All fluorescent lamps can be divided into two large groups: linear and compact. A small assortment of ring and U-shaped lamps can be classified as linear, since they are made in flasks of the same diameters and have similar parameters.

Linear lamps for mass use are produced in bulbs with a diameter of 38, 26 and 16 mm (foreign designations - T12, T8 and T5, that is, 12/8, 8/8 and 5/8 inches). The German company Osram also makes T2 lamps with a diameter of about 7 mm, but these lamps are currently used only in scanners and other reprographic equipment, and not for general lighting. In recent years, the production of lamps in flasks with a diameter of 38 mm has practically ceased abroad. The standard range of linear lamp powers is not large: 4, 6, 8, 13, 15, 18, 20, 30, 36, 40, 58, 65 and 80 W. In the absolute majority modern lamps lamps of only three power ratings are used: 18, 36 and 58 W. In Russia, the production of lamps with a power of 20, 40, 65 and 80 W in flasks with a diameter of 38 mm is still ongoing.

As already mentioned, lamps of different wattages differ in bulb length - from 136 to 1514 mm (with bases).

Unlike incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps and the voltage at which they should be switched on is never indicated, since depending on the switching circuit used, the same lamp can operate at a variety of voltages - both in magnitude (from several volts to hundreds of volts) and in the type of current ( variable or constant).

Lamps of each wattage are available with different emission colors. In Russia, according to GOST 6825, five colors of white light are established: warm white, white, natural, cold white and daylight, designated by the letters TB, B, E, HB and D. In addition to white lamps of different colors, colored fluorescent lamps are produced - red, yellow, green, blue and dark blue (K, F, Z, Gi S).

The color of lamp radiation can be approximately characterized by color temperature Gtsv. Warm white color corresponds to 7Tsv = 2700 - 3000 K; white - 7Color = 3500 K; cold white - 7Color = 4200 K; natural - 7Tsv = 5000 K; daytime - 7Color = 6000 - 6500 K.

IN lamp markings There is no unity in foreign production; each company labels it differently. So, Philips designates all linear lamps as TL-D, Osram - Lumilux, General Electric - F. After these letters the power of the lamps is indicated (18W, 36W, 58W).
According to GOST 6825, the marking of lamps does not provide for an indication of the color rendering index. In contrast to this, in labeling of all foreign lamps with good and excellent color rendering, after the power (through a fraction), a number is placed that characterizes the overall color rendering index Ra. If Ra = 90, then the number 9 is written, at 80
Leading foreign companies often use words that are clearly advertising in the names of lamps: De Lux, Super, Super de Lux, etc.
Considering the great discrepancy in designation of lamps, which often misleads consumers, the International Commission on Lighting (CIE) has developed and recommended for all countries to use a single universal system for designating light sources, ILCOS. In accordance with this system, all linear fluorescent lamps, including the T5 series, are designated by the letters FD, ring ones by FC, and then the lamp power, general color rendering index and color temperature are indicated.

The T5 series of lamps with a bulb diameter of 16 mm is available in two versions - “lamps with maximum luminous efficiency” (brand designation for Osram - FH, for Philips - HE) and “lamps with maximum luminous flux” (FQ and HO, respectively). Both options contain four power ratings: the first - 14, 21, 28 and 35 W, the second - 24, 39, 54 and 80 W. In lamps with a power of 28 and 35 W, a record for fluorescent lamps was achieved luminous efficiency- 104 lm/W. All T5 series lamps can only work with electronic devices. Lamps in bulbs with a diameter of 26 and 38 mm (T8 and T12) are equipped with G13 sockets, with a diameter of 16 mm - G5.
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), in turn, are also divided into two groups: with an external switching device and with a built-in (“integrated”) switching device.
Lamps of the first group are made with a power from 5 to 55 W. The cylindrical lamp bulb can be bent one, two, three or even four times. In the literature, such lamps are usually called “two-, four-, six- and eight-channel,” which is fundamentally incorrect, since all such lamps have only one discharge channel. All lamps in this group have special sockets with two or four external pins. Starters are built into two-pin sockets, and to turn on lamps with such sockets you only need a choke of the appropriate type. Such lamps cannot work with electronic devices, since built-in starters and noise-suppressing capacitors interfere with operation electronic circuits. Lamps with four-pin sockets can be turned on both with conventional chokes and external starters, and with electronic devices (some types of high-power lamps can only work with electronic devices). There are about 20 types of bases (Fig. 1 a, b).

