Light+Vocabulary

Directional lighting to emphasize a particular object or draw attention to a display item. ** Additional Information ** Typical application and/or other important information including footnotes, operating information, features and benefits. ** Amperes ** ("Amps.") A measure of electrical current. In incandescent lamps, the current is related to voltage and power as follows: Watts (power) = Volts x Amps (current). Circuit senses lamp end life and will automatically shut off power to the lamp(s). When a new lamp is inserted in the socket, the ballast resets, and turns on the lamp automatically. Some shutdown circuits require the power to be interrupted before a new lamp will re-light. Sound generated by the vibration of laminations in the iron core of the transformer or inductor present in the ballast. A hot body with an incandescent black surface at a certain temperature used as a standard for comparison. Note that a black surface is the best radiator possible. A tungsten filament will emit slightly less radiation than a blackbody at the same temperature. ** Bulb ** A loose way of referring to a lamp. "Bulb" refers to the outer glass bulb containing the light source. ** Bulb Material or Coating ** The type of glass (or quartz) used in the glass envelope surrounding the light source. The material can also have coatings applied to achieve particular performances. ** Brightness ** Brightness can refer to any of several technical terms used in lighting and is, therefore, ambiguous. Windings of copper or aluminum wire surrounding the steel core in ballast. Also refers to the entire assembly comprising the inductor or transformer ** Electrical Testing Laboratory (ETL) ** Independent testing laboratory that performs ballast tests and certifies accuracy of performance data. ** Electrode ** Any metal terminal emitting or collecting charged particles, typically inside the chamber of a gas discharge lamp. In a fluorescent lamp, the electrodes are typically metal filaments coated with special powders called emission mix. Negatively charged free electrons emitted by one electrode are attracted to the positive electrode (anode), creating an electric current and arc between electrodes. ** Electrodeless Lamps ** Light sources where the discharge occurs in a chamber with no electrodes (no metal.) The energy for the discharge is supplied by radio frequency excitation, e.g. microwaves. ** Floodlight ** A luminaire used to light a scene or object to a level much brighter than its surroundings. Usually floodlights can be aimed at the object or area of interest. ** Fluorescence ** A physical phenomenon whereby an atom of a material absorbs a photon of light an immediately emits a photon of longer wavelength. If there is a significant delay the phenomenon is called phosphorescence rather than fluorescence. It is interesting that "phosphors" used in lamps exhibit "fluorescence," not "phosphorescence." ** Fluorescent Lamp ** A high efficiency lamp utilizing an electric discharge through inert gas and low pressure mercury vapor to produce ultraviolet (UV) energy. The UV excites phosphor materials applied as a thin layer on the inside of a glass tube which makes up the structure of the lamp. The phosphors transform the UV to visible light. A measure of "electrical pressure" between two points. The higher the voltage, the more current will be pushed through a resistor connected across the points. The volt specification of an incandescent lamp is the electrical "pressure" required to drive it at its designed point. The "voltage" of a ballast (e.g. 277 V) refers to the line voltage it must be connected to.  ** Voltage (Design) ** For Automotive lamps, voltage at which the lamp is designed to provide the amperes, candlepower, and laboratory life characteristics. For Projection lamps, the voltage shown is the design voltage of the lamp, on which the life and wattage ratings are based. Lamps for which 115-120 is shown in the Volts column are designed at 118 volts. Lamps are available only in the design voltage(s) shown. When ordering lamps listed for more than one voltage, be sure to specify the voltage required. (Supply voltage variation can significantly affect lamp life.)
 * Accent Lighting **
 * Auto Rest Shutdown Circuit **
 * Ballast Hum **
 * Blackbody **
 * Coil **
 * Volt **