rørlamper

Rørlamper, also known as tube lamps or fluorescent lamps, are a type of gas-discharge lamp that uses electricity to excite mercury vapor. This excitation produces ultraviolet light, which then strikes a phosphor coating on the inside of the lamp tube. The phosphor coating converts the ultraviolet light into visible light. Rørlamper are commonly found in homes, offices, and industrial settings due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan compared to incandescent bulbs. They are available in various shapes and sizes, with the most common being long, straight tubes.

The operation of a rørlampe begins with a ballast, which is a device that limits the current flowing through the lamp and provides the initial high voltage needed to start the discharge. Once the lamp is on, the ballast regulates the current to maintain a stable light output. The inside of the tube is filled with an inert gas, such as argon, and a small amount of mercury. When voltage is applied, an electric arc forms through the gas, ionizing the mercury atoms. These excited mercury atoms emit ultraviolet photons.

Phosphor-coated rørlamper have become a staple in lighting due to their efficiency and longevity. They consume less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs to produce the same amount of light, leading to cost savings. Their lifespan is also significantly longer, reducing the frequency of replacements. While they have largely been superseded by LED technology in many applications, rørlamper remain in use, particularly in older installations.