Rice. 1 a.

Rice. 1 b.

In Russia, compact lamps are designated by the letters KL (compact fluorescent) or KLU (compact universal fluorescent, that is, capable of working with both conventional chokes and electronic devices). Further, the designation indicates the lamp power and the color of the radiation.

All compact lamps are made using narrow-band rare-earth phosphors that provide good color rendering, which is why the marking of Russian lamps includes the letter T. For example, KL11/TBC is a compact fluorescent lamp with a built-in starter, 11 W, warm white color, with improved color rendering, allowing activation only with an external choke; KLU9/BC is a compact lamp with a four-pin base with a power of 9 W, white color, with improved color rendering, which can be switched on both with a choke and starter, and with an electronic high-frequency device.
In Russia, CFLs are produced only with a “single” curved tube (two linear luminous sections) with a power from 5 to 36 W with two-pin G23 sockets with a built-in starter or with four-pin 2G7 sockets (power 5, 7, 9 and 11 W) or 2G11 (18 , 24 and 36 W). In recent years, the VNIIIIS pilot plant in Saransk began to produce lamps with a built-in electronic switching device and an E27 base with four and six linear sections.

The range of foreign-made lamps is much wider. Leading European (Osram, Philips), American (General Electric, Sylvania) and Chinese companies make lamps with double-, triple- and quadruple-curved tubes (4, 6 and 8 luminous sections), flat type 2D, spiral, etc. In fact, each type of lamp has its own special base, which eliminates the possibility of including lamps of any one power in fittings designed for lamps of a different power.

As for linear, for compact lamps, each company has its own designation system, which makes it difficult to navigate the lamp world and often confuses consumers when deciding on the interchangeability of lamps from different companies. For example, Philips calls lamps with a G23 socket PL-S, Osram - Dulux S, Sylvania - Lynx-S, General Electric - F...X. After letter designations, just like linear lamps, the power, overall color rendering index and color temperature are indicated.

Compact lamps of the second group (with a built-in switching device) appeared on the world market in 1981 as a direct alternative to standard incandescent lamps. These lamps, as stated above, were very heavy - about 400 grams - and wide application not found. The situation changed radically in 1986, when Philips, Osram, and General Electric simultaneously began industrial production of CFLs with built-in electronic switching devices and E14 and E27 sockets. Lamps weigh no more than 100 grams; in size, and often in shape, they resemble the usual incandescent lamps; The color of the radiation is usually warm white, which is also close to incandescent lamps. A wide advertising campaign, for which purpose in Germany Osram even gave away lamps for free for some time.

The promotions did their job, and the demand for CFLs with E27 and E14 sockets began to grow everywhere, which led to a corresponding increase in their production. Now more than 200 million such lamps are made in the world per year, of which about 100 million are made in China. Unfortunately, no more than 10 thousand such lamps are produced in our country per year.

Compact fluorescent lamps with E27 or E14 sockets have a number of advantages over incandescent lamps and “non-integrated” CFLs: their luminous efficiency is approximately 5 times higher, their service life is 8-10 times longer, the lamps are simply screwed into sockets, do not hum, do not blink when turned on, burn with non-pulsating light. They actually have only one drawback - the high price. Foreign economists have calculated that at current electricity prices in Europe and the USA, the payback period for CFLs is 2 - 3 years when the lamps operate for about 3 hours a day.

