Fluorescent lamps today are widely used in lighting offices and industrial premises. After the advent of small-sized lamps with electronic ballasts, suitable for use in standard sockets, they can be increasingly seen in apartments. This popularity is due to the long service life and lower power consumption compared to traditional incandescent lamps. The average life of a conventional incandescent lamp is 1000 hours, while
while fluorescent will last 2-10 times longer, the power consumption to create the same luminous flux is five times less. But in order for the fluorescent lamp to last longer, the interval between switching on and off must be at least five minutes. Only under this condition will a long service life be guaranteed.
Previously used fluorescent lamps had a predominantly blue spectrum, which is good for use in offices and institutions,but not suitable for creating a cozy atmosphere at home. Modern technologies have made it possible to make devices with different light temperatures: warm (yellowish) white light, cold white, blue. When choosing lamps for this parameter, be guided by your own
comfort and preference.
The disadvantages of this type of lighting fixtures include a high price: a fluorescent lamp costs several times more than an incandescent lamp, and products from well-known manufacturers, such as General Electric or Philips, have even higher prices. Another disadvantage is the complexity of recycling. A fluorescent lamp that has failed must be destroyed in special equipment, as it contains mercury vapor, and there is a possibility of poisoning by these vapors if it is damaged. Despite these shortcomings, they are becoming increasingly popular: using them can save up to 50-60% of the electricity used for lighting.
Today, stores offer a diverse range of lamps of various types and designs. And in addition to chandeliers and general lighting fixtures, there are a large number of daylight table lamps. They can be mounted on a table, fastened with a clothespin or clamp, they can be on a flexible or movable base, with which the light can be directed as comfortably as possible. Table lamps come in a variety of designs and can be easily matched to any interior.
The use of fluorescent lamps is not limitedapplication in
industrial or domestic premises. They can illuminate greenhouses or highlight indoor plants. For "additional illumination" of indoor plants, any fluorescent lamp can be used, which must be installed at a distance of at least 20 cm from the top leaf of the plant.
If artificial lighting is the only source of light, then it is necessary to use special fluorescent lamps for plants: blue or red colors are present in their emission spectrum. Lamps with a predominantly red spectrum stimulate the flowering of plants. When using fixtures with predominantly blue light, plants grow intensively. In greenhouses, to achieve maximum effect, it is advisable to use lamps with both blue and red spectrum.
