Single-lamp fluorescent lamp: application, design, selection criteria

Fluorescent lamps in comparison with conventional lamps have a lot of advantages, and therefore are very popular and used everywhere. There are only two main types of such devices - single-lamp and two-lamp. They differ not only in design, but also in terms of use. Double-lamp lamps are usually used as the main light source. Single-lamp instruments are more often used to highlight various kinds of decorative interior items. Of course, when choosing lamps of this type, you should pay attention to some of their important characteristics.

Main application area

Instruments of this variety are used most often in living rooms. A single-lamp luminescent lamp is usually hung over pictures, photographs, all sorts of decorative posters. Very often this type of equipment is used to illuminate suspended ceilings. The owners of apartments and country houses are also popular with single-lamp luminescent nightlights.

But of course, residential houses and apartments are not the only area of application of such devices. Very often they are also used in museums and exhibition halls to highlight exhibits.

Design Features

The scheme of such equipment, as a single-lamp fluorescent lamp, usually differs in complexity. After all, the lighting, given by them, in most cases should be quite intense. The possibility of using a second lamp for the construction of such equipment is not provided. Therefore, engineers-developers have to go to all sorts of technical tricks. Often such devices are fitted with special fluorescent lamps - T5, which are distinguished by high luminous efficiency. Can be used to increase the intensity of the light flux and various kinds of complex optical systems.

The housing of single-lamp luminescent luminaires is usually made on a frame made of a metal profile. In this case, as the skin is most often used thermally resistant plastic.

Varieties

The fluorescent lamps can be classified according to different signs. Devices of this type may have different design, dimensions, etc. Modern industry produces fluorescent lamps:

• Built-in. This variety is convenient primarily because it can be mounted on almost any surface. Built-in fluorescent lamps can be used as a backlight for interior elements, and, for example, a night light. However, most often devices of this type are used in the decoration of suspended ceilings.

• Overhead. Such devices are especially appreciated for their ease of installation. A single-lamp fluorescent lamp is attached to the wall or ceiling on a conventional anchor.

• Suspended. This type of luminaire is mounted on the ceiling using cables.

Lamps with electronic ballast

Electronic ballast is a special electronic device designed to start and maintain the operating mode of fluorescent lamps. In comparison with conventional ballasts, the electronic ballast has many advantages. To such it is possible to carry:

• Almost noiseless in operation throttle with a reliable starter;

• No flicker;

• High efficiency;

• Stability of illumination at voltage drops;

• High power factor.

A single-lamp luminescent electronic ballast will last much longer with a simple gear, since it uses a so-called warm start. The electronic control gear on semiconductor elements operates.

Basic selection criteria

When buying equipment of this type, first of all pay attention to the following parameters:

• The hue of the light emitted by the lamp. The choice should be made so that the light does not distort the color of the item being decorated. In this case, a lamp parameter such as CRI is important, which can range from 1 to 100. The higher it is, the better. Lamps with a large CRI give a stream that does not practically distort the colors of the illuminated objects. Also it is necessary to decide which shade of light is needed. For example, lamps at 2700 K give a warm white stream. Instruments at 6500 K radiate cold light.

• The length of the device. Of course, this parameter should correspond to the dimensions of the illuminated element. The length of modern fluorescent lamps is usually 400, 600 or 800 mm. For the illumination of posters, you usually choose short fluorescent fixtures, the prices for which are low. Suspended ceilings are often illuminated with devices more expensive and more authentic.

• Power. This indicator in modern fluorescent lamps can vary within the limits of 8-150 W. Lighting of premises is usually made by 15-25 W lamps. For lighting, most likely, you will need to select a device with a slightly lower power factor.

Price of devices

How much can single-lamp luminous lamps cost? Prices for equipment of this type depend primarily on its capacity and dimensions. Also, the degree of complexity of the design of the device may influence the cost. In most cases, the price for fixtures of this type varies between 300 and 2000 rubles.

As you can see, a modern single-lamp fluorescent lamp - the equipment is really very convenient and practical. The interior of the apartment using this type of equipment can be made truly colorful and spectacular. But of course, only if all the recommendations described above are taken into account when selecting it. As a highlight of the exhibits of museums and exhibition halls, instruments of this type can also become a very good option.