Lamps with an integrated switching device are classified according to the power and color of the radiation. Like the lamps of the first group, there is no unity in the designation of integrated CFLs - each company designates it differently. According to the international ILCOS system, all CFLs with a built-in switching device must be called FSQ.

In Russia, there is also a CFL end with a tube inserted into the switching terminal (Fig. 2). Such lamps of the Aladin or SKLEN type with a power of 11, 13 and 15 W are made in small quantities by the Moscow Electric Lamp Plant.

Rice. 2. Spiral fluorescent lamps of the “Alaline” type

Tables 1, 2, 3 and 4 show the parameters of some types of fluorescent lamps of domestic and imported production.

Table 1 Power, W Length, mm (full) Luminous flux, lm Luminous efficacy, lm/W

table 2 Power, Nominal Maximum Nominal Maximum light light light light (at 20 °C) (at 35 °C) "Lamp life - 18,000 hours at average decline luminous flux 10 %. “Lamps are available with color temperatures of 2700, 3000, 4000 and 6000 K. The color rendering index of all lamps is 85. Table 3 Parameters of CFLs with built-in switching devices

	Power,	Light	Dimensions, mm
		flow, lm
With two linear

A fluorescent lamp is a gas-discharge light source, which today is widely used for lighting not only in offices and production, but also in houses, apartments and garages. The main advantages compared to conventional incandescent lamps are their long service life (up to 20 times longer) and several times greater energy efficiency (they consume several times less electricity with the same luminous flux).

But there are disadvantages:

1. Sensitive to the quality of the power supply and the number of turns on and off. If these conditions are not met, they quickly fail.
2. Inside glass flask contains mercury dangerous to human health.
3. Lack of regulation using brightness dimers, except for CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) of a special design and with a specific connection, which requires the installation of additional wires for this.
4. Not recommended for use with a switch that has a built-in backlight, which can lead to its incorrect operation with short-term lighting of the lamp.
5. The period between turning on the fluorescent lamp should be more than 2 minutes. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it in conjunction with a sensor, sound, motion, etc. If you ignore this, it will quickly fail.
6. It is not recommended to use compact fluorescent lamps in sealed luminaires with a high degree of IP protection for rooms with high humidity, dust, fire hazard, etc.
7. The operating temperature is not lower than -25 degrees Celsius; when this threshold is reached, it simply will not be able to light up when turned on.

Types of fluorescent lamps.

For houses and apartments, compact fluorescent lamps (hereinafter referred to as CFLs) are mainly used with a regular base, which are connected directly to electrical network 220 volt. Compact 4-pin fluorescent lamps are quite rare, the operation of which requires a lamp with a special start-control unit, with which so-called tubular fluorescent lamps (very rarely arc-shaped) also work. The latter are mainly used for lighting administrative and industrial premises.

Technical characteristics of fluorescent lamps.

• They all operate at a voltage of 220 Volts, less often at serial connection two at 127 Volts.
• Three letter marking. The first means L - luminescent, the second a shade of glow. D - daytime, B - white, E - natural white, TB - warm white, HB - cold white; K, 3, F, G, C - respectively red, green, yellow, blue, cyan, blue, UV means ultraviolet. The third letter C (or two CC) after the first two indicates color rendition High Quality. And at the very end there are underlining letters design features: U - U-shaped, K - ring, P - reflex, B - quick start. The numbers indicate power in Watts. Power consumption ranges from 18 to 80 W.
• Depending on the design, the lamps are found with different types and the dimensions of the holders (bases) The diameter of the tube is indicated by the T-size, followed by a value in eighths of an inch. So the T8 marking indicates a diameter of 26 millimeters, and T12 - 38 mm. Be careful, otherwise you buy a lamp that does not fit your lamp. Read more in .
• In addition to the base, the lamp must also be similar in length, so you will not insert an 18 W lamp into a 32 W lamp, because their length is almost 2 times different.

Technical characteristics of compact fluorescent lamps.

