Discharge lamps: types, device, how to choose the best

Characteristics of fluorescent lamps

Fluorescent gas discharge lamp can be produced with various configurations. The most common are ring and panel types. The average power of fluorescent lamps is 100 watts. At the same time, the most compact models are produced at 5 watts. In turn, the maximum power indicator can reach up to 80 watts. The minimum length of the base is 8 cm, and large ring fluorescent lamps are produced with a size of 15 cm.

There are various plinths with the following markings: H23, G24, 2G7 and 2G13. In turn, cartridges are produced in classes E14 and E27.As a rule, all models have a built-in electronic ballast. Fluorescent lamps are divided into models with yellow, white, blue and green colors according to the emission spectra.

How to choose a lamp

When choosing a lamp, the temperature regime of using the device, the indicator of electrical voltage in the network, the size of the lamps, the strength of the luminous flux, and the shade of radiation are important. The parameters of the socles of fluorescent lamps must correspond to the types of lamps, floor lamps, etc.

The selection of lamps differs according to the type of room (hallways, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.). For living spaces, models with a screw base and electronic ballast are suitable, because. do not have a sharp flicker and are silent.

Hallways require powerful fixtures with intense, while diffused lighting. For wall sconces, compact type fixtures with a warm tone (930) and high quality color reproduction are suitable. Above the eaves under the ceiling it is possible to mount strip luminaires with cold shade lamps (860) and tubular design.

In the living room, fluorescent devices are used for sconces that are mounted to illuminate areas or decorative elements. The color is selected white, high quality (940). Installation of lighting devices around the perimeter of the ceiling is possible.

In the bedroom, it is recommended to choose standard fluorescent fixtures with an indicator of 930-933 or compact devices with similar qualities.

Lighting in the kitchen area should be multi-level (general and local). Compact devices with a power of at least 20 W are recommended as ceiling ones, the shade of light should be warm, with an indicator of at least 840. Linear fluorescent lamps that do not create glare on surfaces are optimal for arranging the working area in the kitchen.

Halogen lamps

Halogen lamps

A few decades ago, this type of light bulb was popular, although it was inferior to Ilyich's bulbs. But recently, people began to abandon halogen lamps in favor of modern options. They used to be used to create recessed lighting, but now there are better options. Halogen lamps are extremely rare and are mainly found on chandeliers or wall sconces.

Advantages of halogen lamps:

• When compared with incandescent lamps, halogen lamps have a longer service life, because their luminous flux is built differently. He is stable.
• Also, halogen bulbs are much smaller in size, but they have much greater heat resistance, and strength too. To
• Another plus is that light bulbs of this type are very powerful, but at the same time their energy consumption is not as large as that of the same incandescent lamps.

Disadvantages of halogen lamps:

• They are not so easy to connect, you need a transformer. Of course, in sconces that are mounted on the wall, it is built in automatically. But if you want to create a semblance of spot lighting, then the transformer will have to be purchased and installed with your own hands.
• Since the quality of the built-in transformers, to put it mildly, is lame, this whole process can result in a problem with a serious decoupling. At a minimum, if the transformer breaks down and has to be changed, it will be difficult to do this, since it is hidden behind the ceiling or wall.

Metal halide models

The light output parameter for these models can freely reach 100 li/W. With all this, metal halide devices have a fairly compact shape, and their beam flow can be quickly directed using a reflector. They can also be distinguished by their special performance.It is forbidden to use them in the square and on the street, but in addition, the lamps perfectly tolerate sub-zero temperatures.

In the house, you can use metal halide models with a different color palette, but the disadvantages of such a device can still be traced. A large number of users report that the device has a long ignition time. On average, you have to wait about 30 seconds for it, and the lamp does not reach full power quickly, after turning it off it becomes quite difficult to turn it back on. Most often this is associated with overheating of the base. Ultimately, the user will have to wait until the device has completely cooled down.

Application specifics: pros and cons of lamps

DRL-type illuminators are mainly installed on poles for lighting streets, driveways, park areas, adjacent territories and non-residential buildings. This is due to the technical and operational features of the lamps.

The main advantage of mercury-arc devices is their high power, which provides high-quality illumination of spacious areas and large objects.

