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Fluorescent lamps
Page 58
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This is a relatively recent technology that has become widely used in the road transport industry. Fluorescent lamps use tubes that are much more efficient than traditional bulbs, converting most of the electricity to light. The colour of the fluorescent tube is lower on the colour spectrum, producing a more pleasing white light.
However there are some drawbacks to this technology. Fluorescents use mercury to produce light so disposal requires more care and expense than a light bulb. These lamps also require a ballast to regulate the electricity needed to produce the light, and any voltage variations greatly diminish their life. In cold temperatures a fluorescent lamp will not work without a device to heat up the ballast.
PROS: Efficient light source; bright; produces a while light.
CONS: Mercury content requires careful disposal of worn-out tubes; problems in cold temperatures; voltage variations greatly diminish tube life.