Light Sources

Below follows a brief overview of the difference types of light sources used today for lighting purposes.  The list is not complete and the can exist light sources within each group that deviate from the data presented below.

The data stated is taken from light source manufacturer’s catalogues and can vary depending on the manufacturer.

Fluorescent lamp T5/T16 (max, luminous efficacy)

Fluorescent lamp T5/T16 (max, luminous flux)

Fluorescent lamp T5: These “new” narrow fluorescent lamps Ø=16mm are adapted in length to fit 600mm modular ceilings.  This means that they are approx. 50mm shorter than “today” 26mm lamps.  The lamps are available in two different designs, HE (High Efficacy) with maximum luminous efficacy or HO (High Output) with maximum luminous flux.  All outputs in the HE range have the same  fluorescent lamp luminance while it varies in the HO range.  The fluorescent lamp is designed to give maximum luminous efficacy at an  approximate ambient temperature of 35°C, which corresponds to the normal temperature of an IP20 luminaire.  Always powered by a HF ballast and can also be dimmed using special HF ballasts.

(For further information about the T5 luminaire and lighting systems see next pages).

Circular fluorescent lamp T5C

Circular fluorescent lamp T5 FC:New thin lamp Ø=16mm in three standard sizes and four outputs .  Unlike the normal T5 fluorescent lamps, these lamps are designed for an ambient temperature  of 25°C.  The lamps are always powered by HF ballasts.

Fluorescent lamp (full colour) T8/T26

Fluorescent lamp T8 FD: These Ø=26 fluorescent lamps have a high luminous efficacy, good colour rendering, several colour temperatures, long mortality rate and they can be demmed.

Compact fluorescent lamp TC-L

Compact fluorescent lamp FSD/TC-L: Powerful compact fluorescent lamp that gives the possibility of small luminaires with a lot of light.  The advantages are: high luminous efficacy, good colour rendering serval colour temperatures, long mortality and the possibility of dimming, etc.

Compact fluorescent lamp, TC/TC-D/TC-T/TC-DD

Compact fluorescent lamp: Efficient compact fluorescent lamp with 2, 4, 6  limbs or 2D design with outputs up to 42.

These light sources have many advantages such as high luminous

efficacy, good colour rendering several colour temperatures, long mortality and the possibility of dimming, etc., FSM lamps  are also available in different designs with regard to geometry and characteristics.

Lamps with amalgam are recommended as it gives higher luminous efficacy in high ambient temperatures.  Generally there is a higher ambient temperatures in small luminaires, e.g down lights .  One limitation with the amalgam lamps is that it takes approximately 5 minutes before giving full luminous flux.

Lamps without amalgam are preferable in outdoor installations as they ignite better and give more light at low temperatures.

Halogen lamps:

Halogen lamps 12V: Available in many different designs and outputs and they have many good characteristics, e.g. excellent colour rendering, relatively inexpensive, good mortality rate, can be dimmed etc. Halogen lamps 230V: These halogen lamps have the same advantages as normal incandescent lamps, but are more efficient and have a longer mortality rate.  Available in outputs u to 250W.  Once again one disadvantage is relatively inferior energy efficiency.

Metal Halogen lamps:

Metal halogen lamps MT/MR/MD 35-150W: These light sources (Mastercolour) are new generation metal halogen lamps in 35-150W equipped with a ceramic burner, which results in a colour temperature distribution of less than +- 2000K.  The “old” lamps have a burner of quart, which gives a very large colour distribution.  The light source’s white “sparkling” light is very similar to the 12V halogen lamps but offers numerous benefits such as energy efficiency and long mortality rate.  MT-lamps are in UV-block design.  Luminaires with explosion protective glass are required for the MT light source.

MR-lamps have an integrated reflector with different distribution angles and dimensions as well as integrated protective glass,  and in addition, in UV-block design, which means that no extra UV protection glass is required in the luminaire.

Limitations: Metal halogen lamps cannot be dimmed.  They have an ignition  time of 2-3 minutes.  Restart of hot lamps takes up to 15 minutes.

Other metal halogen lamps:  These light sources have a quartz burner and do not give so good colour stability as the new lamps with ceramic burners.

Limitations As above