It is worth noting that the DRL passport data for luminous flux are relevant for new lamps. After a quarter, the brightness deteriorates by 15%, after a year - by 30%

Additional benefits include:

1. Durability. The average life, declared by manufacturers, is 12 thousand hours. Moreover, the more powerful the lamp, the longer it will last.
2. Work at low temperatures. This is a decisive parameter when choosing a lighting device for the street. Discharge lamps are frost-resistant and retain their performance at sub-zero temperatures.
3. Good brightness and lighting angle. The light output of DRL devices, depending on their power, ranges from 45-60 Lm / V.Thanks to the operation of the quartz burner and the phosphor coating of the bulb, a uniform distribution of light with a wide scattering angle is achieved.
4. Compactness. The lamps are relatively small, the length of the product for 125 W is about 18 cm, the device for 145 W is 41 cm. The diameter is 76 and 167 mm, respectively.

One of the features of using DRL illuminators is the need to connect to the network through a choke. The role of the intermediary is to limit the current that feeds the light bulb. If you connect a lighting device bypassing the throttle, then it will burn out due to the large electric current.

Schematically, the connection is represented by a serial connection of a mercury phosphor lamp through a choke to the power supply. A ballast is already built into many modern DRL illuminators - such models are more expensive than conventional lamps

A number of disadvantages limit the use of DRL lamps in everyday life.

Significant cons:

1. Ignition duration. Exit to full illumination - up to 15 minutes. Mercury takes time to heat up, which is very inconvenient at home.
2. Sensitivity to the quality of power supply. When the voltage drops by 20% or more from the nominal value, it will not work to turn on the mercury lamp, and the luminous device will go out. With a decrease in the indicator by 10-15%, the brightness of the light deteriorates by 25-30%.
3. Noise at work. The DRL-lamp makes a buzzing sound, not noticeable on the street, but noticeable indoors.
4. Pulsation. Despite the use of a stabilizer, the bulbs flicker - it is undesirable to perform long-term work in such lighting.
5. Low color reproduction. The parameter characterizes the reality of perception of surrounding colors. The recommended color rendering index for residential premises is at least 80, optimally 90-97.For DRL lamps, the value of the indicator does not reach 50. Under such lighting, it is impossible to clearly distinguish shades and colors.
6. Unsafe application. During operation, ozone is released, therefore, when operating the lamp indoors, the organization of a high-quality ventilation system is required.

In addition, the presence of mercury in the flask itself is a potential hazard. Such light bulbs after use cannot simply be thrown away. In order not to pollute the environment, they are disposed of properly.

Another limitation of the use of discharge lamps in everyday life is the need to install them at a considerable height. Models with a power of 125 W - suspension in 4 m, 250 W - 6 m, 400 W and more powerful - 8 m

A significant minus of DRL illuminators is the impossibility of switching on again until the lamp has completely cooled down. During operation of the device, the gas pressure inside the glass flask increases greatly (up to 100 kPa). Until the lamp cools down, it is impossible to break through the spark gap with the start voltage. Re-enabling occurs after about a quarter of an hour.

The principle of operation of a gas discharge lamp

When checking the performance of the lamp, you need to follow some recommendations:

1. Do not rush to insert a new model in place of a damaged one, you need to make sure that the throttle is not closed, otherwise several parts may burn out at once.
2. When installing, first use a diode with whole spirals, but not a working one, in which the gas was flashing or glowing before. If the spirals remain in order, then you can install and screw in a new model, but if they burn out, then you should change the throttle itself.
3. If additional repairs are needed, then you need to start with the starter, which fails more often than other components of the lamp design.
4. What should be remembered? You need to know that it is almost impossible to check both the starter and the throttle individually without the use of specialized devices.

How are LED lights different?

1. High energy and electricity savings.
2. Environmentally friendly components, do not need special disposal or care.
3. The service life of continuous operation is 40-60 thousand hours.
4. The light flux is normalized over the entire supply voltage range from 170 to 264V, while the illumination indicators do not change.
5. Quick warm up and turn on.
6. Does not contain mercury.
7. There are no starting currents.
8. Good color rendering.
9. It is possible to independently regulate the power.

