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Fluorescent lamp

Belongs to:

Illumination

Synonyms:

Energy-saving bulb, Energy-saving light, Fluorescent bulb, Fluorescent tube

Description:

Fluorescent lamps comprise in the following both compact fluorescent lamps (energy-saving lamps) as well as fluorescent tubes.

Generally, the term energy saving bulbs characterizes all bulbs with a better efficiency than light bulbs; however, the correct term is compact fluorescent lamp as these lamps are fluorescent lamps in a compact form similar to that of common light bulbs. The light generation for both compact fluorescent lamps as well as fluorescent tubes is caused through gas discharge (often mercury gas). Having operated the light switch, a ballast initially heats the cathodes for the ignition of the lamps. The pressure build-up, i.e. the evaporation of mercury, takes place in two steps: firstly through the cathodes and subsequently through self-heating. This process requires time which is why compact fluorescent lamps do not reach their full brightness instantaneously.

Nowadays, compact fluorescent lamps are driven with an electronic ballast which is integrated into the lamps. An electronic ballast consists of different electronic components and drives a bulb at a higher frequency than the mains frequency. Its fundamental frequency lies between 40 kHz - 60 kHz. In contrast, conventional ballasts operate at 50 Hz and only consist of a series reactor.

From technical point of view, fluorescent tubes work like compact fluorescent lamps. Their color depends on the choice of the filled-in gas: Tubes filled in with neon e.g. emit orange-red light. Colloquially, fluorescent tubes are also called neon tubes. However, the classification of a neon tube is only correct if the tube contains neon and therefore emits orange-red light.

Frequency ranges:

• 50–60 Hz (for a conventional ballast)
• 45–60 kHz (for an electrical ballast)

Type of field:

electric and magnetic

Measurements (acc. to literature)

References

1. Nadakuduti J et al. (2010): Assessment of EM Exposure of Energy-Saving Bulbs & Possible Mitigation Strategies (Final Report)
2. Bakos J et al. (2010): Spot measurements of intermediate frequency electric fields in the vicinity of compact fluorescent lamps
3. Van Den Bossche M et al. (2015): In situ exposure assessment of intermediate frequency fields of diverse devices
4. Dürrenberger G et al. (2004): [EMF of energy saving lamps: field measurements and exposure estimations with comparison to other sources in everyday life - Final report]
5. Neitzke HP et al. (2006): [EMF manual - Electromagnetic fields: sources, risks, protection]
6. Mader DL et al. (1992): Residential exposure to 60-Hz magnetic fields from appliances
7. Kurokawa Y et al. (2004): Evaluation of residential exposure to intermediate frequency magnetic fields
8. No authors listed (2019): [Radiation and radiation protection]
9. Preece AW et al. (1997): Magnetic fields from domestic appliances in the UK
10. Farag AS et al. (1998): Electromagnetic fields in the home
11. National Research Council (NRC) (1997): Possible health effects of exposure to residential electric and magnetic fields