The relationship between mercury vapor pressure and current density
inside a lamp and the voltage supplied by the electrical circuit is chosen so that under normal operating conditions the output of the arc discharge through a lamp is largely in the 0.2537-micron-wavelength ultraviolet- spectrum line, which is presently the most efficient in producing fluores- cence. 29 Most of the many straight and circular lamp types mass-produced in the United States are standardized with respect to their nominal photo- metric, color, electrical, and mechanical characteristics. For the most part, different manufacturer's lamps of the standardized types are me- chanically and electrically interchangeable. Custom-made fluorescent lamps in several different diameters and colors are prepared on order in lengths and forms designed for a particular installation. Fluorescent sources are electric discharge lamps. Like all other dis- charge lamps, they have a negative resistance characteristic and therefore must be operated in series with a current-controlling ballast. The type designed for use on low-voltage circuits with a special manual or automatic starting switch requires a short (3-4 second) preheat period after closing the circuit before the arc strikes. Other types are designed for circuits which provide a higher starting voltage (400-15,000 volts). In these, the discharge starts instantly upon closing the circuit. Fluorescent lamp bases. For satisfactory performance, each fluorescent lamp must be connected to an electrical circuit with proper voltage and current characteristics for its type. Therefore, different lamps are made with different bases, as shown in Fig. 6-28. When the proper lamp hold- ers are wired to a particular type of ballast and properly spaced, only the lamp type for which that ballast was designed may be inserted in the cir- cuit. Typical lamp holders are shown in Fig. 6-29. FIG. 6-29. Typical holders for fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent lamp performance. Performance characteristics of fluores- cent lamps which are of general interest and importance include: Initial light output (lumens after 100 hours operation). Efficiency (lumens per watt consumed).