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Is the well being increased if one interchanges the lamps in one's work place with a BIOLUX?

Due to the low efficiency of the BIOLUX we advise against the installation of this lighting in the workspace.
UMINUX SKYWHITE brings a very positive effect on motivation and quality of life - please gather details from the brochure (to be found in the download area).

Are the types L 40W/21DS and L 65W/21DS for brightness control still available or which alternatives exist for these?

No, lamps of this kind with a 38 mm diameter and provided with an ignition foil originated in the early 1980s and have been replaced by T 8 (26 mm) lamps in conjunction with dimmable ECGs that can be controlled very well in the range from 100 to 1 % luminous flux. The dimmable ECGs are designed as fully electronic, one-piece units to enable easy conversion. Here it is an advantage that normal T 8 (26 mm) lamps can be used instead of the previous expensive special lamps.

What is the difference between the types FH and FQ for the T 5 (16 mm) fluorescent lamps?

FH or HE lamps offer extremely high luminous efficacies up to 104 lm/W. FQ or HO lamps offer very high lumen packets of up to 7000 lm. Linear T 5 (16 mm) fluorescent lamps have four lamp lengths and are 5 cm shorter than the lengths of the T 8 (26 mm) lamps as a basis (55, 85, 115 and 145 cm), i.e. a FH lamp and a FQ lamp have the same length with different wattages (e.g. same length of 115 cm for FH 28W and FQ 54W).
FH (14 to 35 W) lamps are lamps with a very high luminous efficacy with values up to 104 lm/W, FQ lamps (24 to 80 W) are lamps with an increased lamp wattage and higher luminous flux values per lamp for direct and indirect lighting, high rooms and for industrial lighting. FH can be used for offices and good architectural design with a high energy efficiency. FQ lamps are therefore used where a high luminous flux value per lamp unit is required, as the luminous efficacy of the FQ lamps is around 90 lm/W.
The use of the respective design FH or FQ is dependent on the type of system and on the luminaire type.
 
FQs are particularly well-suited for direct/indirect lighting, high rooms and for industrial lighting. FH can be used for offices and good architectural design with a high energy efficiency.

Which gas is contained in fluorescent lamps? (Transport - Dangerous Goods)

Fluorescent lamps are generally filled with the inert gas argon or with mixtures of argon, neon and krypton. In addition, part of the mercury required for radiation generation is in the vaporous state, while the main quantity is liquid under normal conditions. As a result, fluorescent lamps are subject to disposal laws in the commercial sector. In household use this will become law in the EU beginning in March 2006 with the WEEE (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive.

By how much is the UV radiation reduced if a COLOR control L58W/940 UVS is replaced with an L 58W/940?

The filtering tube stops the UV light to 99%.

What is understood by "three-band lamps" and which types do they include?

"Three-band lamps" are the currently day-to-day standard, and are offered by OSRAM under the brand LUMILUX. Hereby light is effectuated by three phosphors, whose combination causes a white light of great quality.

Is there an L 40/79K?

Yes, it is a special lamp for solariums.

Which fluorescent lamps can be used to illuminate underground car parks in which the lamps are also frequently switched?

Single-lamp luminaires with a cover (damp-proof luminaires) for 58 W fluorescent lamps equipped with a suitable warm-start ECG are recommended.
The device QTP 8 1x58 from OSRAM is recommended as the ECG. It is especially matched to the properties of the lamp in conjunction with frequent switching. In addition to the selection of the lamp, luminaire and ECG, it should also be ensured that each illuminated cycle is not less than 10 min. (15 min. is better). The reason for this is that following ignition of the lamp, its electrodes require a certain time for the so-called free burning.
 
The use of a dimmable electronic ballast (1 - 10 V interface) is ideal. Here the lamp is then operated in the so-called "off position" with 1 % luminous flux with short-circuited control terminals; switched on then means open control terminals, and therefore 100% luminous flux. This means the control terminals are used for switching. This operating mode has the advantage that the lamp electrodes are always sufficiently maintained at the emission temperature. The disadvantage is the energy consumption of approximately 13 % even during so-called "off position" due to the continuous preheating of the electrodes.
The solutions described are considerably better than the operating mode with a choke/starter with regard to the service life of the lamps, however short-term operation results in a reduction in the service life of the lamp which, on the other hand, remains within reasonable limits with the described operating mode with an ECG.

How does the change in the light color with dimming show itself? (T5)

The change in the light color is hardly noticeable in applications with freely suspended, dimmed lamps.

During an operation in e.g. narrow or closed luminaires, changes in the light color may appear due to significant temperature differences around the lamps (through heat accumulation within the luminaires).

Does the light colour change when fluorescent lamps are dimmed?

