FAQ's

Why T8 or T5 lamps?

T8 and T5 lamps operate quieter, without flicker, have better color rendering (ranging from 75 to 90), are brighter, and have less lumen depreciation as compared to the old T12 lamps.

What is color rendering?

Is the ability of a light source to show the true relationship between different colors.  Color rendering is expressed numerically on the color rendering index (CRI), which is a scale from 0 to 100, with the higher numbers indicating better light quality.

What is the color temperature of light?

Color temperature is expressed in Kelvins with 3000K being similar to normal incandescent lamps (yellow – warm) and 6500K being similar to sunlight (blue – color).   The most popular color for office or retail locations is 3500K, which is not to cool and not to warm.  Warehouse, hospitals, dentist offices, and gyms look better with 5000K or 6500K lamps.

What does “Energy Star Tested” mean?

To be Energy Star approved a product has to meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the United State Environmental Protection Agency, and the US Department of Energy. 

What is a lumen?

A lumen is a unit of light output.  A 60 watt incandescent lamp can produce about 850 lumens of light.  A 15 watt compact fluorescent lamp can produce the same amount of light.

What is a “Spiral” or “Twist” lamp?

Spiral or twist lamps are a new compact fluorescent technology with a unique design that allows spiral or twist lamps to replace incandescent lamps.  In general, spiral lamps have a expected average life of 10,000 hours, and 75% less energy.

Why electronic ballasts?

 Electronic ballasts are designed to work at a higher frequency (e.g. 24,000 per second) than the older magnetic ballasts (60 cycles per second).  Electronic ballasts are solid state and there is no audible hum or buzz.