All specifications You can easily find it on the packaging or on the lamp body. Usually it indicates the service life, power consumption in Watts (Watt) and a comparison of similar efficiency with an incandescent lamp. Always pay attention to the type of base. They are found on sale with a reduced-size E14 base and a regular E27 base, designed for direct replacement of incandescent lamps. Another important parameter is color rendering, which shows what shade the artificial light will be, indicated in Kelvin from 2700K ( warm shade, like an incandescent lamp) up to 6500K (cold).
Read more about this in our article “

When I started solving the problem of lighting my can, I encountered the problem of deciphering what was written on the lamps. After all, it is very easy to get lost in the complex variety fluorescent lamps, and if you don't have a catalog with detailed characteristics what to do?

Here is a reference article that I think will help many not to get lost in their choice

Parameters for choosing energy-saving lamps

Size. As a rule, energy-saving lamps are larger in size than regular ones. Therefore, pay attention to whether the fluorescent lamp you choose will fit into your luminaire. There are two main forms of energy-saving lamps: U-shaped and spiral-shaped. The shape of the lamp does not affect its performance, however, spiral lamps are usually slightly more expensive than U-shaped lamps because their manufacturing process is more complex.

Power. Energy-saving lamps come in different wattages: from 3 to 85 W. Considering that the luminous efficiency of energy-saving lamps is approximately 5 times higher than that of conventional lamps, you need to choose the required power of a fluorescent lamp based on the appropriate proportion - where you used an incandescent light bulb with a power of 100 W, an energy-saving lamp with a power of 20 W will be enough.

Base type. Before buying a lamp, do not forget to check the type of base of your lamp, which will only fit the corresponding lamp base. The vast majority of chandeliers that are suspended from the ceiling have an E 27 (regular) base; small lamps and sconces use a slightly smaller E 14 base (aka minion).

First, let's understand the terminology.

Color of light- the temperature of a black body at which it emits radiation with the same chromaticity as the radiation in question. In other words, it is a measure of the objective impression of the color of a given light source. If the temperature of the “black body” increases, then the blue component in the spectrum increases, and the red component decreases.

Unit: kelvin (K).
There are the following main colors of light:
2700 K - super warm white
3000 K - warm white
4000 K - natural white or white
5000 K - cool white (daytime)
Lamps with the same light color can have various characteristics color rendering, which is explained by the spectral composition of the light they emit.
Color sensation is the general, subjective sensation that a person experiences when looking at a light source. Light can be perceived as warm white, neutral white or cool white. The objective impression of the color of a light source is determined by color temperature.
Color rendition. The color fidelity of a particular lamp shows us how natural our surroundings look in the light of that lamp. Color rendering ability reflects the color rendering coefficient (index) - Ra.
To establish the value of Ra, eight colors are selected from the environment, which are then illuminated by the lamp under study and a standard lamp producing light with the same color temperature. The smaller the difference in the color rendering ability of the compared lamps, the higher the Ra value of the lamp under study.
The maximum Ra value is 100 (this value is assumed for sunlight as well as for most incandescent lamps).
Color rendering class - the reliability of the color rendering of the lamp. Classes 1A, 1B - the degree of color rendering is excellent. Classes 2A, 2B - the degree of color rendering is good. Class 3 - the degree of color rendering is satisfactory. Class 4 - the degree of color rendering is insufficient.
Each manufacturer of lighting products labels their products according to their own special type, but these designations can be deciphered and obtain the necessary information about the lamp.
Color rendering together with light chromaticity/color temperature constitute the international lamp color designation ( color designation), which needs to be decrypted.
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Marking of PHILIPS fluorescent lamps (Fig. 1)
The first digit of the international designation determines the color rendition:
9 - corresponds to color rendering degree 1A (Ra 90-100)
8 - corresponds to color rendering degree 1B (Ra 80-89)
7 - corresponds to color rendering degree 2A (Ra 70-79)
6 - corresponds to color rendering degree 2B (Ra 60-69)
5 - corresponds to color rendering degree 3 (Ra 50-59)
4 - corresponds to color rendering degree 3 (Ra 40-49)
The next two numbers indicate the color of the light / color temperature:
27 – LUMILUX PLUS INTERNA (super warm light) / about 2700 K
30 – LUMILUX PLUS warm white (warm light) / about 3000 K
40 – LUMILUX PLUS cool white (natural white) / about 4000 K
50 — LUMILUX PLUS daylight ( cold light) / about 5000 K
60 – LUMILUX PLUS daylight / about 6000 K
65 – LUMILUX BIOLUX ( daylight) / about 6500 K
Special aquarium lamps
PHILIPS AQUARELLE:http://www.aquariumlights.ru/philips_a.html
Aquarium fluorescent lamps(TLD AQUARELLE) emit light with a very high energy density in the blue part of the spectrum. This not only emphasizes the beauty and uniqueness underwater world, but also provides optimal conditions for photosynthesis, stimulates the formation of oxygen, has a beneficial effect on aquarium plants and fish. These lamps have a tube shape with a diameter of 16 or 28 mm and a G5 or G13 base respectively. Their power can be 8-58 W. Useful service life - 8000 hours.
Here is some more information on Philips lamps:
http://www.i-stroy.ru/docu/electrica...amp/13340.html
And the most interesting link:Special lamps for lighting aquariums
http://www.zoospravka.ru/foraqua/aquaeqlamp.htm

