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Fluorescent Lamp Nomenclature |
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During the 1940s several nations and manufacturers introduced comprehensive systems of nomenclature to identify the many different kinds of fluorescent lamps which had become available. Some of the more commonly encountered systems are disclosed in the tables below.
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British System
All codes begin MCF, the terminology for a low pressure mercury-fluorescent source, as defined under the general mercury discharge lamp nomenclature. Codes are sometimes followed by /U which indicates universal burning position. |
| MCF |
Standard fluorescent tube with no integrated starting features. |
| MCFA |
With external conducting strip connected to both caps, or otherwise intended to be at earth or fitting potential. For rapid-start circuits with autoleak transformer ballast. |
| MCFB |
With one internal conducting strip connected to one electrode. For circuits controlled by a filament ballast lamp or a resistor. |
| MCFC |
With external conducting strip not connected to either cap, i.e. not at earth or fitting potential. Intended to decrease resistance of the glass tube for easier starting. Superseded by type MCFE. |
| MCFD |
As MCFB/U, but with two internal strips connected to opposite electrodes and a small gap between the strips inside the lamp, for initiating the discharge. |
| MCFE |
With external water-repellent (silicone) coating, to facilitate starting on rapid-start circuits with autoleak transformer ballast, but also widely used for switch-start circuits. |
| MCFR |
Reflector lamps having an internal layer of reflecting material applied to about two thirds of the circumference of the tube, along its whole length. |
| MCFW |
Lamps made in Woods glass with UV-A emitting phosphor, designed for stimulating fluorescence in objects being irradiated. |
Philips System
All codes begin TL, the original Dutch terminology applied to low voltage fluorescent tubes, as opposed to the high voltage tubes that wereformerly existent for cold-cathode signage applications. T=Tension (voltage), L=Laag (low).
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| TL |
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Standard linear fluorescent lamps for operation on ordinary mains voltages. |
| TL 'A' |
Aard (Earth) |
Standard Lamps with external earthed stripe connected to each cap. |
| TL 'B' |
Basse (Low) |
Special 40W lamp for low operating temperatures. |
| TL 'C' |
- |
For DC circuits from 80 to 140V with stabilising barretters in trams, trains and ships. |
| TL 'D' |
Dunn (Thin) |
Standard Lamps with reduced size tubes of 26mm diameter. |
| TL 'E' |
Ellipsoid |
Circular fluorescent tubes. |
| TL 'F' |
ReFlector |
Internal reflective coating. |
| TL 'H' |
Hoog (High) |
Amalgam tube for use in high temperature luminaires. |
| TL 'K' |
Kracht (Force) |
High current loaded tubes. |
| TL 'M' |
- |
External stripe connected via a high resistance to one electrode. For instant-start/dimming ballasts. |
| TL 'R' |
Relai (Relay) |
For DC circuits >140V with stabilising lamps and magnetic relays. |
| TL 'S' |
Starterless |
Starterless design with internal stripe, for use with series lamp or ballast. |
| TL 'U' |
U-Shape |
U-shaped fluorescent tube. |
| TL 'W' |
W-Shape |
W-shaped fluorescent tube. |
| TL 'X' |
EXplosion |
Similar to "TL" S but having special end caps for flame-proof equipment. |
| TL '5' |
5/8 inch |
New standard long tubes having nominal diameter of 5/8 inch. |
American System
First letter "F" denotes Fluorescent tube. A pair of numbers then denotes either the lamp wattage (for standard types), or the tube length in inches (for special types). A letter T indicates the tubular construction followed by the glass diameter in eigths of an inch. After a slash the colour is given, and finally any special features are indicated.
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| F |
Fluorescent |
XX |
Watts/Inches |
T5 |
5/8" miniature |
WW |
Warm White |
RS |
Rapid Start |
| FC |
Circular |
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T6 |
6/8" slimline |
CW |
Cool White |
IS |
Instant Start |
| FU |
U-Tube |
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T8 |
8/8" standard |
N |
Natural |
HO |
High Output |
| G |
Germicidal |
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T12 |
12/8" standard |
D |
Daylight |
VHO |
Very High Output |
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T17 |
17/8" high power |
WWX |
Warm DX |
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TD17 |
17/8" dented |
CWX |
Cool DX |
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T10J |
10/8" jacketed |
BLB |
Blacklight |
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