Lighting Dictionary

Ballast Factor (BF)

The Ballast Factor (BF) is the ratio of the light output of lamp(s) operated by a ballast to the light output of the same lamp(s) operated at rated current and voltage. Also called Relative Light Output (RLO).

CRI

(Color Rendering Index) - describes the effect of a light source on the colour appearance of objects, compared with a reference source of the same colour temperature. It serves to distinguish quality differences between light sources that emit light of the same colour. The Color Rendering Index (of a the light source) CRI ranges from 0 to 100. Lamps with higher CRI render color more accurately than lamps with low CRI. Incandescent lamps having a CRI of 100, while fluorescent lamps CRIs range from about 50 to nearly 94.

Delamping

With todays advanced lamp technology and superior reflective surfaces it is possible to increase fixture efficiency, remove some of the lamps and maintain adequate light levels.

High Ballast Factor

Ballasts that cause lamps to emit up to 115% of nominal light output.

LED

Short for light-emitting diode. An electronic semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it. They are considerably more efficient than incandescent bulbs, and rarely burn out.

Low Ballast Factor

Ballasts that cause lamps to emit up to 77% of nominal light output.

Lumaire Efficiency (LE)

Luminaire Efficiency is the luminaire's light output, in lumens, divided by the total rated lamp lumens.

Luminaire Efficacy (LER)

Luminaire Efficacy Rating (LER) describes the efficiency of a luminaire in terms of rated light output (in lumens) per watt of electricity use.

LER - (Total Rated Lamp Lumens x Ballast Factor x Luminaire Efficiency)
Input Watts

Luminaire

Luminaire is a complete lighting unit consisting of a fixture along with one or more ballasts and lamps.

Master Satellite Fluorescent Fixtures

Refers to one fluorescent ballast supplying lamp power to up to 3 additional remote fixtures.(Lamp should not be in excess of 18 feet from the host ballast).

Powder Coat

A means in which paint is applied to steel to achieve high reflectivity.

Reflector

A reflective surface which directs the light output to a desired area

Standard Ballast Factor

Ballasts that cause lamps to emit up to 89% of nominal light output.