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Marking of fluorescent lamps OSRAM
If everything is more or less clear with the designation of Philips fluorescent lamps, then Osram lamps require some explanation due to the highlighting of their own light colors. Therefore, for greater clarity, it is necessary to consider the colors of Osram lamps.
Colors of light from OSRAM fluorescent lamps
LUMILUX®
Light color 11-860 LUMILUX® PLUS ECO daylight
Light color 21-840 LUMILUX® PLUS ECO cool white
Light color 31-830 LUMILUX® PLUS ECO warm white
Light color 41-827 LUMILUX® PLUS ECO INTERNA
All these light colors have economical fluorescent OSRAM lamps LUMILUX® PLUS ECO .
Lamps with LUMILUX® color light are characterized by excellent color rendering and high luminous efficiency. The main advantages of these lamps are:
reduced power consumption
luminous efficiency up to 104 lm/W
excellent color rendering in accordance with DIN 5035, degree 1B (Ra 80 - Ra 89).
For lamps with LUMILUX® luminous colors, it is recommended to use electronic ballasts, which ensure economical operation of these lamps, the luminous flux of which decreases only slightly during their service life. This recommendation also applies to lamps with LUMILUX® DE LUXE color light.
LUMILUX® DE LUXE
Lamp 12-950 LUMILUX® DE LUXE with daylight color meets the highest requirements for the reproduction of natural color in daylight (5400 K, Ra 98). Therefore, it is indispensable in cases where an atmosphere of living daylight is needed, for example, in printing houses, dental offices and laboratories, when viewing transparencies and in specialized textile stores.
Lamps 22-940 LUMILUX® DE LUXE with cool white and 32-930 LUMILUX® DE LUXE with warm white light colors meet the highest requirements for very good color rendering (Ra>90). Color rendering degree 1A according to DIN 5035.
Lamp 72-965 BIOLUX® emits light that is similar in spectral characteristics to sunlight. This lamp is recommended for rooms with insufficient daylight, such as offices, banks and shops. Thanks to its very good color rendering and high temperature color (6500 K) it is ideal for comparing paints and medical light therapy.
Universal white (type 25)
Lamp with universal light color for indoor and outdoor lighting.
Lamps with special light colors
76 NATURA DE LUXE. The red component of the light emitted by this lamp is harmoniously coordinated with the other color components. Its natural color rendering makes it particularly suitable for highlighting meat and sausages, delicacies, vegetables, flowers, etc.
77 FLUORA®. A special irradiator for plants and aquariums with enhanced radiation in the spectral range of blue and red light. Ideally affects photobiological processes. By the way, an analogue of GroLux and similar ones - for illuminating plants.
60, 66 and 67. Colored fluorescent lamps in red, green and blue for decorative lighting and creating special lighting effects. Not particularly suitable for aquatics.
62. Fluorescent Lamp yellow light, absolutely free of ultraviolet components. Therefore, this lamp is recommended for sterile applications, such as chip shops, as well as general lighting without UV radiation.
Osram lamps with SPS and UVS designations emit light with a minimum content of ultraviolet component type A (with the absolute absence of ultraviolet components type B and C).
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Specification of an energy-saving lamp produced by DeLux: ESS-02A 15W E14 6400K means that we have a 15 W lamp with a small base (E14) emitting cold White light(6400K).

