Currently, luminaires with fluorescent lamps are widely used. They are used not only for domestic needs, but also for production. Ceiling lamps with 4x18 fluorescent lamps are most commonly used as office lighting sources. Further we will consider what these devices are and how they work.
Operating principle
The operation of luminaires using fluorescent lamps is based on the principle of their operation. It lies in the fact that the ultraviolet rays of the phosphor layer are treated, which covers the inner surface of the bulb, resulting in a glow.
In turn, the current passing through the gas filling of the lamp, which serves as the transmission medium of the electrode pulses in order to generate an arc, creates ultraviolet rays.
Depending on the composition of the phosphor layer deposited on the surface, and the temperature, the light flux produced by the lamp will be different colors. This imposes certain restrictions on the use of fixtures:
- lamps that give bluish light (temperature of about three thousand Kelvin) - daytime - use in small areas and in desktop light sources, most often they are ceiling lamps with 4x18 fluorescent lamps;
- lamps emitting white light in warm tones (six thousand Kelvin, yellow spectrum) - used in living rooms and small offices;
- lamps of intermediate characteristics of the previous two groups.
Pluses of fluorescent lamps
The main advantages of the lamps that are used in the 4x18 fluorescent lamp are:
- protective design ensures safe use;
- electronic ballast equipment (electronic ballasts) allows the lamp to operate silently;
- compact sizes are suitable for any design decisions;
- in comparison with the design of other lamps, they have a service life of about twelve times longer;
- the light output of such lamps, including in a 4x18 ceiling lamp, exceeds the corresponding parameter of incandescent lamps by almost five times;
- There is a possibility to choose the desired shade of the light flux
- energy savings of almost three times compared with conventional lamps.
Cons of fluorescent tubes
Like any device, such light sources have not only advantages, but also disadvantages.
The disadvantages of this type of fixtures can be called:
- restriction on use - it is forbidden to use for lighting in supermarkets (to avoid distortion of the appearance of products) and in workshops with equipment that has rotating parts (a stroboscopic effect may occur);
- sensitivity to frequent on and off - phase-frequency voltage fluctuations disable the lamp;
- Ceiling lamps with 4x18 fluorescent lamps, like other similar ones, cannot be placed in niches of suspended ceilings - at a temperature of over sixty degrees Celsius they are deformed;
- harmful effects on humans - the bulb contains mercury in the amount of one gram, it also causes difficulties in the disposal of lamps.
Classification of fixtures and lamps
Luminaires with fluorescent lamps differ in the way of installation.
Their classification is as follows:
- suspended - are mounted on high ceilings (more than two and a half meters) on suspensions;
- built-in - installation of such systems is carried out simultaneously with the ceiling in its frame using clamps;
- wall mounted on ropes or a wall; reflectors can be used in the design to illuminate a specific area;
- desktop - are used as local lighting;
- consignment notes - are installed on plasterboard or panel ceilings;
- raster - used to illuminate public places, an example is ceiling lamps with 4x18 Armstrong fluorescent lamps.
Fluorescent lamps are divided into three types:
- electromagnetic - flicker, characteristic buzz and unevenly distribute the stream of light;
- lamps with electronic ballasts - give better light, are stable in operation, there are no light vibrations and noise, they are distinguished by a longer working life than the previous ones;
- compact - have built-in electric ballast, compatible with lampholders of conventional lamps, give diffused daylight.
Four-lamp fixtures
Widespread are overhead ceiling lights with 4x18 fluorescent lamps, which are installed mainly in humid rooms, as they have appropriate protection. They are also used for lighting corridor and office space. Lamps for such lamps are available with power indicators of eighteen and thirty-six watts, all kinds of colors and designs.
As a rule, electronic ballasts are installed in such devices. They are mounted by mounting or hanging and provide a total of seventy-two watts of power.
Due to the fact that mirrors are integrated in the design of such lamps, these devices evenly distribute the light flux to any corner of the room.