The History of Induction Lighting
- The Philips QL lamp, which was introduced in Europe in 1990, was the first lighting product to utilize induction technology. The QL is offered in three styles: 55 watt, 85 watt and 165 watt. The QL lamp didn't make it to the United States until 1992. The Osram Sylvania Icetron was the second induction lamp to hit the market. It debuted in 1996.
- Induction lighting does not rely on electrodes to create light, but rather the transmission of energy through electromagnetic fields. These electromagnetic fields excite the gases within the tube. Like discharge lamps, induction lamps allow mercury and atom energy levels to rise until they release a photon, which in turn creates light.
- Since induction lamps do not contain electrodes, which can eventually burn out, they last much longer than fluorescent lamps. According to Arch Lighting, induction lamps can last 100,00 hours without burning out. Fluorescent lamps only last 15,000 to 20,000 hours. Since 1996, induction lighting has been used to illuminate hotels, schools, theaters, streets, bridges, supermarkets and other areas where long-lasting lights are needed.