For a colour matching procedure OSRAM offers the COLOR proof (5400 K) according to Standard D50.

How is the starter connected to the fluorescent lamp?

A circuit diagram for this purpose is located at the end of Chapter 4 in the Lighting Program.

Which light colours of OSRAM fluorescent lamps belong to the daylight lamps?

According to DIN 5035 and CIE the group of so-called daylight white fluorescent lamps include those lamps with a colour temperature > 5000 K. The line of daylight white lamps include the following models:

The light colour 965 can be viewed as the more or less standardized light colour D65.

When is it worth it to switch off fluorescent lamps?

The service life of fluorescent lamps is defined by the switching rhythm of 165 minutes ON and 15 minutes OFF specified in the IEC.
A lighting system with fluorescent lamps should therefore not be switched off when the interruption times (OFF times) are less than 10 - 15 minutes.

How does an FQ fluorescent lamp behave at temperatures between 80 and 120°C?

The luminous efficacy drastically decreases, as ECGs (electronic control gear) are generally only approved for use up to ambient temperatures of 50°C. In addition, under these conditions the permissible base edge temperature is exceeded (for all FH and FQ max. 120°C), depending on the luminaire design.

Are there comparable fluorescent lamps that can be used both in Europe and the US?

As a European development (HE, HO), the new system of the T 5 (16 mm) tubular fluorescent lamps is also available in the US, which results in excellent matching.
 
On the other hand, there is no agreement for the T 12 (38 mm) and T 8 (26 mm) lamps, as due to the different voltage systems (120 V/60 Hz, 277 V/60 Hz) other operating systems with different lamps also exist in the US.

Why do fluorescent lamps continue to glow the entire night, although they are switched off?

Fluorescent lamps do not necessarily act this way. It depends on the luminaire - if following switch-off a potential is present compared to the surrounding area, mercury atoms will be excited to produce UV radiation, which, as is also otherwise the case, is converted in the phosphor to visible light. It is not a storage effect!

Which fluorescent lamp from OSRAM has a very low level of UV radiation?

The UV radiation of normal fluorescent lamps is so low, as very little UV radiation reaches the outside due to the phosphors selection and absorption properties of the tube glass, and even with higher illuminance values and long operating times no health problems are to be expected, particularly since the distance between lamp(s) and persons and/or materials is usually also large. However, for some critical materials such as pictures etc. it is an advantage due to a usually relatively long exposure time to use fluorescent lamps with a very low UV percentage. 

Does OSRAM have fluorescent lamps with a protective tube in its product line that can be used in certain areas of the food processing industry?

Yes, the so-called SPLIT control (SPS) on which an additional protective tube is applied to the lamp that holds the lamp parts (glass etc.) if the lamp breaks as the result of mechanical influence on the lamp. This prevents parts of the lamp from being able to fall out of the luminaire.

Fluorescent lamps for colour matching with the designation 19 Daylight 5000 de Luxe are still installed in a system. Which light colour can now be used?

For a colour matching procedure OSRAM offers the COLOR proof (5400 K) according to Standard D50.

What does light colour 23 mean?

This is the light colour 3500 K in a halophosphate (BASIC) lamp. For historical reasons this light colour is preferred in Great Britain (UK), although even here the trend is headed towards lamps with 4000 K.

What does light colour 26 mean?

This refers to the light colour 3500 K in a triphosphor (LUMILUX) lamp. For historical reasons this light colour is preferred in Great Britain (UK), although even here the trend is headed towards lamps with 4000 K.

OSRAM also offers fluorescent lamps with the light colour designation 36. Which is the replacement model?

These are the so-called NATURA lamps, which are now available with improved characteristics under the light colour designation 76. Lamps of this kind are specifically set to illuminate groceries in professional areas.

What recommendations are there for operating the light colour 62 YELLOW?

The yellow light of this lamp is achieved in conjunction with a yellow tube that not only provides excellent radiation filtering below 500nm, but simultaneously serves a protective function. The average lamp life is 10,000 hrs. The reason for this limitation is the ageing of the tube material (depolymerisation) as a result of the thermal loading and of the UV radiation, both of which directly affects the material.

Which light colour will suppress algae growth in my aquarium?

Here we recommend light colour 865-6500K.
Not more than 100,000 lux should be present at the water surface!

Which light colours of fluorescent lamps can be used for colour matching purposes?

For colour matching OSRAM offers the COLOR proof with a Ra of 98 and light colour 5300 K (Norm D50).

Can fluorescent lamps with the light colour BIOLUX (6500K) also be used in office lighting?

