| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Goober
Site Admin

Joined: 14 Jan 2006
Posts: 107
Location: Vancouver, Canada
|
Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2007 9:36 am Post subject: Everything you need to know about Flourecent Lights |
|
|
Everything you need to know about Flourecent Lights
Author: Goober
Why do fluorescent light bulbs need a ballast?
Fluorescent light bulbs need a ballast because they use a gas to create light. Regular light bulbs (also known as incandescent bulbs) create light by heating a filament inside the bulb. The heat makes the filament white-hot, producing the light that you see. In a fluorescent bulb, when the gas is excited by electricity, it emits invisible ultraviolet light that hits the white coating inside the fluorescent bulb. The coating changes the ultraviolet light into light you can see. (A lot of the energy used to create the heat that lights an incandescent bulb is wasted. Because fluorescent bulbs don't use heat to create light, they are far more energy-efficient than regular incandescent bulbs.)
The combination of gas, electricity, and coating in a fluorescent bulb is so effective at producing light that, without something to regulate the electricity flowing into the bulb, the light will continue to gain intensity until the bulb stops working. That's where a ballast comes in — it supplies the initial electricity that creates the light, and then it regulates the amount of electricity flowing through the bulb so that the right amount of light is emitted.
What is a ballast, and how does one work?
A ballast is an electrical component used with a fluorescent bulb (or mercury vapor lamp or arc lamp) to conduct electricity at each end of the tube. It supplies the initial electricity to the bulb that creates light, and then it regulates the amount of electricity flowing through the bulb so that it emits the right amount of light.
What makes compact fluorescent and fluorescent bulbs more energy-efficient than regular bulbs?
Fluorescent light bulbs (including compact fluorescents) are more energy-efficient than regular bulbs because of the different method they use to produce light. Regular bulbs (also known as incandescent bulbs) create light by heating a filament inside the bulb; the heat makes the filament white-hot, producing the light that you see. A lot of the energy used to create the heat that lights an incandescent bulb is wasted. A fluorescent bulb, on the other hand, contains a gas that, when excited by electricity, hits a coating inside the fluorescent bulb and emits light. Because fluorescent bulbs don't use heat to create light, they are far more energy-efficient than regular incandescent bulbs.
Do light bulbs (such as compact fluorescent bulbs) give off hazardous amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light?
Regular fluorescent light bulbs used in your home and office do not produce a hazardous amount of ultraviolet light (UV). Most light sources, including fluorescent bulbs, emit a small amount of UV, but the UV produced by fluorescent light bulbs is far less than the amount produced by natural daylight. (Ultraviolet light rays are the light wavelengths that can cause sunburn and skin damage.)
Where can I find lighting disposal policies and contact information for my state or province?
Please refer to our state disposal policies page. In most states, fluorescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs used at home can be disposed of in the same way as regular light bulbs. While all fluorescent bulbs contain a trace amount of mercury, the quantity is so minute that disposal is not regulated by federal standards (established by the EPA, the Environmental Protection Agency). You would have to dispose of an incredibly large amount of fluorescent bulbs — around 360 4-foot fluorescent tubes — before you would be subject to federal disposal standards. However, individual states and provinces also have established disposal standards, so you should check the disposal policies in your area.
How much heat (or infrared radiation) is emitted by regular, halogen, and compact fluorescent light bulbs?
Regular light bulbs, known as incandescent bulbs, create light by heating a filament inside the bulb; the heat makes the filament white-hot, producing the light that you see. Halogen light bulbs create light through the same method. Because incandescent and halogen bulbs create light through heat, about 90% of the energy they emit is in the form of heat (also called infrared radiation). To reduce the heat emitted by regular incandescent and halogen light bulbs, use a lower watt bulb (like 60 watts instead of 100).
Fluorescent light bulbs use an entirely different method to create light. Both compact fluorescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes contain a gas that, when excited by electricity, hits a coating inside the fluorescent bulb and emits light. (This makes them far more energy-efficient than regular incandescent bulbs.) The fluorescent bulbs used in your home emit only around 30% of their energy in heat, making them far cooler than regular bulbs and an ideal choice whenever reducing heat from bulbs is important.
What's the white powder I see inside my fluorescent bulb?
The white powder that you see inside a fluorescent lamp is called phosphor, which is a substance that emits white, visible light whenever it absorbs light waves. Both compact fluorescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes contain a gas that gives off invisible light when excited by electricity. This invisible light travels to the phosphor coating on the bulb, where it is transformed into light visible to the human eye.
Questions & Comments: Please feel free to add your comments and questions below. _________________
Welcome to Home Repair How2.com  |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
boomermitra
Joined: 18 Dec 2009
Posts: 35
|
Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:47 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| added |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
cainiao1988
Joined: 14 Oct 2011
Posts: 122
|
Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2011 9:03 pm Post subject: Louis Vuitton |
|
|
A great accessory to have where ever you go is the right purse. Any Burberry Scarf handbag will add to your look and style.Authentic Louis Vuitton There are many different styles of purses, carry-alls and backpacks to choose from. If you have to look more professional for work or business, you need one of the monogram series of briefcases. If you are just going for a casual night out then you may want to pick one of the clutches. Burberry Scarf handbags also come in a multi-colored series for fun at the beach or pool. Cheap Louis Vuitton Make sure you are always prepared no matter where you are at or what the season is. Louis Vuitton Look great where ever you are or whatever the occasion with the right accessory.When you work in the office you need to look professional, but no one says you cannot look professional and fabulous. With Burberry Bags handbags you can do this. They make a monogram style hand Louis Vuitton Outlet that looks very professional, but also, very stylish. When you sport your monogram handbag at work, you will turn heads around the office. Some people do not know the fine line that separates casual from business. Monogram Louis Vuitton Bags handbags are a nice mix of a classy business casual.Denim cargos are perfect for a night out on the town. Denim Louis Vuitton handbags give you style that says you are classy, but laid back. Denim bags are perfect for more casual dress. Have you ever wanted to make that one girl across the bar jealous? With denim Louis Vuitton handbags you will. Chanel Handbags You will be the envy of the night club when you walk in with your new accessories. Make the scene at your next party or club. With denim Louis Vuitton Bags handbags you can be the center of attention and the talk of the town.
When it is time for summer, you need to dress accordingly and accessories are no exception. Chanel Bags When it is the summer season you should dress light and in colors that stand out and that tell everyone that you are ready for the beach. Louis Vuitton Bags Multi-colored totes are the perfect addition to your summer dress or bathing suit. You will make a splash with you multi-colored tote. A lot of people go to the beach or pool and have no idea what to accessorize with. Louis Vuitton Outlet They are confused about the right colors and patterns to adorn themselves with. If that is the case for you, Louis Vuitton handbags are always a good choice. louis vuitton outlet Do not be the one girl who can not accessorize, get yourself a multi-colored tote. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
greekjohnson01
Joined: 20 Dec 2011
Posts: 1
|
Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2011 10:52 pm Post subject: |
|
|
There are many house repairs and home improvements that are well within the ability of the average homeowner. Ten of the most cost effective do it yourself home repairs - those with the biggest bang for the buck - are listed below. Paint that room. Painting just may be the easiest, and the most valuable improvement any homeowner can make.
Orangeries
Orangery |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
cainiao1988
Joined: 14 Oct 2011
Posts: 122
|
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
|
|
|