What is a gas discharge lamp

Gas discharge lamps are sources of light energy emission of the visible range. The main constructive element of the discharge lamp is a glass bulb with inwardly injected gas or metal vapors. On both sides of the flask electrodes are introduced, between which the occurrence and burning of an electric discharge occurs.

Gas-discharge lamps have a fairly extensive classification. There are two main types:

1. High-pressure discharge lamps (GRLVD). They include DRI, DRL, DCT, DAT.
2. Gas discharge lamps of low pressure (GRLND), which include LL of various types, CFL, special LL.

These light sources successfully replace the obsolete incandescent lamps, which, nevertheless, find application in specific areas where installation of other lamps is not possible.

The advantages of gas discharge lamps are:

1. Efficiency.
2. High degree of light output.
3. High degree of color rendition.
4. Economical.
5. Long service life

Disadvantages of gas-discharge lamps are as follows:

1. Linearity of the emitted spectrum.
2. Expensiveness.
3. Overall dimensions.
4. The need to install ballasts.
5. The presence of a stroboscopic effect, i.e. Flicker of radiation.
6. High sensitivity to voltage drops.
7. Toxicity.
8. Work only on alternating current.

The qualitative characteristics that each gas discharge lamp has, meet the high requirements, such as:

1. Operation - up to 20000 hours of burning.
2. Efficiency - up to 220 lumens per kW of energy.
3. Different colors of light emitted: warm white, white, cold white, natural, etc.
4. The electric arc makes it possible to create beams of light radiation of high intensity.

The environment in which the electric discharge burns occurs can be filled with a variety of gases, such as argon, neon, xenon, krypton, as well as vapors of various metals, for example, mercury or sodium.

It should be taken into account that all types of gas discharge lamps should be installed in closed lamps equipped with a protective glass. For successful operation of this type of light source, special start-up equipment and ballasts should be installed.

Gas-discharge lamps require high parameters of the electrical network to which they are connected. Large (more than 3%) deviations of network parameters from nominal are not allowed.

Gas discharge lamps can be used in production halls and other premises of factories, in all kinds of shops and shopping centers, offices and various public premises, as well as for decorative illumination of buildings and footpaths. In addition, they are widely used for highly artistic lighting of cinemas and stage, for which professional equipment is used.

The economy of gas-discharge lamps makes it possible to reduce the cost of lighting equipment and accessories to it.