Discharge lamps

Pros and cons of products

The advantages of gas-discharge light sources include:

• compact dimensions;
• high efficiency;
• profitability;
• good supply and stability of light;
• resistance to negative environmental influences;
• long service life.

When choosing, the disadvantages are also taken into account:

• high prices;
• addition of ballasts;
• duration of the period for entering the operating mode;
• the presence of toxic substances in the flasks;
• flicker and noise;
• unusual uneven spectrum of radiation.

There are still more advantages than disadvantages. The price is fully offset by the economy and long service life.

Advantages and disadvantages

Arc mercury fluorescent light sources, including lamps, have the following advantages:

• high degree of luminous flux;
• serve for a long time;
• applicable for lighting at negative temperatures;
• thanks to the built-in electrodes, they do not require an additional ignition device;
• available control equipment.

There are a number of disadvantages, some of which impose restrictions on the scope:

• according to GOST, the mercury and phosphor contained in these lamps must be disposed of using a special technology;
• low color rendering (about 45%);
• For full operation, a stable voltage is required. If it drops to 15%, the lamp with such a light bulb will stop shining;
• at too low temperatures (more than -20 degrees Celsius), the light source may not ignite. In addition, such operating conditions significantly reduce the lamp life;
• to turn on the lamp again, it is necessary to wait from 10 to 15 minutes;
• decrease in luminous flux after approximately 2000 hours of service.

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As a rule, the manufacturer indicates a number of rules that should be followed when operating these light sources. This will allow them to last longer. Even if the lamp is installed in the wrong position, it will affect its life.

The glow of a mercury lamp

The principle of operation of a gas discharge lamp

When checking the performance of the lamp, you need to follow some recommendations:

1. Do not rush to insert a new model in place of a damaged one, you need to make sure that the throttle is not closed, otherwise several parts may burn out at once.
2. When installing, first use a diode with whole spirals, but not a working one, in which the gas was flashing or glowing before. If the spirals remain in order, then you can install and screw in a new model, but if they burn out, then you should change the throttle itself.
3. If additional repairs are needed, then you need to start with the starter, which fails more often than other components of the lamp design.
4. What should be remembered? You need to know that it is almost impossible to check both the starter and the throttle individually without the use of specialized devices.

How are LED lights different?

1. High energy and electricity savings.
2. Environmentally friendly components, do not need special disposal or care.
3. The service life of continuous operation is 40-60 thousand hours.
4. The light flux is normalized over the entire supply voltage range from 170 to 264V, while the illumination indicators do not change.
5. Quick warm up and turn on.
6. Does not contain mercury.
7. There are no starting currents.
8. Good color rendering.
9. It is possible to independently regulate the power.

Discharge lamps

Specifications.

1. Excellent color rendering index: 85-95%.
2. Wide range of color temperatures. Depending on the additives, it is obtained from 2500 K to 20000 K.
3. Sensitivity to network fluctuations. A 10% fluctuation can turn off a light bulb. A stronger excess voltage can lead to an explosion of the bulb. And long work at low voltage leads to a change in the quality of light.
4. Metal halide light sources are independent of ambient temperature. Works well in cold weather.
5. Stability of a light stream throughout all service life. At the end of its life, the light bulb shines the same way as it did at the beginning.
6. Long service life: 6000-15000 hours.

The table shows the comparative characteristics of popular MGL models from OSRAM and Philips.

High pressure discharge lamps

The most widely used high incandescent models are mercury devices. Their main distinguishing feature is the absence of the need for a ballast. In most cases, such high-pressure gas discharge models can be easily found on the street, and they are rarely used in buildings. In addition to mercury equipment, a wide variety of sodium light sources can be found in the competitive market.

Their main feature is a high light output parameter. With all this, the service life and operation of such devices is quite long. The last type of high pressure lamps are metal halide devices. This model refers to a point light source. They have much more power than incandescent devices. With all this, such models, like all others, have their drawbacks.

The principle of operation and the connection diagram of the HPS lamp

The arc discharge is maintained inside the burner. For its appearance, IZU is used. This abbreviation is deciphered - a pulse ignition device. When the circuit is turned on, the lamp receives a pulse of 2 to 5 kV. It is needed to start the lamp - an electrical breakdown of the burner and the formation of an arc discharge. The ignition voltage is significantly higher than the combustion voltage. Typically, three to five minutes of energy is spent on heating the burner. At this point, the brightness is still low. The exit to the regular mode of operation takes no more than 10-12 minutes, while the brightness increases and normalizes. In the diagram, L is the phase (line, line), N is zero.

