Fluorescent Tubes

Fluorescent Tubes

Fluorescent tubes are a type of electric lamp that produces visible light by passing an electric current through a gas or vapor that contains mercury. The tube is coated with a phosphorescent material that emits visible light when excited by the ultraviolet radiation produced by the mercury vapor. Fluorescent tubes are highly efficient and are widely used for general lighting in commercial, industrial, and residential settings. The first fluorescent tube was invented by the American engineer and inventor, Edmund Germer, in 1926. He discovered that by coating the inside of a glass tube with a phosphorescent material, he could produce a bright, white light that was more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs. Fluorescent tubes quickly became popular for commercial and industrial lighting because they were more efficient and had a longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs. Fluorescent tubes come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from small, compact tubes used in electronic devices to large, circular tubes used in commercial and industrial settings. They are typically used in overhead lighting fixtures, such as ceiling fixtures and recessed lighting, but can also be used in desk lamps and other portable lighting devices. One of the advantages of fluorescent tubes is their energy efficiency. They use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. However, they do contain small amounts of mercury, which can be harmful if the tube is broken or not disposed of properly.

electric lamp, phosphorescent material, mercury vapor, energy-efficient, lifespan

— Thomas Jackson

CITATION : "Thomas Jackson. 'Fluorescent Tubes.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/fluorescent-tubes?E=279738 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"