luminous efficacy and desirable shade rendering.
Overall, the superior energy efficiency of electric discharge lighting fixtures compared to incandescent bulbs makes them a popular choice for various lighting needs. Their ability to convert electrical energy into visible light more efficiently has led to their widespread adoption in different settings, contributing to reduced energy consumption and cost savings.
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They are versatile and used in various settings
Electrical discharge lighting fixtures are versatile and used in various settings, showcasing their adaptability in meeting diverse lighting needs. They are used in residential, commercial, industrial, and decorative applications, demonstrating their versatility and importance in modern lighting solutions.
In residential settings, fluorescent lamps are commonly used in standard lighting fixtures for homes. These lamps are known for their energy efficiency, providing stable and consistent illumination for homeowners. The T8 Fluorescent Tube is a popular choice due to its longevity, energy efficiency, and adaptability to different residential spaces.
Commercial and office spaces also benefit from electrical discharge lighting. Fluorescent lamps, including the working fluorescents, are widely used in these environments. High-intensity discharge lamps, such as metal halide and high-pressure sodium lamps, are particularly effective for street lighting and outdoor applications. They efficiently cover large areas, ensuring sufficient illumination for streets and outdoor programs.
Retail stores and signage frequently utilise neon lamps to enhance the visibility of displays and attract attention. The colourful glow of neon lamps makes them ideal for ornamental purposes, allowing for creative lighting designs. Additionally, the ability to bend neon lamps into various shapes and sizes enables unique and eye-catching lighting fixtures.
Industrial warehouses and facilities rely on high-intensity discharge lamps to meet their lighting demands. These lamps excel in providing ample lighting for vast spaces, ensuring that large warehouses and centres are well-lit. The Metal Halide Lamp, for example, offers high luminous efficacy and desirable colour rendering, making it a popular choice for industrial applications.
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They require a ballast in the electric circuit
Electrical discharge lighting fixtures are lighting systems that use fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, or neon tubing for illumination. They are also known as discharge lamps. These lamps have been in use since the early 1900s and are versatile, finding applications in residential, commercial, industrial, and decorative settings.
Discharge lamps operate by passing an electric current through a gas or vapour of a metallic compound, which is contained in a sealed glass or quartz envelope. The gas or vapour is energised by an applied voltage and made to glow, producing light. Some common gases used include neon, argon, and xenon, while mercury vapour is used in fluorescent lamps and some ultraviolet lamps.
Discharge lamps require a ballast in the electric circuit to regulate the current and ensure stable operation. The ballast helps to establish and maintain the arc within the lamp, which is necessary for the electrical discharge to occur. Without a ballast, the lamp would not function properly and could be damaged.
The ballast serves as a voltage regulator, controlling the voltage across the lamp. This is especially important for discharge lamps as they are sensitive to voltage dips. If the voltage falls below 50% of their nominal voltage, they will extinguish and will not reignite until they have cooled down, which can take several minutes.
The ballast also helps to alter the current, ensuring that the lamp operates within safe parameters and preventing damage to the lamp. This is crucial for the longevity of the lamp and helps to maintain the efficiency and stability of the illumination provided by the lamp.
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$37.21
They are named after the filling gas or vapour
Electric discharge lamps are lighting devices that consist of a transparent container within which a gas or vapour of a metallic compound is energised by an applied voltage and made to glow. The gas or vapour is contained in a hermetically sealed transparent envelope, usually made of glass or quartz, at a predetermined pressure.
These lamps are often named after the gas or vapour that fills them and is responsible for the majority of the radiation emitted. For example, mercury lamps, sodium lamps, neon lamps, and argon lamps are all named after the gas or vapour they contain. Mercury vapour in a neon lamp, for instance, produces a bluish light. Sodium vapour lamps, on the other hand, have superior light output efficiency but their yellow-orange colour emission makes colour recognition difficult.
Neon lamps, containing neon gas, are widely used for ornamental and decorative lighting fixtures due to their colourful glow and ability to be bent into various shapes and sizes. They are also energy-efficient and have a long lifespan. Argon gas is also used in glow lamps, which are often used as indicators or night lights due to their low power consumption and long lifespan.
Other electric discharge lamps may be named based on their physical dimensions or operating parameters, such as short-arc lamps, high-pressure lamps, and low-pressure lamps. Some lamps are also named based on their application, such as photochemical lamps, bactericidal lamps, blacklight lamps, and sun lamps.
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Frequently asked questions
An electrical discharge lighting fixture is a lighting system that uses fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, or neon tubing for illumination.
Electrical discharge lamps operate by passing an electric current through a gas or vapour of a metallic compound, which causes the emission of light.
Some examples of electrical discharge lamps include fluorescent lamps, neon lamps, mercury lamps, sodium lamps, and argon lamps.