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DECODING OF THE SYMBOL FOR INCALATED LAMPS

Designations of incandescent lamp types

B - spiral;
BC – double-spiral with krypton filling;
B – vacuum;
G - gas-filled;
D – decorative;
ZK – mirror with concentrated KSS;
ZSh – mirror with wide KSS;
M – in a milk glass flask;
O – in an opal glass flask;
C – in a candle-shaped flask;
Ш – spherical flask.

Designations of some types of light sources

DRL - arc mercury lamp high pressure with phosphor.
DRI – metal halogen lamp.
DRIZ is a metal halide lamp with an internal mirror reflector.
DRISH - short-arc metal halide lamp, spherical.
DNAT is a high pressure sodium lamp.
DnaZ is a high-pressure sodium lamp with a mirror reflector.
KG – halogen incandescent lamp with a quartz bulb.
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A gas-discharge light source, on the walls of which a special phosphor coating is applied, is called a fluorescent lamp. It is made in the form of a glass tube. At the ends there are special electrodes that light this lamp. The entire space inside the flask is filled with mercury vapor and inert gas. It is they that begin to emit light after ignition.

After turning on the device, inside there is gas discharge. It is this discharge that ignites the mercury vapor and causes it to emit ultraviolet light invisible to the human eye.

Operating principle and product types

After igniting the mercury, ultraviolet begins to interact with the phosphor applied to the walls, which causes it to emit a visible spectrum of light. Thus, the phosphor performs the function of a converter, or converter, and allows us to sense the light that is easily perceived by the human eye and is capable of illuminating environment.

Thanks to unique property don't let glass through ultra-violet rays, it protects us and completely blocks their release into the environment and protects our eyes from its direct effects, which are destructive.

But there are lamps that do not interfere with such radiation. They are made from uviol and quartz glass, these types of materials are capable of transmitting ultraviolet rays. As a rule, such lamps are used to clean and disinfect various devices. In the store you can find them as bactericidal; they are specially designated where this is indicated.

Principle of operation

To increase the thermal output of light, low-pressure lamps with the addition of indium and cadmium amalgam or other similar elements are used. Thus, temperature Range capable of expanding up to sixty degrees, compared to the standard filling of the lamp, when the temperature is no more than twenty-five degrees.

A significant decrease in performance is noticed when the temperature external environment is at a low level, below the minimum acceptable level. Under such conditions, the warm-up and ignition time of the lamp increases significantly, the intensity and quality of the glow decreases several times.

For such conditions it is necessary to use special insulation and heaters. In this regard, lamps that do not contain mercury vapor and operate exclusively at low pressure are gaining relevance. inert gas inside the flask.

Technical characteristics and classification

To classify and highlight the technical characteristics of fluorescent lamps, you should pay attention to the following indicators of their performance and design:

