1. How much heat (or infrared
radiation) is emitted by regular, halogen, and compact fluorescent
lamps?
Because incandescent and halogen
bulbs create light through heat, about 90% of the energy they
emit is in the form of heat (also called infrared radiation).
To reduce the heat emitted by regular incandescent and halogen
light bulbs, use a lower watt bulb (like 60 watts instead of
100).
Fluorescent lamps use an entirely
different method to create light. Both compact fluorescent lamps
and fluorescent tubes contain a gas that, when excited by electricity,
hits a coating inside the fluorescent lamp and emits light.
(This makes them far more energy-efficient than regular incandescent
lamps.) The fluorescent lamps used in your home emit only around
30% of their energy in heat, making them far cooler.
back
to top
2. My incandescent lamps
have been failing earlier than the specified life. Why is this?
Incandescent lamp life can be
shortened by vibration or shock and supply voltage swings. If
a lightbulb is going to be in an environment where it is exposed
to vibration or shock, such as a garage door opener or ceiling
fan, you should try to use a lamp with a stronger filament.
Another cause of general incandescent
lamp failure (other than leaving them on all the time) is high
voltage. While utilities usually do a pretty good job of voltage
regulation, they sometimes have little control. State regulatory
boards allow them certain specified leeway because of anticipated
load, local load peaks, and other criteria. The allowable limits
are usually in the order of ten percent, which on your nominal
house voltage of 120 volts would allow a range from 108 to 132.
Incandescent lamps are very
sensitive to voltage. A lamp rated at 120 volts, for example,
would only last 1/2 of rated life if subjected to 125 volts,
or 1/3 of rating if the average voltage applied were 130 volts.
The first thing you should do
is to keep track of how long the worst offenders are lasting.
How long are your lamps burning? Be sure not to count the time
that they are turned off. Typical incandescent bulbs are rated
at 750-1000 hours, meaning approximately 2-1/2 changes per year.
The next step may not be easy.
The only way to tell what average voltage your bulbs are experiencing
is to attach a recording voltmeter to the circuit you are testing
so that it records only when your lights are on. This step should
only be accomplished by a licensed electrician. If you determine
that you are receiving higher than rated voltage you will need
to contact your electric utility to fix it.
back
to top
3. How does the Bug Lamp
work?
Insects and humans have different
visual perceptions. This allows for people to have better control
of nocturnal insect nuisances by adjusting the color of lighting.
The human visual system is activated
by radiant energy in the color range from deep blue to dark
red, which we call light. The vision of flying insects, however,
is shifted away from long-wavelength red toward the shorter
blue and near ultraviolet (black light) wavelengths of the electromagnetic
spectrum. Sources which radiate ultraviolet energy and blue
light are most attractive to flying insects, while those with
a deficiency of ultraviolet and blue are less attractive. Insects
see black light fluorescent, mercury, and metal halide best.
Lamps which insects have a difficult time seeing include incandescent,
high-pressure sodium, and bug light incandescent (yellow).
RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Homeowners can reduce insect annoyance by using incandescent
"bug lamps", gold fluorescent, or high-pressure sodium
near entrances. Unfortunately none of these sources render complexions,
flowers, or greenery very well because of their lack of blue
light. In addition, any light source near doorways should be
shielded from horizontal view so that the flying insect will
be less apt to see it. If possible, the light source should
be located a short distance from the entrance and the light
should be directed to illuminate the entrance. Note that incandescent
"bug lamps" do not repel bugs - they just don't attract
as many as plain bulbs because the insects cannot see the yellow
light as well as they can see blue or ultraviolet light. Another
tip is that decks, patios, and particularly barbecue and eating
areas should be lighted from a distance. The custom of stringing
colored bulbs for a festive atmosphere will work reasonably
well if the majority of light in the area is beamed in from
some distance away.
COMMERCIAL AREAS
Elimination of insect pests from commercial food preparation
and serving areas is particularly important for health reasons.
Many food preparation areas are protected from flying insects
by a combination of lighting systems and insect traps. Due to
the fact that insect systems need to comply with the National
Electrical Code, specialists in the field of insect lighting
should be involved with any design.
INSECT TRAPS
Most insect traps use black light fluorescent lamps as an attractant.
Some traps destroy the insects by use of an electrified grid
while others trap the insects on a renewable sticky surface.
An obvious caution is to install the traps outside the area
you are trying to protect. The 9th edition of "The IESNA
Lighting Handbook" recommends placing trap lamps 30 m to
60 m away from the perimeter of the area you are trying to protect
from entering insects. Specialists should be consulted to determine
specific types of traps and their locations.
back
to top
4. Are incandescent lamps
used in light gardening?
According to "The IESNA
Lighting Handbook," incandescent lamps are frequently used
to light flowering plants since they are strong in the red portion
of the spectrum. However, incandescent lamps give off considerable
heat and if used without care can damage plants. This includes
reflector lamps.
To avoid excessive heat, consider
using FIREFLY's Garden Lantern
Lamp Fixtures with Incandescent or Compact Fluorescent Lamps.
It provides light with less heat due to the fixture's UV resistant
glass. Lamps with low wattage and warm white (2700K) color temperatures
are useful for flowering plants.
back
to top
5. How can I get lighting
product catalogs?
Downloadable PDFs, including
the latest product catalogs with in-depth product specifications
are located in the Products menu of this web site.
+Download
Product Catalogs
back
to top
