Instant-start lamps may be of the hot-cathode or cold-cathode type, depending on cathode shape and voltage used. Efficacy of cold-cathode lamps is lower than that of hot-cathode lamps. Both types are more expensive than rapid-start lamps and are less efficient in lumen output. Instant-start lamps, however, come in sizes that are not available for rapid-start lamps and can operate at currents that are not feasible for rapid-start lamps. Also, instant-start lamps can start at lower temperatures, for instance, below 50F.
The life of most types of fluorescent lamps is adversely affected by the number of lamp starts. Cold-cathode lamps, however, have a long life, which is not greatly affected by the number of starts.
Fluorescent lamps last longer and have a higher efficacy than incandescent lamps. (See Tables 15.8 and 15.9.) Hence, fluorescent lamps cost less to operate.
Initial cost of fixtures, however, may be higher. Fluorescent lamps require larger fixtures, because of tube length, and special equipment, such as ballasts and transformers (Figs. 15.13 to 15.16). Also associated with such lamps is ballast hum and possible interference with radio reception. Pattern control of light is better with incandescent lamps, but lamp brightness is low with fluorescent lamps, so that there is less likelihood of glare, even when the lamps are not shielded.
Color rendering of light emitted by a fluorescent lamp depends on the phosphors used in the tube. The best color rendering for general use may be obtained with the deluxe cool white (CWX) type. Check with manufacturers for color characteristics of lamps currently available, because new lamps designed with color rendering appropriate for specific purposes are periodically introduced.
High-Intensity-Discharge (HID) Lamps. These lamps generate light by passage of an electric arc through a metallic vapor, which is contained in a sealed glass or ceramic tube. The lamps operate at pressures and electrical current densities sufficient to produce desired quantities of light within the arc. Three types of HID lamps are generally available: mercury vapor, metal-halide, and high-pressure sodium.
Major differences between them include the material and type of construction used for the tube and the type of metallic vapor. In performance, the lamps differ in efficacy, starting characteristics, color rendering, lumen depreciation, price, and life.
(See Tables 15.8 and 15.9.) HID lamps are available with lumen outputs consid erably greater than those of the highest-wattage fluorescent lamps available. HID lamps require ballasts that function like those for fluorescent lamps and that should be coordinated with the type and size of lamp for proper operation.
Each time an HID lamp is energized from a cold start, the lamp produces a dim glow initially and there is a time interval called warm-up time until the lamp attains its full lumen output. Warm-up time for metal-halide and sodium vapor lamps may range from 3 to 5 mm and for mercury vapor lamps from 5 to 7 mm. When the power to the lamp is interrupted, even momentarily, the lamp extinguishes immediately;
and even if the power is restored within a short time, while the lamp is still hot, there is a delay, until the lamp cools to provide a condition that will permit the arc to restrike. Sodium vapor lamps have the fastest restart time, 1 mm, compared with 3 to 6 mm for mercury vapor lamps and as much as 10 mm for metalhalide lamps. Because of this condition, it is desirable to employ supplemental lighting to provide minimal illumination during these intervals. (Lamp-ballast combinations that provide instant restart are available for metal-halide lamps. Though expensive, they have applications in security and sports lighting.)
The color of clear mercury lamps tends to be bluish. This type of lamp, however, also is available coated with phosphors that improve color rendering. The color of clear metal-halide lamps is stark white, with subtle tints ranging from pink to green.
These lamps also may be coated for color correction. Light from clear sodium lamps, however, is yellowish. It strengthens yellow, green, and orange, but grays red and blue and turns white skin complexions yellow. Sodium lamps also may be coated to improve color rendering, but as color rendering is improved, efficacy decreases somewhat. Light from low-pressure clear sodium lamps is almost pure yellow. Use of such lamps, as a result, is limited to applications where color rendering is unimportant, such as freight yards and security lighting.
With respect to annual cost of light, high-pressure sodium lamps with ceramic (aluminum-oxide) arc tubes, with relatively small size, high efficacy, long life, and excellent lumen maintenance, appear to be the most economical HID type. Some variations of this type of lamp also offer improved color rendering.
HID lamps require special luminaires and auxiliaries. Some of these fixtures will accept replacement HID lamps of any of the three types in specific wattages. Others will accept only one type.
See Art. 15.20, Bibliography.
