Fluorescent Lamps:
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Fluorescent lamps, like all electric discharge lamps, require a ballast to operate them. A ballast is just a “black box”-- one end connects to the electrical line and the other end connects to the lamp.

Fluorescent Lamps:

Scientists started experimenting with fluorescent technology well over a century ago, but it wasn't until 1938 that GE introduced the first commercial fluorescent lamp. Today these lamps have become almost a universal standard for office and other indoor lighting applications.

Fluorescent lamps consist of an electrical discharge occurring inside a glass tube. The tube is coated on the inside with chemicals called phosphors which absorb ultraviolet (UV) light emitted by the discharge and produce visible light.

Fluorescent lamps are 3-4 times more efficient than incandescent sources, are reliable, have long life, great color and excellent color uniformity. Linear fluorescent lamps operate well at room temperature but their light output goes down at lower or higher temperatures.