Demystifying Full Spectrum Lamps

Many lighting distributors continue to cash in on full spectrum lamps at your expense.

Before we get to the good stuff let’s first define exactly what full spectrum lamps are. For the most part full spectrum lamps are made up of incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. For this discussion we will only be addressing fluorescent lamps.

There are two factors which determine if a lamp is full spectrum. One is the color the lamp produces. This color is called Kelvin and it is measured in degrees ° . The other is called CRI or Color Rendering Index. Lamps that have a high CRI, 90% or greater are best at reproducing colors in a similar way as does the sun at 12:00 noon.

Now that we have specified what full spectrum means lets look a little deeper into the making of the lamp.

The Kelvin of the lamp is determined by the of phosphor used in the lamp. This is what makes the lamp a cool white ( 4100°K ) or full spectrum ( 5000° - 6500°K ). The type of phosphor used also determines the CRI of the lamp.

Over the years the use of full spectrum lamps has increased significantly, greatly reducing the cost to manufacture. For some lamps the cost of production has decreased by 65%. Why have full spectrum lamps become so widely used? The excellent light producing qualities of these lamps allows them to be used in many different applications.

Here are just a few better known uses:

1.) 2 for 4 lamp change out – reduces fixture wattage by half.
2.) Office applications that require crisp white light and visual clarity.
3.) Seasonal Effective Disorder
4.) Color Matching
5.) General Healthy Feeling Environment

As with many products the more they are consumed the cheaper they become to produce. Many companies have kept their prices on full spectrum lamps high. But the truth is there is no reason for such outrageous prices.

If you are paying premium prices for full spectrum lamps, you’ve been warned. Why throw away good money when you could dramatically lower your lighting budget by looking for a new supplier?

There are several companies that offer reduced pricing on full spectrum lamps. Just check some out, you’ll be pleased and on your way to immediate savings.