How can T5 lamps be used with direct luminaires for high-ceiling applications?
The high luminances of T5 lamps allow designers to use direct luminaires for high-ceiling applications, such as indoor sports facilities, gymnasiums, factories and warehouses, and retail spaces with high ceilings. These high-bay luminaires often have as many as six T5 high output (T5 HO) lamps in a small package with high-efficiency reflectors directing the light downward. Their high location decreases the apparent size of the high-intensity light sources, shields the light sources from the direct view of occupants, and therefore may reduce glare. These luminaires offer an alternative to high-intensity discharge (HID) luminaires. T5 lighting has a number of advantages over HID lighting. T5 lamps are dimmable if used with dimming ballasts, and they flicker less. They also have
- better color rendering
- longer life
- better lumen maintenance
- instant restrike capability
- shorter warmup times
Although the initial cost of T5 lamps and luminaires may be higher than HID lamps and luminaires, T5 lighting can use as little as 50% of the energy that HID lighting does, especially if the T5 lamps are used with dimming ballasts, photo sensors, and skylights (Anonymous, T5 Fluorescent Lighting Outshines HIDs, 2000).
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