Fluorescent Light Repair

A fluorescent lamp, or fluorescent tube, is a low-pressure mercury-vapor gas-discharge lamp that uses fluorescence to produce visible light. An electric current in the lamp’s tube excites mercury vapor, which produces short-wave ultraviolet light that in turn causes a phosphor coating on the inside of the lamp to glow, producing light. A fluorescent lamp converts electrical energy into light more efficiently than incandescent lamps. Most typical fluorescent lighting systems have a luminous efficacy of 50-100 lumens per watt, which is several times the efficacy of incandescent bulbs with a comparable light output.

Fluorescent lamp fixtures are generally more expensive than incandescent lamps because they require a ballast to regulate the current through the lamp. However, the lower energy cost typically offsets the higher initial cost. Compact fluorescent lamps are sold in the same popular sizes as incandescent lamps, so they can be switched out fairly easily (but be sure to turn off your circuit-breaker before attempting any electrical work!). LED (light-emitting diode) lamps are also generally sold in the same sizes as incandescent and fluorescent lamps but have the added benefit of not containing mercury vapor.

Because they contain mercury vapor, many fluorescent lamps are classified as hazardous waste. The United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends that fluorescent lamps be separated from general waste for safe disposal or recycling. Some jurisdictions require fluorescent lamps to be recycled.

• Wikipedia: Fluorescent Lamp
• Home Depot: Types of Tube Lamps
• Lighting Comparison: LED vs. Fluorescent and CFL