The circuit has an IZU and an inductor as a ballast element. Typically, the connection diagram is present on the body of the throttle and / or pulse igniter.

Sometimes a non-polar capacitor may be added to the circuit. Typically, a capacitance of 18-40 uF is used. It is not required, adding it will not make the lamp shine brighter. Its task is phase compensation. The fact is that the circuit consumes active and reactive power, since there is a choke. There is no benefit from the reactive component, but the harm is obvious - interference in the power supply and reduced energy efficiency. However, adding capacitance to an electrical circuit will not improve energy efficiency. Adding a capacitor will somewhat reduce inrush currents and prevent irreversible degradation of the electrodes.

The used capacitance of the capacitor is selected based on the power of the lamp. Recommendations are presented in the table.

When self-assembling a lamp on HPS lamps, it is not advisable to use a wire longer than one meter between the cartridge and the igniter.

NLVD are very sensitive to the quality of the power supply. With a voltage drop of 5-10 percent, the luminous flux can drop by a third. Increased voltage significantly reduces the service life.

The IZU for dnats (impulse igniters) themselves can have either two or three contacts. There is no difference. None of these options is worse or better than the other - both provide the same operating conditions for the lamp.

There is also a variety of lamps that do not require IZU. This is DNAS. They can be recognized by the starting antenna near the burner. Usually it is made from one or two turns of wire that wraps around the burner.

Transformer power calculation

To determine the power of the required transformer, it is necessary to determine:

1. Power of one lamp (lamp);
2. Number of lamps (lamps);
3. Lighting connection diagram.

The calculation must begin with the development of a power supply scheme for a particular room. To do this, a plan is drawn, which indicates the number and power of fixtures. The power is added up, and the resulting value is multiplied by K=1.1 (reserve factor), which avoids overloading the selected device. The resulting value is the value that should be guided by when choosing a device.

With a large number of fixtures, as well as to create a reliable lighting system, fixtures can be divided into groups. With such a scheme of the lighting system, the power of each individual transformer is reduced.

Transformers for halogen lamps are available in power: 60/70/105/150/210/250/400 W.

Life time

Such a light source, according to manufacturers, is capable of burning for at least 12,000 hours. It all depends on such a characteristic as power - the more powerful the lamp, the longer it lasts.

Popular models and how many hours of service they are designed for:

• DRL 125 - 12000 hours;
• 250 - 12000 hours;
• 400 - 15000 hours;
• 700 - 20000 hours.

Note! In practice, there may be other numbers. The fact is that the electrodes, like the phosphor, are able to fail faster.

As a rule, light bulbs are not repaired, they are easier to replace, since a worn-out product shines 50% worse.

Designed for at least 12,000 hours of operation

There are several varieties of DRL (decoding - an arc mercury lamp), which are applicable both in everyday life and in production conditions. Products are classified by power, where the most popular models are 250 and 500 watts. Using them, they still create street lighting systems. Mercury appliances are good due to their availability and powerful light output. However, more innovative designs are emerging, safer and with better glow quality.

The principle of the light bulb

The main elements of the electrodes - through them the control system transmits electricity. The impulse breaks through the gas between the electrodes, the stabilizer limits the current strength (the current strength is inversely proportional to the voltage), the filling begins to emit a glow that becomes brighter as it heats up.

The light source lights up completely after about 2 minutes. This period of time is required for complete evaporation of the filling. The tanning time also depends on the ambient temperature. To speed up the process, some manufacturers mount several electrodes in the burner.

The emission spectrum varies over a wide range - from ultraviolet to infrared rays. The brightness depends on the pressure, the type of filling, the size of the flask. The smaller it is, the more intense the light.

Types of discharge lamps

Various criteria are used to classify gas-discharge light sources: the filling and shape of the bulb, the design of the electrodes, and pressure.

According to the type of filling, gas-discharge light sources are divided into 3 types:

• luminescent (coated with a phosphor);
• gaslight (filled with gas);
• metal halide (metal vapor glows).

