Energy-saving (ESL) lamps

Energy-saving lamps (ESL) are becoming more popular. Under this concept, only fluorescent lamps are often meant. But other devices are also energy-efficient, which have low energy consumption and good light output. They are used not only for indoor lighting. Another lamp was widely spread. ESL for plants - additional light, when there is not enough daylight, especially in the cold season.

Variety of devices

A lot is represented today by ESL. Lamps are divided into several categories. If we talk about luminescent, then they, in turn, can be contact or linear type.

This group also includes some types of LED lamps, which have a number of advantages over fluorescent lamps. They do not contain harmful and dangerous substances. Long service life and operation without interruptions are provided due to the mechanical strength of the device. The luminous efficiency and such devices are higher.

The device is also different ESL. Lamps are divided into two parts: with an electric and electromagnetic throttle. Devices belonging to the first group are preferable to the second. They have better quality of work and do not create additional noise.

There is another classification, which concerns the size of the socle. According to this indicator, energy-saving lamps are divided into three categories:

• With the index E14. They differ by a threaded hole (1.4 centimeters). For their use, household cartridges with a reduced diameter are needed.

• E27, which have a threaded hole of 2.7 centimeters. They are designed for installation in cartridges of standard sizes.

• E40. Such lamps in their design have built-in electronic ballast.

The device and the principle of operation

At the ends of the tube are electrodes, which are heated when switching on the ESL. Lamps heat up to almost a thousand degrees. Due to the increase in temperature, free electrons appear. They start chaotic motion until they get acceleration from the impact of tension.

Due to their motion, electrons collide with mercury and argon atoms. Thanks to mercury vapor, a low-temperature plasma is formed. It is she who becomes ultraviolet radiation. Radiation of the ultraviolet, starting from the phosphor, which covers the walls of the tube from the inside, forms visible light.

Electrodes located at the ends of the tube periodically change their sign. They become cathodes, then anodes. This is achieved by applying an alternating voltage. And the generator, supply voltage, operates at a frequency of several dozen kilohertz. Thanks to this, the ESL does not flicker.

Lamps and their indicators

Which devices are suitable for use? For the operation must have the necessary parameters of ESL. Lamps should have the following characteristics:

• The size of the socle.

• Dimensions of the lamp. Energy-saving lamps have large dimensions, in comparison with conventional ones. Therefore, before buying, make sure that they fit into the lamp.

• The possibility of changing the brightness of combustion.

• The service life, which is indicated in hours (for those cases when the voltage of the network does not change).

• The number of inclusions the lamp circuit can withstand.

Knowing these characteristics, you can choose a suitable energy-saving lamp.