Induction lamping - What is it?
Induction lamping is very similar to fluorescent lamping with one exception - no internal electrode is used. Phosphors inside of a glass bulb are excited by an electrical current that causes them to glow, giving off light. Induction technology has actually been around since the late 1800’s when Nikola Tesla demonstrated wireless transfer of power to both incandescent and fluorescent lamps, however, the technology took a giant leap forward in the early 1990’s when induction lamps were first mass produced for the US market.
How does it work?
In an induction system, electrical current is used to create UV light inside of a phosphor-coated glass bulb to produce visible light. However, unlike traditional incandescent lamps or fluorescent lamps, there is no electrical connection inside of the bulb. Instead, the energy is transferred through the glass by electromagnetic induction.
Induction lamps come in two varieties; internal inductor and external inductor. In an external inductor lamp an electro magnet is wrapped around part of a glass tube containing mercury atoms and a phosphor coating, the same type of coating found in fluorescent lamps. An electronic ballast then feeds high frequency energy to the magnet, exciting the mercury atoms inside the bulb, producing ultraviolet light. The UV light is then converted into visible light by the phosphor coating on the inside of the glass while blocking the UV rays from escaping.
Our complete line of induction fixtures can be seen here.
What are the advantages of induction?
- - Longer lamp life due to the lack of electrodes. Brownlee rates their induction lamps at 100,000 hours of lamp life.
- - The increased life expectancy means fewer lamp changes saving property owners money from costly maintenance.
- - High energy efficiency. An 80w induction lamp has similar light output to a 175w metal halide lamp.
- - Lower starting temperature, perfect for cold climates and "instant on" re-starts.
- - Since induction lamps use less energy, they are more environmentally friendly than other lighting technologies.
