Rating of the best discharge lamps for 2022

One of the main attributes of the modern world is the lighting system, which comprehensively covers and deeply penetrates into all spheres of human life. At the same time, many do not think at all about existing light sources, although each type of lamp has its own specific features of the luminous flux. In a wide range of various light bulbs screwed into a lighting device, gas discharge devices occupy a special place.

Today, such products can often be found in various fields of activity, ranging from home or street lighting to the backlight of radio equipment or cars. Therefore, for future users, an idea of ​​\u200b\u200bsuch lamps and the rules for handling them will be quite useful. It is about them that will be discussed in this review in order not to make mistakes when choosing the right lighting device.

General information and device

A gas discharge lamp is an artificial source of radiation in the range visible to the human eye, in which light energy is generated by the passage of electrical discharges between electrodes in an ionized medium.

Design elements:

• discharge tube - a place for the passage of an electric discharge, made in a tubular form of metal oxide and filled with a mixture of inert gases and metal vapors;
• electrodes - form sparks and support a glow discharge;
• bracket - the supporting structure of the burner and one of the conductors;
• flask - to create and maintain a vacuum, made of heat-resistant material (glass);
• base - connects the device to a source of electricity, depending on a particular lamp with certain parameters.

Principle of operation

The voltage supplied to the lamp is converted in the ballast (ballast) and is increased to 2-5 kV for supply to the electrodes. Such values ​​are sufficient to cause a spark to ignite a glow discharge inside the tube.

When the discharge combustion temperature reaches 1300⁰С, the gas mixture heats up and the particles receive the necessary energy to go beyond the atomic structure. In the process of heating the gas-discharge medium, the intensity of the light flux gradually increases. At the same time, due to changes in the boundaries of the emitted waves, some changes in the color of the glow can be observed.

Balancing equipment is not included in the design of the lamp, but without it the device cannot be started.

PRA consists of:

• inductor-transformer to prevent a sharp rise in current during the transition period;
• a pulse ignition device for a short-term rise in voltage on the electrodes up to the breakdown value of the spark gap;
• smoothing capacitor.

For each type of lighting equipment, its own ballast module is developed.

Classification

By light source

1. Electrolight (induction) - the glow occurs due to the electrodes, heated by electric discharges.
2. Gas light - molecules or atoms excited by current electrical processes act as a source of luminescence.
3. Luminescent - gas particles are activated by discharges and act on the surface of the bulb, covered with phosphors and emitting a glow.

By pressure

1. Low pressure (less than 104 Pa) - used in everyday life (fluorescent lamps).
2. High pressure (less than 106 Pa) - they have a sufficiently large luminous flux with low power consumption, they are usually placed outdoors due to good resistance to difficult weather conditions.
3. Ultra-high pressure (over 106 Pa) - used in medicine, the food industry and other industries when it is necessary to obtain a high-intensity glow in a small area.

By content

1. Inert gases - argon, xenon, krypton, neon or mixtures thereof.
2. Metal vapors - sodium or mercury.
3. Metal halide - mixtures of halides and vapors of metals, inert gases.

In the shape of a flask

1. Elliptical.
2. Tubular.

By type of internal charge

1. Pulse.
2. Arc.
3. Smoldering.

Cooling methods

1. With natural cooling.
2. Water cooled.
3. With forced cooling.

Operating parameters

1. Service life ranging from two thousand to 20 thousand hours, reflects the duration of active operation.
2. Luminous efficiency in the range of 40 - 220 lm/W.
3. The color temperature for each model ranges from 2.2 to 20 kK.
4. The color rendering index shows the intensity of color perception by different surfaces.
5. Power consumption determines the load from the mains.
6. The ready time indicates the time interval from the moment the voltage is applied to the operation in normal mode.
7. The ignition voltage is the smallest potential difference capable of starting a discharge.

Applications

The most common gas discharge lamps are found in:

• shop windows of shopping centers or shops, restaurants or bars;
• illumination of administrative, industrial, office, warehouse premises;
• decorative street lighting of pedestrian areas or buildings;
• artistic design of facades or stages;
• car headlights;
• diving lights.

