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Americans are constantly searching for new ways to illuminate their environment, and commercial HID lighting fixtures are leading the way in the business sector. This innovative development in the illumination industry is gaining high status among business owners. A commercial HID lighting fixture, better known as high intensity discharge, offers many benefits. Residential Landscape Lighting and Design has a large selection of commercial HID lighting fixtures for your business, and a professional staff, who can assist you in your selection.

Commercial HID lighting fixtures provide some of the most intense illumination to the naked eye. Take for example a 35 watt HID lamp, and compare it to the standard incandescent bulb. The HID fixture can produce up to 6 times the amount of light as its forerunner. Many commercial HID devices are similar to that produced by natural sunlight. Although not natural in its purest form, the white light produced from these fixtures can improve overall peripheral vision, as well as, enhance visibility. In aviation, a commercial HID lighting fixture plays a critical role in bad weather situations. The combination of a more natural light and the snow white coloring of this illumination results in greater lumens output, which allows planes to land safely.

How does a commercial HID lighting device work you ask? In simple terms, funneling a current through a metal vapor can disperse illumination. These devices basically take a standard light bulb and replace the existing filament with a gas capsule. Illumination is then dispelled from an arc with surrounding electrons all of which are encased in a tiny quartz glass piece that is shaped like a tube. In order for these lighting fixtures to operate efficiently, ballasts are required. These ballasts supply the right amount of voltage to the light fixture, while controlling the current at the same time. Most of these lighting devices have a delay time of about 15-20 seconds before its illumination is at full power. If you lose power by some chance or turn the power off, then you have to give the arc tube enough time to cool off before reusing it. A good example of this is the halcyon light bulb. These light bulbs usually require 15-30 seconds before full power is established. Although this may appear to be a deterrent from using commercial HID lighting, this form of illumination has plenty of advantages.

Some of the advantages that this commercial fixture has to offer are greater illumination output, whiter light, and a much higher service life (normally around 3-5 times as long) than standard incandescent bulbs. These bulbs are also extremely energy efficient. Like any light bulb though, you have to be cautious around commercial HID fixtures. Regular safety procedures should be followed, in order to ascertain the highest quality from your lamp. Some special precautions should be taken with these lights, since they produce mercury, which can be an environmental hazard, if used improperly. Be sure to keep the quartz glass clean, in order to allow for proper illumination to be dispersed. Moreover, these lighting devices produce UV rays so prolonged exposure to this light source should be avoided. Do not stare at your lamp for any length of time since ultra-violet radiation can be harmful to the eyes. Furthermore, never handle the bulb, if it is operating, and always allow the bulb to cool off before removing it. In addition, commercial owners should be sure to check to see, if the bulb is maintaining its luminous properties. Signs of a failing bulb include reduced illumination output, random starting times, and dark spots at the tip of the arc tube. Following these simple procedures will not only keep you safe, but also ensure the life of your wonderful commercial HID lighting fixture.