Shatterproof Fluorescent Lamps - The Uncovered Truth

(05/03/2008)

Shatterproof fluorescent tubes or plastic coated light tubes, as they are also known, have come to be accepted by many food manufacturers as the best solution to guard against glass contamination from an explosion, or an accidental breakage during a re-lamp.

The British Retail Consortium also supports their use as well as other Food Safety Standards around Europe. But the unfortunate truth is that many currently on the market are worse than useless at containing glass particles because of poor quality.

Industry expert Mr. Chris Payne from Fotolec GlassGuard® tells us why and offers his free tips and advice for avoiding the potential time bombs: “Basically most plastics do not like heat and UV rays they break down very rapidly and become brittle and discoloured over a short period of time. Fluorescent tubes unfortunately do emit some UV and can hit temperatures well over 100°C."

"Plastics like Polyester, PET and Polyethylene will typically split on impact spreading glass fragments after only 5,000 hours or 8 months use. Where as plastics such as FEP & PFA which are from the Fluoro Polymer family have high thermal & UV stability and will contain glass right up to the end of the lamps service life which is when you and your client most need the protection.

"If your customers are already using shatterproof fluorescent tubes and are not sure whether the protective coating actually works, remove some from fixtures that are nearing end of life and drop them in a controlled environment outside onto a flat concrete surface from 2-4M. You will immediately know if you are a victim of your supplier’s cheapest buy."

Tip1: If you are installing shatterproof fluorescent tubes check with your supplier that the protective coating on the lamp meets a recognised impact test and is guaranteed to contain the glass fragments at beginning and most importantly at end of lamp life. Many on the market do not and you could end up with a potential law suit on your hands in the event of glass contamination from a simple mishandling accident.

Tip 2: Check for the Black Band! If your shatterproof fluorescent tubes do not have a black band identifier at one end then it is likely that the protective coating will not contain glass after 8 months use. Lamps with a black band use FEP Fluoro Plastics and offer protection past lamp service life failure.

Tip 3: Many food manufacturers now specify shatterproof fluorescent lamps into totally enclosed IP65 fixtures. This is because risk of glass contamination occurs during periods of maintenance when diffuser covers are removed and unprotected glass lamps are carried on and off site. Shatterproof lamps are there to protect you and your client. It is therefore vital that the shatterproof coating around the lamp can withstand the higher temperatures inside the IP65 fixtures.

Again, shatterproof lamps with the Black Band identifier at one end can withstand operating temperatures up to 200ºC which are ideal for IP65 fixture applications. The FEP coating will not degrade and will protect you and your client at the most critical time during re-lamp periods.

If you would like further technical advice on shatterproof lamps you can contact Chris Payne directly at [email protected] or go to www.glassguard.co.uk/free_top_5_tips.htm

Related categories:  Lamps