1. What is the difference between a lamp and a luminaire?

The actual light source is called a lamp or illuminant. The light fitting with the lamp is called a luminaire.

2. How do you define the term "average rated life"

The average rated life is the average life expectancy of individual lamps operated under normal conditions. At this point 50% of the lamps have failed. Some will have failed sooner, others others much later.

4 How do fluorescent lamps work?

• When the fluorescent lamp is switched on, the mercury vapour in the glass tube emits ultraviolet rays. The phosphor on the inner surface of the glass tube converts these rays to visible light. The luminous colour depends on the phosphor.

• 5. What can I do if a fluorescent lamp still glows after being switched off?

  Where there is still potential after the lamp is switched off, mercury atoms are excited to produce UV radiation which, as is also otherwise the case, is converted in the phosphor to visible light. It is not a storage effect! The solution: Insert the shockproof plug of the supply cable in the socket outlet the other way around.

• 6. What do the terms T2, T5 and T8 stand for?

  The "T" stands for "tube" and the number represents the diameter in inches. A T2 miniature fluorescent lamp has a diameter of 7mm, a T5 fluorescent lamp has a diameter of 16mm and a T8 a diameter of 26 mm. The T4 fluorescent lamp with a diameter of 13 mm is relatively new, but it is not standardised, meaning that some lamps of the same wattage are offered in different lengths by different manufacturers.

• 7. Can fluorescent luminaires be dimmed?

  Yes, with the appropriate ballast. There are two different types of light control: 1-10V and DALI®. The Mycro Lynx compact fluorescent luminaires by SYLVANIA cannot be dimmed.