Compared with conventional fluorescent lamps, there are many advantages, and therefore are very popular and are used everywhere. There are only two main varieties of such devices - single-lamp and double-lamp. They differ not only in design, but also in the scope of use. Double-lamp fixtures are usually used as the main source of light. Single-lamp devices are often used to illuminate all kinds of decorative interior items. Of course, when choosing fixtures of this type, you should pay attention to some of their important characteristics.
Main application
The devices of this variety are used most often in residential premises. A single-tube fluorescent lamp is usually hung over paintings, photographs, and various kinds of decorative posters. Very often this type of equipment is used to illuminate suspended ceilings. Single-tube fluorescent nightlights are also popular with owners of apartments and country houses.
But of course, residential buildings and apartments are not the only field of application of such devices. Very often they are also used in museums and exhibition halls to highlight exhibits.
Design features
The layout of equipment such as a single-tube fluorescent lamp is usually complex. After all, the lighting provided by them, in most cases, should be quite intense. The possibility of using a second lamp by the design of such equipment is not provided. Therefore, development engineers have to go to all sorts of technical tricks. Often special fluorescent lamps - T5, which are characterized by high light output, are mounted in such devices. Can be used to increase the intensity of the light flux and various kinds of complex optical systems.
The body of single-tube fluorescent lamps is usually made on a metal profile frame. At the same time, thermally resistant plastic is most often used as a casing.
Varieties
Luminescent lamps can be classified according to various criteria. Devices of this type can have a different design, dimensions, etc. Modern industry produces fluorescent lamps:
Recessed. This variety is convenient primarily because it can be mounted on almost any surface. Built-in luminescent lamps can be used both as a backlight for interior elements, and, for example, a night lamp. However, most often devices of this type are used when decorating suspended ceilings.
Overhead. Such devices are valued primarily for ease of installation. A single-tube fluorescent lamp is mounted to a wall or ceiling on conventional anchors.
Suspended. This type of luminaire is mounted on the ceiling using cables.
Lamps with electronic ballasts
Electronic ballasts are called a special electronic device designed to start and maintain the operating mode of fluorescent lamps. Compared to conventional ballasts, electronic ballasts have many advantages. These include:
A single-lamp luminescent electronic ballast will last much longer than a device with a simple ballast, since it uses the so-called warm start. The electronic ballasts on semiconductor elements.
Key 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 colors of the decorated element. In this case, such a lamp parameter 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 virtually does not distort the colors of the illuminated objects. It is also worth deciding what kind of shade of light is needed. For example, 2700 K lamps give a warm white stream. 6500 K instruments emit cold light.
The length of the device. Of course, this parameter should correspond to the dimensions of the highlighted element. The length of modern fluorescent lamps is usually 400, 600 or 800 mm. To illuminate posters, usually choose short fluorescent lamps, the prices of which are low. False ceilings are more often illuminated with appliances more expensive and more authentic.
Power. This indicator in modern fluorescent lamps can vary between 8-150 watts. 15-25 watts lamps are usually used to illuminate rooms. For backlighting, most likely, you will need to choose a device with a slightly lower power indicator.
Price for appliances
How much can single-tube fluorescent lights cost? Prices for equipment of this type depend primarily on its capacity and size. The degree of complexity of the design of the device can also affect the cost. In most cases, the price of lamps of this type ranges from 300-2000 rubles.
As you can see, a modern single-tube 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, when choosing it, all the recommendations described above will be taken into account. As a highlight of the exhibits of museums and exhibition halls, devices of this type can also become a very good option.