| What is Energy Star? |
Energy Star is a voluntary partnership among the U.S. Department of Energy,
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, product manufacturers, local utilities and retailers.
LIGHT PROCESS COMPANY is an EPA Energy Star Partner, look for the logo on our fixtures.
It means that the product meets their guidelinesfor energy efficiency.
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| What does hardwire mean? |
Hardwire is a type of retrofit. Instead of "screwing in" an adapter,
the incandescent socket is removed from the fixture & the fluorescent ballast &
socket are wired in place.
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| What does retrofit mean? |
Retrofitting a fixture means converting it from one type of light source to another. Most commonly,
this term is used when converting an incandescent fixture to a compact fluorescent fixture.
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| Why won't my circline fixtures come on? |
Circline fluorescent fixtures are an older technology than the new compacts.
They are much more sensitive to things such as grounding & cold weather.
Be sure the fixture is grounded.
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| What is High Power Factor? |
A ballast (or fixture) is considered High Power Factor if it is rated at greater
than 90%. To be HPF, the ballast is accompanied by a capacitor, either internal
or external to the ballast. It's purpose is to reduce the amperage during start
up and regulate power quality to the lamp. Incidentally, electronic fluorescent
are already HPF by nature.
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| Do I need HPF? |
It depends on the application. For instance, in high pressure sodium, the
reduction in start up amperage can be substantial. In many cases, HPF allows
for a greater number of fixtures on one circuit. In compact fluorescent,
HPF is often required in utility rebates. The reason for the requirement
is not the energy savings and increased lamp life, as those are to small to
justify the cost. The real purpose in compact fluorescent is that the capacitor
acts as a surge protector & protects the ballast & lamp from irregular line spikes.
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What is Class P?
Do I need it? |
Class P means "thermally protected". All indoor fluorescent fixtures
must now be "class P". The thermal protector cuts off electrical supply to the ballast
when it exceeds a safe operating temperature. In fluorescent, this is not a problem.
However, in incandescent fixtures, heat build up can be dangerous especially if you are
using a higher wattage lamp than the fixture is rated for. ALL Indoor fluorescents must use Class P
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| When do I need a Zero Degree Ballast? |
The 13 watt lamp is rated at a minimum start temperature of 25 degrees by
the lamp manufactures. However, the Robertson LA ballast can start a 13 watt lamp down to where
the 7 & 9 watt lamps are rated at 0 degrees. I still prefer to operate the lamp with the standard
ballast if possible and avoid the extra expense of the LA ballast.
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| What do I do if I'm concerned about cold weather & I need 13 watt lamps? |
The 13 watt lamp is rated at a minimum start temperature of 25 degrees by
the lamp manufactures. However, the Robertson LA ballast can start a 13 watt lamp down to where
the 7 & 9 watt lamps are rated at 0 degrees. I still prefer to operate the lamp with the standard
ballast if possible and avoid the extra expense of the LA ballast.
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| What do I do if I'm concerned about cold weather & I need 13 watt lamps? |
The key is that the "rated" start temperature refers to the temperature of the lamp itself.
So if you can safely affect that lamp temperature you won't have to worry about those cold nights.
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Only install enclosed fixtures, as they act like a blanket.For instance, there are many wall lights
that have open bottoms. On a cold night, these will not hold in the heat generated by the lamp & ballast.
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Tape over your photocells if you are expecting a hard freeze on a particular night, to allow the lamps
to come on during the day. This way they will start while it is warm enough. By nightfall, they should be able
to maintain sufficient heat to stay on. Don't worry about the extra electricity. A 13 watt lamp costs less
than 2 cents to operate for 12 hours.
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Try putting a sleeve on the lamp if you live somewhere like Alaska. A clear plastic sleeve cut from an
F40 tube guard & split down one side, makes a perfect insulator.
- Use the right ballast -Be sure you are using a fixture that utilizes a ballast specifically designed for the 13 watt lamp.
- As a last resort, consider requesting an LA or "low ambient" ballast.
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| What is the advantage of a 13 watt quad? |
A quad lamp is shorter. Thats it. Think of a regular 13 watt twin tube
that is folded in half. Disadvantages include; more expensive & less light output.
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| Is a 13 watt quad brighter than a regular 13 watt? |
No. In fact, a 13 watt quad is actually a little less bright because of light loss between the 4 tubes.
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| Can I put fluorescents in a motion sensor? |
You can, but it makes more sense to use a photocell instead. The reasoning
for a motion sensor was originally designed to reduce electrical consumption. A 13 watt
fluorescent on a photocell will cost less than 50 cents per month to operate. A motion sensor
was used as a safety device to guarantee light if you arrived after dark or a security device.
A photocell does the same thing - it provides light ALL NIGHT. Any security company or police
officer will tell you that a well lit property is by far more secure than one that relys on
motion to turn on the lights. (Plus a photocell is less expensive than a motion sensor because
the motion sensor still has to have a photocell in addition to the sensor). The life expectancy
of a fluorescent is based on the number of "starts" it experiences. On a motion sensor, the
fluorescent is likely to start several times a night, which would lead to early failure.
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| What is the difference between Acrylic and Polycarbonate? |
Acrylic is breakable, but will not yellow. It is less expensive
& can look like glass. Polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable, but will turn yellow under
UV radiation (sunlight & fluorescent lamps). Both are available in various colors including clear.
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| What is so special about Powder Coating? |
Powder coating is a paint process that uses a dry powder that
is either applied electrostatically & then heated, or is applied to a preheated metal surface.
It is safer for the environment than wet paints, creates a harder and stronger coating, &
lasts longer than wet paints. Most quality fixture companies utilize Powder Coating. In addition,
Light Process Company also uses galvanized steel and marine grade aluminum in its fixtures to
increase durability of the products.
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