Disadvantages of Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent lights are a great option for areas that need to be lit well and offer a high level of detail. However, they do have some disadvantages.

One of the biggest is that they can take a few seconds to reach full brightness after you turn them on. This is due to a system called a ballast, which is designed to regulate current.

Energy Efficiency

Fluorescent bulbs are a popular option for offices, schools and warehouses because of their energy efficiency. They use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent lights, which use up to 60 watts per bulb on average. This helps to cut down on electricity costs and reduces maintenance costs by lowering your energy usage overall.

Unlike incandescent bulbs, which waste a significant amount of energy creating heat, fluorescent lights convert electricity into light. During operation, the electricity passes through a tube filled with mercury vapor and interacts with atoms inside the tube. These atoms become excited and emit photons, which is what produces the light.

The control gear in a fluorescent fixture gives the light a high-voltage boost to start the process and then just enough current to keep it running at a safe and stable level. Without this, the bulbs would be too hot to handle and could burn out or catch fire.

The downside to this is that CFLs contain mercury, which can’t be recycled and should only be disposed of by professionals who specialize in hazardous materials. Also, their energy efficiency is not as great as that of LED lights. However, these shortcomings are easily overshadowed by the fact that they have a higher operational lifespan than standard incandescent bulbs and can last up to 15,000 hours on average.

Long Lifespan

The lifespan of fluorescent lighting is long. A typical light fixture will provide thousands of hours of runtime before the bulb needs to be replaced. Depending on the wattage, some fluorescent lamps can even last up to 20,000 hours. The longevity of a fluorescent lamp can be incandescent light bulb degraded over time by frequent switching (turning on and off) because the phosphor coating on the tube deteriorates quickly when the electrodes are activated. However, the lamp’s life can be extended by avoiding frequent startups by using a ballast with a built-in delay or using a motion sensor. The light output can also decline as the bulb ages. This can sometimes cause objects to appear to strobe, although this can be eliminated by using paired lamps on a lead-lag ballast.

Variety of Fixtures

Whether you’re looking for bright ambient light or more focused lighting for tasks, there are many fixtures to choose from. You can get recessed lights that fit seamlessly into a ceiling or track lights that are ideal for accenting items in a room such as art hanging on the wall, shelving or display units. There are also pendant lamps that hang from the ceiling and emit more directed light as well as floor reading lamps that are great for relaxing with a good book.

Fluorescent fixtures require an electric ballast which regulates the current flowing to the lamp. It does this by converting the alternating current coming through your walls into a steady direct current. Without it, the chemical process inside the lamp would run too fast, burning out and possibly even catching fire.

A magnetic ballast uses a coil of copper wire that generates fluro lights a magnetic force that traps most of the electricity and only allows a small amount through to the fluorescent bulb. The rest of the electricity is converted into heat which can be absorbed by the ballast or lost to the environment. Heat emissions are a waste of energy and can lower the efficiency of your lights. A simple test with a multimeter (designed to measure electric current, voltage and resistance) can determine if the ballast is burned out or needs replacing.

Environmentally Friendly

Unlike fluorescent lights, LEDs don’t contain mercury or other toxic elements which are hazardous to the environment. They are also able to be recycled, saving the planet from further contamination.

Additionally, the amount of energy that they use to produce light is much less than what other bulb types require, making them more environmentally friendly. They are also more durable than other bulbs and therefore need replacements far less frequently, which reduces waste as well.

However, some of the materials used in these lights can be quite harmful to the environment as well. The gallium that is used in many bulbs, for example, must be extracted from ore and is typically lost to waste when the bauxite is processed into aluminum. This puts a heavy burden on the mining industry.

Another environmental issue that is associated with these bulbs is the fact that they can release harmful ultra violet rays. This can be a major problem for people who suffer from light sensitivities, as it can lead to health issues like cataracts, myopia, and astigmatism. It can also be problematic for artwork, as it can cause fading and discoloration. Thankfully, LED lights do not emit these harmful rays and do not decrease their brightness as they reach the end of their lifespan. This is good news for the environment, but it’s not so great for homeowners who are looking to minimize their impact on the planet.