The gases used are neon, krypton, xenon, helium, argon, or mixtures thereof. The most common metals are mercury and sodium. Most manufacturers use mercury vapor, although sodium is more effective. Often, gas and mercury vapor are used simultaneously. Discharge arc, impulse or glow.

Luminescent products are divided by internal pressure:

• DRL (arc mercury phosphor) high pressure;
• GRLND - low pressure.

Manufacturers offer flasks and electrodes of various designs, systems for forced cooling.

High pressure

Light sources with high pressure (more than the atmosphere) are connected to a 220/380 V network, the power of devices can reach several tens of kilowatts. Characteristics practically do not depend on the temperature of the medium. Too high or too low temperature changes only the warm-up period. Service life up to 20 thousand hours, base E27 (for power 127 V) or E40 (for the rest).

The difference from products with low pressure is increased power and compact dimensions.

Low pressure

Light sources with low pressure (less than an atmosphere) are characterized by a bulb in the form of a pipe. The coating is fluorescent or luminescent. Filling - argon, neon or sodium, tungsten electrodes coated with calcium, strontium, barium. These gas lamps are used for indoor lighting.

This group includes compact models with an E27 base. Maximum power up to 60 watts, service life - up to 12 thousand hours. These lamps do not ignite at ambient temperatures below -5°C or reduced voltage.

Erythema and bactericidal devices are produced without coating, therefore they emit the ultraviolet part of the spectrum.They are used for air disinfection and irradiation of animals and people.

The main types of halogen lamps

Depending on the appearance and method of application, halogen lamps are divided into several main types:

• with an external flask;
• capsular;
• with reflector;
• linear.

With external flask

With a remote or external bulb, a halogen lamp is no different from standard Ilyich bulbs. They can be connected directly to a 220 volt network and have any shape and size. A distinctive feature is the presence in a standard glass bulb of a small halogen bulb with a bulb made of heat-resistant quartz. Halogen lamps with a remote bulb are used in various lamps, chandeliers and other lighting devices with an E27 or E14 base.

Capsule

Capsule halogen lamps have miniature sizes and are used to organize interior lighting. They have low power and are often used with sockets G4, G5 in a 12 - 24 volt DC network and G9 in a 220 volt AC network.

Structurally, such a lamp has a filament body located in a longitudinal or transverse plane, and a reflective substance is applied on the rear wall of the bulb. Such devices, due to their low power and size, do not require a special protective bulb and can be mounted in open-type luminaires.

With reflector

Reflector devices are designed to emit light in a directed manner. Halogen lamps may have an aluminum or interference reflector. The most common of these two options is aluminum.It redistributes and focuses the heat flux and light radiation forward, due to which the light flux is directed to the desired point, and excess heat is removed, protecting the space and materials around the lamp from overheating.

The interference reflector conducts heat inside the lamp. Halogen reflector lamps come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as different light emission angles.

Linear

The oldest type of halogen lamp, which has been used since the mid-60s of the 20th century. Linear halogen lamps look like an elongated tube, at the ends of which there are contacts. Linear lamps come in various sizes as well as high wattage, and are mainly applied to various spotlights and street lighting fixtures.

Halogen lamps with IRC coating

IRC-halogen lamps are a special kind of this kind of lighting devices. IRC stands for "infrared coverage". They have a special coating on the flask that freely transmits visible light, but prevents the passage of infrared radiation. The composition of the coating directs this radiation back to the filament, which increases the efficiency and efficiency of the halogen lamp, improves the uniformity of the glow and light output.

The use of IRC technology makes it possible to reduce the consumption of electrical energy by such devices by up to 50% and significantly affects the energy efficiency of the lighting device. Another advantage is the increase in service life by almost 2 times, in comparison with standard halogen lamps.

Halogen chandeliers

Halogen chandeliers are one-piece devices that are based on many halogen lamps connected in parallel to each other.Such chandeliers have a completely different appearance and configuration, and due to the small size of halogen lamps, they have an aesthetic appearance and a uniform glow.

In stores, you can find halogen chandeliers powered by 220 volts AC, as well as low-voltage options for use in DC systems or using with power supplies.