Advantages and disadvantages

• high efficiency with high light output (up to 55 lm/W), incl. through ceiling lamps with thick glass;
• long service life;
• ease of connection;
• relative efficiency with affordable cost and acquisition of inexpensive parts that can be replaced;
• Possibility of outdoor use.

• the occurrence of ripples, flickering and buzzing from alternating current of industrial frequency;
• the need for a ballast;
• enlarged sizes;
• prolonged exit to the operating mode;
• sensitivity to voltage drops and power failures;
• toxic components that require strict adherence to strict rules for collection and disposal;
• discontinuous emission spectrum;
• without adjusting the intensity of the glow with a dimmer;
• ignition difficulties in severe frosts.

Criterias of choice

In order not to make mistakes when choosing, experts recommend paying attention to the characteristics of a gas discharge device, depending on the scope of application, where a particular device will be most effective.

The main varieties are sodium, mercury and metal halide lamps. All of them are distinguished by durability and a variety of standard sizes, which allows you to choose a product for a specific task.

1. Mercury lamps with a low color rendering index (up to 50 Ra) and low light output (50-95 lm / W), but with a wide operating temperature range (-40 - +40 degrees) are mainly used for street lighting systems. They have white light without adding yellow tints. However, in severe frosts, the level of light flux decreases markedly. The average service life is up to 10 thousand hours, which allows you to save on maintenance by increasing the replacement period. Please note that to connect products with a power of more than 80 W, a magnetic ballast is required to stabilize the voltage supply, ensure safe ignition and operation. At the same time, low-power devices operate from a conventional 220 V power supply.

2.Sodium lamps have a high energy efficiency (more than 200 lm/W) with a powerful yellow-orange flux, close to sunlight. They are actively used in industrial and street lighting on roads, highways, parks, tunnels, greenhouses, greenhouses and other facilities. Small power lamps up to 70 W have an E27 screw base, more powerful products have an E40 base. In the case of indoor use, it is better to combine them with other sources to improve color reproduction and reduce eye strain. They are energy-saving products and in the case of replacing mercury appliances, savings in electricity consumption can reach 50%.

 

3. Metal halide lamps emit a powerful white flux (up to 100 lm/W) with excellent color rendering (up to 98 Ra). Along with street and industrial lighting, they are used in commercial premises, large aquariums, restaurants, hotels, as well as as a light source in film projectors. However, it should be borne in mind that during operation they become very hot and emit a little ultraviolet radiation. To level the negative aspects, it is necessary to take precautions (do not place near vulnerable materials or objects, use protective gloves when replacing), and also choose lamps whose bulb is protected by a special coating or installed in a closed lamp.

The general selection criterion is a proven manufacturer offering high quality products. Leading brands (Osram, Sylvania, Philips and others) use special flask filling chemicals to prevent devitrification. Thus, the probability of its destruction due to temperature changes is minimized.

It should be taken into account that cost is proportional to quality, and a product at a low price may demonstrate the same low safety.

Where could I buy

Popular models can be purchased at construction or specialized stores selling lighting products. There are the best novelties produced by leading manufacturers. Visitors have the opportunity to study the parameters and compare characteristics. Managers will always tell you what they are, which company is better to buy, how to choose, how much it costs.

A suitable model can be ordered online in the manufacturer's or dealer's online store, as well as on the pages of leading aggregators, such as Yandex.Market, or construction marketplaces. At the same time, it makes sense to get acquainted with the description in advance, look at the photos and get acquainted with the opinions of buyers.

The best gas discharge lamps

The rating of high-quality devices is compiled taking into account the feedback from users who have bought such products. The popularity of models is due to technical characteristics, functionality, energy efficiency, reliability, service life and cost.

The review includes ratings among the best mercury, sodium and metal halide models on the domestic market.

TOP 5 best mercury devices

MEGAWATT DRL 250

Brand - MegaWatt (Russia)
The country of origin is China.

Compact model for lighting large production sites and outdoor space. The flask is ellipsoidal. Inside is a quartz-type burner. Smoothing the ripples of the 220V industrial power grid requires the use of ballasts. Can be placed in any working position for use.

Price - from 260 rubles.

• high light output;
• compact dimensions;
• sufficient power;
• universal working position;
• long service life;
• great price.

• PRA is needed to work.

Lisma DRL 400M

Brand - Lisma (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia.

