Q. What's the big deal about "full spectrum lighting?

A. All living things need the total spectrum of natural light to function at peak performance. Since average people in industrial countries spend 90% of their time indoors under artificial lighting, light quality is critical. Full spectrum lights simulate the balanced range of natural light. They reduce the glare that causes eyestrain, headaches, and stress. Reading becomes easier; heart rate, oxygen intake and blood pressure improve. They fight SAD syndrome (cabin fever) and you feel better!

Q. What are compact fluorescents or PLs?

A. Compact fluorescents are a new type of lighting that combine the energy efficiency of fluorescents with the convenience and warm color of incandescent bulbs. They last 10-15 times longer than a conventional light and give up to 4 times the amount of light per watt.

Q. Compact fluorescents are so expensive - are they worth it?

A. According to the Solar Lobby, if every home in the US installed just 4 compact fluorescents, we would save as much electricity as the 6 largest nuclear power plants produce. Just one bulb during the course of its long, energy efficient life will save $40 to $50. That same bulb will save 630 lbs. of coal from being burned or 51 gallons or oil. It will prevent 1072 lbs. of CO-2 , 7.8 lbs. of acid rain, and 4.1 lbs. of smog from going into the atmosphere. They're worth it!

Q. What is a ballast and what is the difference between electronic and magnetic ones?

A. All fluorescent tubes require a ballast to start - they increase the voltage high enough to start the fluorescent process. Electronic ballasts cost more but have several advantages. They start without flickering, prevent electro-magnetic interference (EMI), start in very cold weather (down to 50 degrees below 0 for some types) and produce more light while using less power. Electroni ballasts also don't have the small amou;nt of radio-0active material found in magnetic ballasts.

Q. You have many different replacement fluorescent tubes in your catalog - which ones should I use with my 12V lights? 24V lights? 120 vac? 230 vac 50 Hz fixtures?

A. Compact and conventional fluorescent fixtures all use the same bulbs - the voltage doesn't matter because the ballast takes care of that. You can take a bulb from a 12V DC fixture and put it into a 120 vac fixture without problem.

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