Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Fluorescent lighting is by far the most popular office lighting used today. A device called a ballast transforms and controls the flow of energy through the bulb itself. This energy causes the electrodes on each end of the tube to heat up and create an electrical arc all the way through the fluorescent bulb. This arc causes the phosphors on the sides of the bulb to glow, or fluoresce, causing visible light. Without the ballast, all fluorescent bulbs would not work.
Originally, the linear fluorescent bulbs called T12 or Slimline bulbs were the ideal solution for saving money by way of using less energy to produce the same amounts of light. These bulbs, ranging from 2 feet all the way up to 8 feet and beyond were widely used and became the standard in business lighting. Since that time, T8 light bulbs as well as T5 bulbs (also called Pentron) have surfaced, with an even greater energy efficiency and color quality range. The color temperature most common to fluorescent lights is 4100K or cool white. These days, you are able to get a warmer 2700K or 3000K color, which would appear more orange or yellow. You can also buy fluorescent light bulbs that are 5000K or 6500K, which would appear pure white, or even a little bluish-white.
In addition to the long, straight fluorescent light, compact fluorescent bulbs are quickly gaining acceptance and popularity. Initially, these came with two pin bases , with the starter in the fixture, where the ballast is. These bulbs were often referred to as twin tube bulbs, since they had 1, 2, or 3 twin tubes coming out of the top of them. Next, a four pin bulb was added, providing a starter in the bulb itself. While these bulbs are popular still, the most important compact fluorescent bulb (CFL bulb) is the EL model, which has a medium screw-in base. This allows you to use compact fluorescent bulbs in most any lighting socket you have, including those with mogul bases and candelabra bases. In fact, you are able to get CFL bulbs in many sizes of flood shapes, in globe shapes, and in bullet shapes. There are also dimmable fluorescent bulbs available, as this option is very common in today's American home.
If you need a fluorescent bulbs for your specialty application, we can often help you there, too! For instance, have you ever tried buying a replacement light bulb for your bug zapper from the manufacturer? the prices may surprise you. How about your next Halloween, New Year's, or birthday party? Wouldn't black light bulbs help set the mood for your party decor? We've got many different kinds and sizes to choose from. In fact, you can even get fluorescent germicidal bulbs for your water purification machine.
Sylvania is the world's highest quality lighting manufacturer, and that includes their entire line of CFL light bulbs. You will find Sylvania Octron bulbs in millions of lighting applications worldwide. We also offer wonderful alternatives from Westinghouse Lighting. Some versions of Philips, and Panasonic are also listed and available. Whatever your fluorescent bulb needs, we can help you find what you are looking for. Our friendly and knowledgeable service representatives are on hand from 8 AM to 5 PM, Central Time, Monday through Friday to assist you. Service Lighting, established in 1951...now, light years ahead!