Domestic model with high luminous efficiency for industrial and street lighting, where there are no high requirements for color rendering. Can be used in indoor and outdoor luminaires over a wide temperature range. It is connected to a conventional electrical network with a frequency of 50 Hz and a voltage of 220V through a special ballast. It can be installed in any position, but when placed horizontally, the service life and light output will be less. Operation stabilizes within five minutes after being turned on. A quartz type burner is used.

Price - from 386 rubles.

• good brightness;
• matte coating;
• acceptable color rendering;
• universal placement;
• durability;
• compactness;
• excellent functionality;
• simple use;
• positive reviews;
• attractive cost.

• not detected.

Video review of DRL 400M:

PHILIPS ML 250W

Brand - PHILIPS (Netherlands).
The country of origin is China.

Universal mercury-tungsten model with high light output for lighting shops, garages, parking lots, pedestrian areas, urban areas. Flask with a matte finish. Thanks to the tungsten filament connected in series with the quartz burner, no additional ballast is required. Can act as a direct replacement for incandescent bulbs. The warranty period is 1 year.

Price - from 589 rubles.

• excellent functionality;
• matte finish;
• no ballast required;
• direct replacement of incandescent lamps;
• simple working principle;
• easy installation;
• durability.

• not identified.

OSRAM HWL 250W

Brand - OSRAM (Germany).
The country of origin is China.

A popular mercury-tungsten model for joint use with closed and open luminaires with an E40 base for lighting industrial premises, workshops, and industrial enterprises. The flask with a frosted diffuser emits a white natural glow. The working position is universal. Can be used as a direct replacement for powerful conventional incandescent lamps.

Price - from 599 rubles.

• ballast is not required;
• good power;
• matte finish;
• universal working position;
• standard plinth;
• simple use;
• long service life.

• there are pulsations and flickering at startup.

TDM DRL 400

• Brand - TDM Electric (Russia).
  The country of origin is China.

Powerful compact model for bright outdoor lighting, incl. at production sites and industrial plants. The inner surface of the flask, made in the form of a candle with a matte diffuser, is coated with a phosphor. The interior space is filled with nitrogen. Quartz type burner.

Price - from 469 rubles.

• good brightness of white cold glow;
• convenient use;
• simple operation;
• compactness;
• positive user feedback.

• performance in severe frosts is reduced.

Demonstration of the TDM 400 glow:

comparison table

	MEGAWATT DRL 250	Lisma DRL 400M	PHILIPS ML 250W	OSRAM HWL 250W	TDM DRL 400W
plinth	E40	E40	E40	E40	E40
Luminous flux, lm	10000	36000	5500	5600	22000
Color temperature, K	4000	4000	3400	3800	5500
Color rendering Ra	39	40-59	65	58	40-59
Power, W	250	400	250	250	400
Service life, thousand h	10	10	8	10	6
Voltage, V	220	220	220	220	220
Length cm	22	25	22.4	22.6	29.2
Diameter cm	9	9.1	9	9.1	12.2
Weight, g	170	250	61	155	228
Working position	universal	arbitrary	vertical ±45°	universal	universal
Ballast required	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes

TOP 3 best sodium lamps

TDM DNAT 400

Brand - TDM Electric (Russia).
The country of origin is China.

Robust tubular model with standard screw base for lighting, architectural and building structures, streets and roads, as well as greenhouses and greenhouses. Sodium amalgam was pumped into the discharge tube. It is connected to a conventional AC network through ballasts.

Price - from 529 rubles.

• multifunctional use;
• bright glow;
• convenient application;
• stable work;
• long service life;
• attractive cost.

• for connection to the network, ballast equipment is required.

Lisma DNAT 400-5M

Brand - Lisma (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia.

A powerful model for long-term lighting in greenhouses and greenhouses, helping plants grow vigorously throughout the year. In addition, it can be used in street light sources. Inside a heat-resistant cylindrical glass flask, the interaction of electrodes and gas with sodium amalgam impurities takes place. During operation, a bright orange or yellow glow is emitted. The high intensity of the light flux is maintained throughout the entire period of operation.

Price - from 620 rubles.

• high efficiency;
• bright glow;
• convenient use;
• good energy saving;
• durability.

• connection requires ballast equipment.