Due to the low efficiency of this lamp compared to LUMILUX and LUMILUX DE LUXE lamps we advise against this condition. In any case a much lower luminous flux should be considered when resupplying and an inspection of the minimum illumination is necessary.

Can fluorescent lamps also be operated at 60 Hz?

Yes, in conjunction with corresponding conventional control gear (CCG, VCG) or with electronic control gear (ECG) designed for 60 Hz.

Do fluorescent lamps give off radiation between 800 and 900 nm?

Normal temperatures between 20 and 40°C:
T8 fluorescent lamps switch over to stable Hg discharge very quickly here, i.e. an Hg line first becomes noticeable at 1040 nm.
The smaller the tube diameter, e.g. T4 for DULUX EL, the greater argon is excited and it takes a finite time after ignition until discharging only takes place via Hg. This means a small percentage of radiation between 800 and 900 nm results here.
 
Temperatures < 20°C, especially temperatures below freezing:
Here as well, there is a dependence on the tube diameter, i.e. following ignition argon is excited for a long time or forever and unfortunately radiates especially in the wavelength range of 800 - 900 nm.
The absolute IR radiation percentage is naturally dependent on the lamp type, however at low temperatures a more or less high argon radiation percentage always remains following ignition in the range of 800 - 900 nm, which does remain for different lengths of time.

By how much is the UV percentage of an L 58 / 22- 940 reduced when an L 58 / 22 - 940 UVS is used?

The filtering tube stops the UV light to 99%.

How can the thermal loading of fluorescent lamps be reduced?

With corresponding design of the luminaires that enables sufficient convection in the luminaire.

How long is the service life of fluorescent lamps?

The specification of the average service life (SL) indicates that 50 % of the lamps used often may have failed up to this value, whereby the test must be conducted under standard conditions. For fluorescent lamps, this primarily means operation at nominal voltage and at an ambient temperature of 25° C, as well as switching at most 8 times per 24hrs.(switching rhythm 165 min. on, 15 min. off).
In addition, the term economic life (EL) is often used, and strictly speaking this specification also applies only to a system containing several lamps. The economic life is reached when the luminous flux drops below the limit of 80% in the system. The economic life is the result of the two factors lamp failures and light deprecation. The light deprecation for fluorescent lamps is partially highly dependent on the phosphor and its ageing behaviour or from the coating technology. Major differences result for the BASIC light colours and the lamps coated with LUMILUX phosphor (three-band phosphors with single-layer technology).
Of course, the operating mode also has a major effect on the economic life of the lamp. Higher values are achieved with the ECG operating mode (warm-start ECG) compared to the CCG/VCG operating mode. The following values are specified for the main lamp types:

Can fluorescent lamps also be used for short-term operation, e.g. in display lighting with short sequences in individual segments or for clocking?

Fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent lamps are designed for longer operating times per switching; shorter burning times automatically result in a shorter lamp life. This effect can be reduced to a certain degree when corresponding high-grade electronic ballasts are selected. A general recommendation cannot be given, as each case consists of different specifications or presettings for use (e.g. different on and off times).

How are the switch cycles with fluorescent lights / discharge lamps defined?

The switch cycles of discharge lamps are:

Lamps involved in industrial applications are increasingly based on 12 h switch cycles (11 h on, 11 h off);  Here OSRAM's preparations on the according economic lifetime for the lamp palette are in process.

Can fluorescent lamps also be used for short-term operation, e.g. in display lighting with short sequences in individual segments or for clocking?

Fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent lamps are designed for longer operating times per switching; shorter burning times automatically result in a shorter lamp life. This effect can be reduced to a certain degree when corresponding high-grade electronic ballasts are selected. A general recommendation cannot be given, as each case consists of different specifications or presettings for use (e.g. different on and off times).

What temperatures can occur on the new-generation T 8 (26 mm) and T 5 (16 mm) fluorescent lamps?

The following values are the limits (maximum values) of the cap edge temperature that must be complied with by the luminaire manufacturer:

These are safety-related values of the cap edge temperature.
 
To provide additional information several temperatures are named for fluorescent lamps in freely burning operation:

* Temperatures that occur when lamps are operated on incorrect ECGs, e.g. FH 28W on the ECG for FQ 54W.
As a result, no foils may be applied to T 5 lamps (impermissible operating mode).

Can the tube of fluorescent lamps with special light colours be pulled off?

This is not recommended, as the lamp can be damaged in the process.

A black light lamp is to be installed in luminaires. How much UV does the cover absorb?

The UV absorption is highly material-dependent, so that unfortunately no general statement can be made. Therefore, the luminaire manufacturer should be asked.

Are T 5 (16 mm) fluorescent lamps to be burned in?

According to the Norm we recommend a firing time of 100 hours to ensure the complete stabilization of new lamps under full load.

