Products
Fluorescent lamps
Mike 2012-07-11 10:03:59
Fluorescent lamps are identified by a standardized code that reveals valuable information about operating characteristics and physical dimensions. Manufacturers' codes, found on the lamps and in catalogs, may vary slightly from the generic designations. However all major lamp manufacturers base their codes closely on the identification system discussed below.
The best way to learn lamp identification is through example. Below is a range of fluorescent lamps, one for each popular starting method:
Rapid-Start (40 Watts or Less) and Preheat Lamps
Example: F30T12/CW/RS
"F" … fluorescent
"30" … rated nominal wattage
"T" … indicates shape; this lamp is shaped like a tube
"12" … diameter in eighths of an inch; this lamp is 12/8 (1.5) inches in diameter
"CW" … color; this lamp is a cool white lamp
"RS" … mode of starting; the lamp is a rapid-start lamp. Preheat lamps do not have "RS" as a suffix
Rapid-start lamps are the most popular fluorescent lamp type used in commercial applications such as office buildings.
To learn more about what "cool" and "warm" means in terms of the color quality of light sources, please see Color Metrics.
Note that some lamps may be designated F40T12/ES, but the lamp draws 34 instead of 40 watts; the "ES," a modifier which stands for "energy-saving," indicates this. ES is a generic designation; actual manufacturer designations may be "SS" for SuperSaver, "EW" for Econ-o-Watt, "WM" for Watt-Miser and others.
After the mode of starting, another number may be added to indicate color rendering and color temperature if the lamp's color (CW, WW, WWX, etc.) is not indicated. The number will often be three digits, the first indicating color rendering (a "7" standing for "75," for example) and then the next two indicating color temperature (a "41" standing for "4100K," for example).
High-Output Rapid-Start Lamps
Example: F48T12/WW/HO
"F" … fluorescent
"48" … nominal length of the lamp in inches
"T" … shape; this lamp is shaped like a tube
"12" … diameter in eighths of an inch; this lamp is 12/8 (1.5) inches in diameter
"WW" … color; this lamp is a warm white lamp
"HO" … high output lamp operating on 800mA current
Very High-Output Rapid-Start Lamps
Example: F72T12/CW/VHO
"F" … fluorescent
"72" … nominal length in inches
"T" … shape; this lamp is shaped like a tube
"12" … diameter in eighths of an inch; this lamp is 12/8 (1.5) inches in diameter
"CW" … color; this lamp is a cool white lamp
"VHO" … very high output lamp operating on 1500mA current; instead of VHO, it may read "1500" or "PowerGroove" (brand names)
Instant-Start Lamps
Example: F96T12/WWX
"F" … fluorescent
"96" … nominal length in inches
"T" … shape; this lamp is shaped like a tube
"12" … diameter in eighths of an inch; this lamp is 12/8 (1.5) inches in diameter
"WWX" … color; this lamp is a deluxe warm white lamp
Other Fluorescent Lamps
"FC" instead of "F" means the lamp is circular.
"FB" or "FU" instead of "F" means the lamp is bent or U-shaped. The suffix "U" can also be used for U-shaped lamps, followed by a "/" and a number that indicates the distance between the lamp's legs in inches. "FT" instead of "F" is used for twin-tube T5 lamps.
See also: NEMA Designations for Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Compact Fluorescent lamps (bulbs)
Compact Fluorescent lamps (bulbs)are either pin-based (they plug into a socket) or they are medium screw-based (they screw into the same socket as common incandescent bulbs). The following describes pin-based compact fluorescent bulbs:
Lamp manufacturers of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association use a generic designation system for compact fluorescent bulbs. This system helps users identify the bulb type and easily cross-reference between manufacturers.
The NEMA generic designation system for pin-based compact fluorescent lamps consists of four parts:
CF + Shape + Wattage / Abbreviated Base Designation
- The prefix "CF" is used for all types of compact fluorescent lamps that comply with the American National Standards Institute definition of a self-supporting lamp with a single base.
- The "Shape" designator is chosen from the following:
- T - twin parallel tubes
- Q - four tubes in a quad formation
- TR - triple tube (including three twin tubes in a delta formation or three tubes in an arch) see footnote below
- S - square shaped
- M - a combination of tubes (multiple) not covered by any of the above shape designators
- The "Wattage" is the nominal wattage, followed by "W".
- The "Abbreviated Base Designation" after the "/"separator, is the IEC/ANSI designation which includes the number of pins, but excludes any keyway information. The base designation, which can be determined from lamp catalogs, is essential to differentiate between lamps of the same wattage, but which have different pin configurations (see base reference below).
· Additional information, such as color, may be added after a further "/"separator.
EXAMPLES
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9 watt twin tube with G23 base
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CFT9W/G23
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26 watt quad tube with 2 pin G24 base
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CFQ26W/ G24d
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26 watt quad tube with 4 pin G24 base
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CFQ26W/G24q
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32 watt triple tube with 4 pin G24 base, >80CRI, 3500K
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CFTR32W/G24q/835
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Footnote: TR is a new shape designator to address the increased use of this lamp type. Some publications may refer to triple tube using their former 'M'designator.
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