Overview of DNAT 400:

PHILIPS MASTER SON-T 100

Brand - PHILIPS (Netherlands).
The country of origin is China.

Compact, energy-efficient model with a single-sided standard base and excellent light output for illuminating open areas, roads and streets. Equipped with a transparent tubular flask. The design has increased strength and reliability. An ultraviolet filter is installed to reduce UV radiation. Long service life saves on maintenance costs of luminaires. Dimming is carried out through appropriate ballasts.

Price - from 661 rubles.

• compact dimensions;
• high efficiency;
• stable color temperature;
• reduced operating costs;
• long service life;
• the presence of a UV filter;
• convenient use;
• excellent value for money.

• not detected.

comparison table

	TDM HPS 400 W	Lisma DNAT 400-5M	PHILIPS MASTER SON-T 100
plinth	E40	E40	E40
Luminous flux, lm	47000	52000	9000
Color temperature, k	2100	2000	2000
Color rendering Ra	20-39	20-39	25
Power, W	400	400	100
Diffuser	transparent	transparent	transparent
Service life, thousand h	12	24	20
Length cm	27.8	29.2	20.5
Diameter cm	4.6	4.8	4.6
Weight, g	192	240	168
Voltage, V	220	220	220
Requires ballast	Yes	Yes	Yes

TOP 3 best metal halide products

OSRAM HQI-TS 70W/NDL EXCELLENCE RX7s

Brand - OSRAM (Germany).
The country of origin is China.

Compact model for lighting neutral white light with good color reproduction of museums, halls, showcases and shop foyers. Well suited for installation in spotlights. Equipping with a UV filter significantly reduces the amount of ultraviolet radiation. Quartz type burner installed.

Price - from 849 rubles.

• high luminous flux;
• good color rendering;
• durability;
• compactness;
• easy maintenance;
• white neutral glow.

• control equipment required.

Video review:

PHILIPS MASTER HPI-T Plus

Brand - PHILIPS (Netherlands).
The country of origin is China.

Highly efficient model with a standard base for outdoor and indoor lighting of industrial facilities, as well as roads and streets. Emits high light output with good color rendering. The flask is filled with mercury vapor to which metal iodides are added. Works through ballasts suitable for sodium lamps. Through a transparent diffuser, it has reduced ultraviolet radiation.

Price - from 1673 rubles.

• compatibility with metal halide lamps having a standard threaded base;
• powerful luminous flux;
• little color scatter;
• high color rendering;
• long service life.

• overpriced.

Philips HPI-T Plus Demo:

MEGAWATT DRI 250/4000

Brand - MegaWatt (Russia).
The country of origin is China.

Tubular model with a one-sided standard base for use in general lighting systems for buildings, sports facilities, open areas of the territory. It is connected to a conventional electrical network with a voltage of 220V through ballasts.

Price - from 632 rubles.

• bright glow;
• good light flow;
• transparent flask;
• convenient use.

• starter is required.

comparison table

	OSRAM HQI-TS 70W/NDL EXCELLENCE RX7s	PHILIPS MASTER HPI-T Plus	MEGAWATT DRI 250/4000K
The form	tubular	tubular	tubular
plinth	Rx7s	E40	E40
Luminous flux, lm	6500	20500	20000
Color temperature, K	4200	4500	4000
Color rendering Ra	78	65	69
Power, W	70	250	250
Service life, thousand h	12	20	8
Diffuser	transparent	transparent	transparent
Length cm	11.7	25.5	25.7
Diameter cm	5.7	4.7	7.6
Weight, g	17	190	150
Voltage, V	220	220	220
Working position	universal	universal	horizontal ± 60⁰
Requires ballast	Yes	Yes	Yes

Disposal

Due to the presence of mercury and other harmful substances in lamps, special attention is paid to methods for their disposal, which are fundamentally different from other types of light bulbs. For this, special organizations have been created that collect and carry out the demercurization of certain categories of gas discharge devices.

Main steps:

1. The user throws the failed lamp into a special container.
2. The waste container is sent to the Recycling Center.
3. In the Center, a phosphor containing mercury is removed from the coating, the purified glass is crushed and the base is crushed.
4. The phosphor is sent to a special enterprise for the extraction of mercury, the glass and the plinth are sent to a landfill.

Happy lighting. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!