Lamp Material Information Sheet

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Information and Applicability

The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for chemicals are not applicable to manufactured articles such as lamps. No material contained in a lamp is released during normal use and operation.

The following information is provided as a service to our customers. The following Lamp Material Information Sheet contains applicable Material Safety Data Sheet information.

I. Product Identification

GE Fluorescent Lamps

GE Consumer & Industrial

Lighting

1975 Noble Road Nela Park Cleveland, OH 44112 (216) 266-2222

II. Lamp Materials and Hazardous Ingredients

Glass & Metal

The glass tube used in a standard fluorescent lamp is manufactured from soda-lime glass and is essentially similar but not identical to that used throughout the glass industry for bottles and other common consumer items. The end-caps on the lamp are generally aluminum while the wires in the lamps (called filaments or cathodes) are made of tungsten. None of these materials would present a potential hazard in the event of breakage of the lamp, aside from the obvious ones due to broken glass. Some fluorescent lamps (CovRguard™ products) use an external coating of polycarbonate to provide a shatter-resistant coating.

Phosphor

The fluorescent product line uses two different phosphor systems. One phosphor system (halophosphate) uses calcium chloro-fluoro-phosphate, with small amounts (less than 1-2% by weight the phosphor) of antimony and manganese, both of which are tightly bound in the phosphor matrix. The second phosphor system (SP/SPX) uses a mixture of rare earth elements such as lanthanum, and yttrium as either an oxide or as a phosphate, along with a barium/aluminum oxide. These phosphors produce better lamp efficiency and color rendition. The phosphor components may vary slightly depending on the color of the lamp (cool white, warm white, etc.). Also, in some lamps designed for reduced power consumption, a thin coating of tin oxide is placed on the inside of the glass prior to coating the glass with the phosphor.

August 2004

Fluorescent Lamps-MSD

10186, T8, T12 specifications

General Electric (GE) has long been synonymous with innovation in lighting technology, particularly with its fluorescent lighting products. Among its offerings, GE 10186, T8, and T12 lighting tubes stand out for their unique features, distinctive technologies, and operational characteristics, catering to various commercial and industrial applications.

The GE 10186 is a specific model of fluorescent tube that embodies the company's commitment to energy efficiency and longevity. This model is known for its high color rendering index (CRI), delivering vibrant and accurate color representation, which is crucial in environments like art galleries and retail stores. The 10186 is designed to provide high lumen output while consuming less energy than traditional incandescent fixtures, making it an environmentally friendly choice. The tube also has a rated life that typically exceeds 20,000 hours, reducing the frequency and costs associated with replacements.

In contrast, the T8 fluorescent tubes are characterized by their 1-inch diameter, which is smaller compared to the older T12 tubes that measure 1.5 inches. T8 tubes have become increasingly popular due to their higher energy efficiency and improved lighting performance. They are available in various lengths and wattages, making them versatile for different lighting applications. The T8 technology often incorporates electronic ballasts, further enhancing energy savings and performance stability, as these ballasts reduce flickering and hum often associated with older magnetic ballasts used with T12s.

T12 tubes, while still used in some applications, are gradually being phased out in favor of more efficient alternatives like T8 and T5 tubes. T12s typically consume more energy and have a lower lumen output compared to T8 and T5 configurations. However, they do possess certain advantages, such as ease of replacement in existing fixtures and a warmer light quality that some users prefer.

Both T8 and T12 tubes can come in different light color temperatures, ranging from warm white to cool white, allowing for flexibility in creating the desired ambiance and functionality in a given space. Additionally, the advancements in phosphor technology used in these tubes have significantly improved their light output, efficiency, and lifespan.

In conclusion, GE 10186, T8, and T12 fluorescent tubes showcase a blend of efficiency, performance, and adaptability. While T8 has become the standard in many modern lighting systems, understanding the characteristics and applications of these different tubes is essential for making informed lighting decisions in various environments. With a focus on energy efficiency and performance, GE continues to lead the way in lighting innovation.