Today fluorescent technology accounts for approximately 70% of artificial light throughout the world. This is mainly due to the fact of the very good light output to energy consumption ratio.
A fluorescent lamp uses on average one fifth of the energy of a equivalent light bulb. The other saving when looking at this technology is the relatively low heat output which reduces cooling needs. It is because of this low energy consumption that they are considered environmentally friendly.
Depending on the switching cycle of the lamp, the average life of a fluorescent lamp is approximately 12,000 hours.
Fluorescent lamps come in a range of colour temperatures, shapes and sizes.
How Does a Fluorescent Lamp work?
Fluorescent lamps are gas discharge lamps. The glass tube contains mercury vapour at low pressure. The inner wall of the glass tube is coated with a phosphor that reacts to ultra-violet radiation. At the ends of the glass tubes are electrodes. When an electrical charge is passed between them the mercury vapour emits UV radiation. This radiation is converted by the phosphor into visible light. The colour appearance of the light varies according to the phosphor used.
Source: Osram
» 