Can the new T 5 (16 mm) fluorescent lamps also be used in any desired burning position?

Yes, FH and FQ lamps can be used in any burning position. Generally the luminaires are mounted on the ceiling or hung from the ceiling so that a horizontal burning position results for the luminaire. In cases in which the lamps or luminaires are arranged vertically or at an angle, the lamps must be fitted so that the end with the type designation (stamp) is located at the bottom (coldest necessary position for optimum luminous flux at the bottom). With FC the circular T 5 and vertical arrangement, the lamp cap is to be located at the bottom.

Does OSRAM also have coloured T 5 fluorescent lamps in its product range?

Yes. Please gather details off the light programme. The operational attributes of the coloured lamps are identical to those of types usually used for illumination purposes in according colours, i.e. operation with ECG and instructions on arrangements should be taken into consideration.

What are the data of the fluorescent lamps L 115W/20 SA?

The L 115W/20 SA lamps are equipped with an external conducting strip and are primarily used for lighting in cold storage buildings, since as so-called high-performance lamps they still have an acceptable temperature-to-luminous-flux behaviour for this application.
Today we recommend T5 HO CONSTANT that can offer a high luminous flux even at low temperatures for these applications.

What are the main characteristic values of the lamps L 40W/?S and L 65W/...S?

In the original application the lamps L 40W/?S and L 65W/?S were intended for operation on rapid-start (RS) devices, however can also be used for choke/starter operation. The lamps are used in older road lighting systems in luminaires without or with minimal heat insulation, i.e. usually where low ambient temperatures prevail. They are also used in certain mostly older all-plastic luminaires.

What differentiates the terms LUMILUX, LUMILUX PLUS, LUMILUX PLUS ECO for OSRAM fluorescent lamps?

LUMILUX is the OSRAM brand for fluorescent lamps of Ra > 80. At different points in time the various progresses of this lamp technology were differentiated into PLUS or PLUS ECO - these days all terms have been joined again to LUMILUX.

What must be observed when using T 5 lamps in multi-lamp luminaires?

The distance between the lamps must amount to about 32 mm.The lamps are to be inserted in such a way that the sides with the type designation (stamp) are next to each other.
When operating vertically the stamps must be arranged at the bottom.

What are the specifications of the L 33W fluorescent lamp?

This lamp is no longer included in our range.

Why are two values given for the luminous flux of T 5 (16 mm) fluorescent lamps?

Linear T 5 (16 mm) fluorescent lamps of the types FH and FQ achieve their maximum luminous flux at a lamp ambient temperature of 35° C (-1 / 3 K), i.e. at a temperature that results during operation in virtually all luminaires for fluorescent lamps. Usually this results in a higher luminaire efficiency.
The luminous flux is generally set at 25°C in the Norm IEC 60081, as this (based on the T8) acts as planning criteria and also as basis for photometric readings. Hence the luminous flux is announced at 25°C for planning and measuring purposes.

Can T 5 (16 mm) fluorescent lamps also be used in exterior lighting?

T5 were originally optimised for the interior zone - with a luminous flux optimum of 35°C inside temperature.
For the exterior area OSRAM offers the T5 HO CONSTANT as special lamp that offers a luminous flux of > 90% optimum even at only 5°C inside temperature. Depending on the construction of the light (to ensure a high inner warmth) a good luminous flux can also be achieved at minus temperatures.

The L 33W lamp is an older type of the T 12 (38 mm) fluorescent lamps and can still be frequently found in older systems due to its overall length. What are the main data of this lamp type?

Operating mode: Series connection of two lamps on the CCG for L 65W and 2 x ST 151 or individual operation with two CCGs for L 65W and ST 151 connected in parallel.

What are the main characteristic values of the lamps with external conducting strips L 40W/...SA and L 65W/...SA?

These lamps with external conducting strips belong to the group of older T 12 (38 mm) fluorescent lamps and are still used in older lighting systems that are usually present in the area of low or sub-zero ambient temperatures (e.g. in cold storage buildings). The lamps with the connected external conducting strip are preferably operated in the so-called RD circuit (resonance double choke), although operation with a choke and starter (ST 111) is also possible.

Fluorescent lamps with a 38 mm diameter L 25W (970 mm) or L 42W (1,047 mm) can be found in older lighting systems. What are the new types of the same length called?

With the introduction of the T 8 (26 mm) fluorescent lamps, major types of the T 12 (38 mm) lamps were replaced with T 8 (26 mm), which also applies to the types with so-called special lengths. Here full replaceability is given, as the length, electrical data and accessories are the same.

Electrical and luminous data of the 23W and 38W lamps are contained in the OSRAM Lighting program.