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An electrical discharge between the two electrodes in the glass tube generates
UV radiation. This UV radiation, which is barely visible, causes phosphors
applied to the inside of the tube to give out light. All fluorescent lamps
need control gear to ignite them and keep them operating.
The trend in fluorescent lamps is to reduce the tube diameter. Standard
LUMILUX lamps have a tube diameter of 26 mm. The new generation of fluorescent
lamps, the extremely economical FH lamps and the high-intensity FQ lamps
are only 16 mm in diameter. For special applications OSRAM offers the
FM lamp which, with a diameter of just 7 mm, is no thicker than a pencil.
Halogen:
Tungsten-halogen
lamps are basically conventional incandescent lamps with the addition
of halogens. They produce brilliant light that makes surfaces radiant
and colours more vibrant. Tungsten-halogen lamps last almost twice as
long as conventional lamps, and in most cases are considerably smaller
than "normal" light bulbs. All thanks to the "halogen cycle"
The tungsten atoms that vaporise from the filament are "captured"
by the halogens and returned to the filament. Tungsten-halogen lamps are
up to 50 % brighter than conventional lamps. They can also be dimmed to
any level.
The most widely used tungsten-halogen lamps are the low-voltage versions.
These are particularly small and economical but they do need a transformer
to reduce the mains voltage to 12 V. The popular DECOSTAR reflector lamps
are typical of this type. To meet the demands of commercial users for
high-quality light and long service life, OSRAM can offer the DECOSTAR
TITAN. OSRAM has also developed the first energy-saving halogen lamp,
the DECOSTAR IRC. This lamp will save up to 30 % on electricity consumption.
For some years, halogen lamps have been available as direct replacements
for conventional incandescent lamps HALOLUX and HALOPAR- lamps bring the
benefits of halogen light into the home at the flick of a switch.
Discharge:
High-pressure discharge lamps are characterised by their impressive economy
and their ability to produce extremely bright light from such small dimensions.
For example, a metal halide lamp in a football stadium floodlight consumes
"only" 1000 W but generates as much light as a 5000 W incandescent
lamp, and the light itself is produced in an area no larger than a 5 Rand
coin.
High-pressure discharge lamps are used mainly in shop windows and shop
interiors (e.g.POWERSTAR HCI), factories and outdoor lighting systems
(e.g. CITYLIGHT DS).
The light is generated directly by an arc discharge. A continuous electrical
discharge between the two electrodes causes the various filler materials
in the discharge to luminesce. High-pressure discharge lamps also need
special control gear to ignite and operate them.
Compact
Lamps:
Compact fluorescent lamps generate their light in the same way as fluorescent
lamps. By bending the glass tube back on itself, lamp manufacturers have
succeeded in making these lamps extremely compact.
Among consumers, the most famous type of energy-saving lamp is the DULUX
EL with its integrated electronic control gear. These can be used as direct
replacements for incandescent lamps. They consume 80% less energy and,
if used for an average of three hours a day (normal domestic use), will
last around 12 years.
DULUX EL CLASSIC, energy-saving lamps in the shape of ordinary light bulbs,
are newcomers to the range.
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