18 Terms
Contributors in Lighting
Lighting
refractor
Construction; Lighting
A device used to redirect the light output from a source, primarily by bending the waves of light.
ballast
Construction; Lighting
A device used to operate fluorescent and HID lamps. The ballast provides the necessary starting voltage, while limiting and regulating the lamp current during operation.
luminaire
Construction; Lighting
A complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or lamps, along with the parts designed to distribute the light, hold the lamps, and connect the lamps to a power source. Also called a fixture.
quad-tube lamp
Construction; Lighting
A compact fluorescent lamp with a double twin tube configuration.
normal power factor (NPF)
Construction; Lighting
A ballast/lamp combination in which no components (e.g., capacitors) have been added to correct the power factor, making it normal (essentially low, typically 0.5 or 50%).
high power factor
Construction; Lighting
A ballast with a 0.9 or higher rated power factor, which is achieved by using a capacitor.
electronic ballast
Construction; Lighting
A ballast that uses semi-conductor components to increase the frequency of fluorescent lamp operation ( typically in the 20-40 kHz range. Smaller inductive components provide the lamp current ...
