In considering industrial lighting for your business, there are several types to choose from. The following information will give you an overview of these different types of lights, some of the pros and cons of the different types and what industrial lights are used for.
Lighting is made for many different applications in the industrial world. Some of the needs for these lights would be lighting for spray paint booths, lighting that is explosion proof, marine lighting and lighting that is manufactured specifically for damp environments.
There are three main types of lights that are made for industrial situations, LED, halogen, and tubular fluorescent. Lets take a look at these different types and discover a basic knowledge of how each one works.
LED, or “light emitting diode” lighting comes in a variety of colors including green, yellow and red. They are almost indestructible and use very little electricity to run, making them very cost efficient. They contain two diodes, a positive and a negative. The current flows from positive to negative and this creates the light that you see. They give off less heat than an incandescent light does, making them great for industrial workplaces but the actual lighting components may be more expensive than traditional fluorescent lighting fixtures.
Another type of industrial lighting is halogen. Halogen lights are also a cost saver. They give off a lot of light and use minimal amounts of electricity. In a halogen light, the bulb is filled with an inert gas (or halogen), and inside this inert gas is a tungsten filament. The filament heats up while the halogen keeps the filament from burning itself out.
Finally, the traditional lighting in most workplaces has been the fluorescent tubular variety that we are all familiar with. In these lights, a long cylindrical tube is filled with mercury vapor, and a phosphor. The mercury vapor reacts with the phosphor when an electrical charge runs through it, creating the light. These lamps also need a ballast for controlling the electrical current that flows through them. In the past, only larger fluorescent bulbs and fixtures were available but in keeping with the times and the needs of different applications, smaller fixtures and bulbs are now being made.
Sometimes a hand held device is needed for use in tight spaces. Handheld industrial lighting is available and can be used where you need a light that is portable. Engine repair, aircraft maintenance, marine applications, and inspection of electrical panels are all examples of where industrial handheld lighting would do the job.
Magnification in industrial lighting is also an option that is available in table top units. These are basically a magnifying glass surrounded by a light, usually fluorescent, which is attached to an arm that adjusts to the height you need for what you are inspecting.
Lens protection is often a requirement and is available for many applications. This lens protection keeps the bulb from breakage, and protects it from dust that could cause explosions in the workplace. Lighting that is explosion proof is essential for dust filled areas. These areas could be grain bins, feed mills, sawmills and gypsum plants. Certain metal operations (such as aluminum grinding or sanding) and many foundries also need these explosion proof fixtures because of the explosive nature of the metallic dust their work creates.
There are also DC versions of industrial lighting. Moving vehicles must carry yellow lights that make them easily visible as they travel around the workplace. Cranes and tow motors need them as do hand lift trucks.
As you can see, in considering these lights for your business, there a several types and style to choose from. This has been an overview of these different types of lights, how the work, and what industrial lights are used for.
