FAQs

This is greatly dependent upon the lamp/inverter combination and the proximity to a ground plane. It is best to consult with the inverter manufacturer to optimize the lamp-inverter connection.

Any method that does not put stress on the glass envelope and/or the lead-to-glass seal on the lamp end is acceptable. Most common methods are to solder the leads (with a strain relief bend) directly into a PC board, or to secure the lamp ends with a custom silicon end cap.on.

Typically, 5,000 to 30,000 hours is achievable when the lamp is operated within specification parameters. Lamp life is stated as the point at when the lamp provides less than 50% of its initial output.

Yes! Although current is low, the inverter output can exceed 1000 volts. Proper precautions should be observed when operating these lamps.

The wire must have an insulation specified at, or above, the electrical characteristics of the lamp. Typically, small gauge 22 – 26 AWG wire is acceptable.

Special colors and/or lamp configurations are our specialty. However, minimum order quantities and set-up charges would likely be required.

Aperture and reflector fluorescent lamps allow for more control over the direction of the light, while typically standard fluorescent lamps do not allow for directional control. The reflector’s total light output is less, and it is too bright for direct illumination.

Safety agency approvals have not been sought by LCD Lighting. Most companies obtain their own agency approval at the system level.

Yes, it is possible to run multiple lamps on a single inverter. To obtain optimum performance, however, advise the inverter manufacturer to determine if inverter modifications will be required.

Reflector tubes have a reflective coating covering 235 or 135 degrees of the interior with a phosphor coating over the inside of the entire tube. The reflective coating of an aperture lamp is 330 or 300 degrees; the phosphor coating covers just that area of the lamp. There is a 30 or 60 degree clear glass opening called the aperture.

When a 2.6mm diameter CCFL is operated at the specified drive current of 6mArms, the ends near the electrodes will be approximately 50° C above the ambient temperature. The body will be approximately 25° to 30° C above ambient.

Yes. However, the lower the temperature, the lower the light output and the higher the required starting voltage. We recommend using lamp heaters in cold ambient conditions.° to 30° C above ambient.

Fluorescent lamp “color” is best identified through the use of coordinates on the CIE 1931 20 or 1976 UCS Chromaticity Diagrams, x, y or u’, v’, respectively.above ambient.

No! You must use a properly matched inverter. All lamp specifications and operating characteristics are based on being driven with an appropriate inverter.

Yes. The dimming range is predominantly a function of the inverter. C above ambient.

The Color Rendering Index, or CRI, is a term in photometry used to describe the effect of a light source on how well it renders colors. In essence, the Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a numerical system that rates the “color rendering” ability of fluorescent light in comparison with natural daylight. If a lamp has a low color rendering index of 50, it does not render colors very well. If, however, the lamp has a color rendering index of 80 – 95, its ability to render colors is thought to be very good to excellent. A CRI of 100 is considered natural daylight and is assigned to the sun itself.

The entire length gives off illumination, except for 8 to 10mm at each end.

Lamp brightness may be increased by increasing the drive, or arc, current. However, increased arc current will shorten lamp life and may shift the output spectrum.

The lamp/inverter combine to produce some RF emission. It may be necessary to shield the inverter after determining the results of system testing.

The limit is dependent upon the diameter of the lamp and the availability of an inverter to properly drive the lamp. Typically, the ranges of straight lamp lengths are from 25mm to 450mm long. Longer lengths are available in non-straight, such as U-shape or M-shape, configurations.produce some RF emission. It may be necessary to shield the inverter after determining the results of system testing.

A reflective coating between the outer glass and the phosphor coating reflects most of the light, directing it through the clear, or uncoated, portion of the lamp. results of system testing.

Using the same drive current, the surface intensity of the smaller diameter lamp will be greater. Longer lamp lengths of the same diameter, however, have greater total light output.