• Type of light emitted. Energy-saving devices can emit both regular white light and daylight. A newer variety of them are universal devices.
• Transverse width of the flask. In proportion to the growth of this indicator, all other indicators increase, such as power, light temperature, spectrum and duration of operation of the device. The most common and most effective diameters are eighteen, twenty-six and thirty-eight millimeters. The diameter and length of the entire flask are often indicated together, for example, dimensions 38\406.
• Radiation strength indicator or in simple words device power. Thanks to this criterion, we are able to calculate what area can be illuminated using the lamp we have chosen. The efficiency of the device also depends on the power indicator.
• The number of plinths can be in one version, two or in a compact form with built-in plinths. To increase compactness, the lamps are twisted into a spiral to save space.
• The need for a starter design or a starterless device. There is an opinion that lamps that do not have a starter are more economical, but this is not the case. In reality, such devices simply spend the same amount of electricity to start up longer.
• The nominal voltage required for the lamp to operate. There are varieties capable of operating from a standard voltage of 220 volts and a more unique one, 127 volts.
• Flask shape: ring, y-shaped, straight, spiral, spherical device, arc shape. Standard household lamps usually have the most acceptable spiral design and are generally not labeled.
• Life time. Depending on the area of ​​use, the service life will vary. Home energy-saving lamps have the longest operating period.

Compared to older analogues, having appeared on the market, each energy saving light bulb was marked and had its own designation. The designation system was invented immediately and was only supplemented with the release of newer models and expanded functionality.

Manufacturers indicate the type of device, but rarely indicate parameters such as the diameter and length of the flask; they are written only on the box.

Labeling of domestic manufacturers

The shape of the flask clearly demonstrates the appearance and affects most of the characteristics; let's look at how flasks are marked:

• U – barrel device. An additional number is indicated on the front, which shows how many electric arcs occur inside.
• M – clarification, which shows that the product has small dimensions with relatively high power.
• S – Spiral flask type. There are also subtypes, such as spiral with an installed jacket body.
• P - This designation indicates that a jacket body is used. It is used with almost all types of energy-saving devices.
• C – in the shape of a candle.
• Ш – spherical device, this shape is standard for reflector lamps.
• R - indicates that the design contains a reflector to direct the flow of light.

Let's look at all the pros and cons

The luminous efficiency increases when the length of the device decreases. Thus, losses of anode and cathode interactions become smaller and the luminous flux becomes higher quality. Based on this, it can be understood that a 26 W lamp will be more efficient than two lamps with the same total power.

The period of operation is limited by the wear of the electrodes, since they simply disappear during production. Shocks and falls of the device negatively affect its viability. Once dropped, the lifespan and quality of the light may drop dramatically.

What are the advantages of such devices:

1. The efficiency is relatively high, around twenty-five percent, and the luminous efficiency is up to ten times higher than that of incandescent lamps.
2. Service life is approximately twenty thousand hours.
3. Quite a high degree of light output. This indicator is five to six times higher than incandescent lamps. For example, a twenty-watt energy-saving device emits an amount of light approximately equal to a hundred-watt incandescent lamp.
4. Very wide color spectrum. It is possible to choose a lamp with the color of light that you need. Today there are hundreds different options shades.
5. The light is distributed throughout the entire volume of the device, and not just on the working part, as is the case with an incandescent lamp.

Of course, such a device has disadvantages:

• Need additional installation ballast to stabilize and maintain normal lamp operation. Ballast is a ballast that ensures the normal ignition process and stable operation of an energy-saving lamp.
• They strongly depend on the external air temperature. Optimal temperature for work, is twenty degrees.
• There is a risk of mercury vapor poisoning if the device shell is significantly damaged.
• Unstable voltage will cause strong flicker, which is noticeable to the human eye and greatly affects vision.
• Installation of a dimmer is only possible using additional devices.
• Recycling requires a specialized service, which costs a lot of money.

Selects an energy-saving lamp for your needs

When choosing this device for yourself, you should adhere to certain rules, which will subsequently affect its quality and durability.

Labeling of popular manufacturers

What technical characteristics should you pay attention to:

• Features of the room where the lamp will be installed.
• The temperature at which the device will need to operate.
• The quality of your power grid.
• Lamp dimensions. If it is too long or wide, there is a chance that it will not fit into your lamp.
• Necessary need for power, color and type of luminous flux.

By selecting a device in accordance with these rules, you are guaranteed to receive a good product that can meet all your needs.