Induction lighting is nothing new. The technology has been around for over 100 years. But with recent developments Electronic Ballast/Generator technology and the push for more energy efficient buildings, induction lighting is quickly gaining popularity in the United States.
What is Induction Lighting and how does it work?
Similar to fluorescent lighting, induction lighting utilizes mercury in a gas fill inside the bulb. This gas fill is agitated, emitting UV radiation that is then converted into white light by the phosphor coating of the bulb. However, unlike fluorescent lighting, induction lighting does not use electrodes to initiate the flow of current across the arc. Induction lighting, instead, uses a high-frequency generator with a power coupler. This produces a radio frequency magnetic field to agitate the gas fill.
What are the Benefits of Induction Lighting?
Because induction lighting uses a high-frequency generator instead of an electrode, induction lamps last up to 100,000 hours longer. That is a useful life 5-7 times longer than metal halide and 7 times longer than T12HO (high output) fluorescent. Additional benefits of induction lighting include:
- Instant ignition
- A color rendering index (CRI) above 80
- Performs well in extreme cold
- No glare
- Vibration resistant
- Virtually maintenance free
- Incredibly durable
- Reduced carbon footprint
Best of all, induction lighting is incredibly energy efficient. Below is a graph detailing the Lumens per Watt of several popular lighting solutions. Lumens per watt is a measure of efficiency. It is the amount of light a source gives off per watt.
It is no wonder that the United States Department of Energy (DOE) called induction lighting “one of the best kept secrets in energy efficient lighting.”
To learn more, please contact CQI Associates by calling 410-740-0667 or visit CQIAssociates.com today!