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Fluorescent Strips Buyer’s Guide
Fluorescent strips provide large quantities of ambient overhead lighting. Popular in commercial applications and home garages, fluorescent strips have a low profile, long bulb life and high light output.
Is Fluorescent Right For You?
For many years, fluorescent lighting had an associated stigma for harsh, low-spectrum light. These days, fluorescent light bulbs come in a larger spectrum output, so the light can actually be very close to natural light. These bulbs stay cool when they operate and are more energy efficient than standard incandescent light bulbs, making them a great choice for a workspace that is illuminated for a majority of the day.
Many fluorescent strips can be flush, stem or row mounted, so they are very versatile. If you are looking for a more decorative fluorescent light, you may want to look at fluorescent surface mounts or fluorescent recessed troffers, which have more options for casings and decorative elements.
Make Some Choices
You will need to decide if you want one or two bulbs in your fluorescent strip lights. This will depend on how much light you need in an area.
Some fluorescent strips will need to be hardwired to a junction box while others require a power cord. If you wish to install multiple fluorescent strips, you may be able to connect them. Be sure to read the product description carefully so you can make sure your fluorescent strip will meet your needs.
To make sure you have the best possible light, choose a fluorescent bulb with a color spectrum between 2,700 and 2,800 Kelvin for warm white and between 3,200 and 4,000 Kelvin for cool white. Avoid anything over 5,000 Kelvin, as this light will appear bluish-white.
Install Carefully
If you are replacing an old fluorescent light bulb or installing a new one, you will want to be extra careful. Fluorescent tubes contain mercury vapor, so they need to be handled carefully.
Check your local area to see if there are fluorescent tube recycling programs and the guidelines for disposing of fluorescent bulbs in your area. If you have to store your fluorescent tube until a recycling date, make sure you store it in a safe place where it cannot be broken.
Be careful to not break the fluorescent tubes while disposing or storing them. If one breaks, remove all people and pets from the room and take care not to inhale the vapors. Turn off central ventilation and do not use a vacuum to clean, as this may disperse the vapors throughout your entire home. Put on rubber gloves and carefully pick up the pieces. Place them in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it properly.
