Mercury Fixture

Definition

A light fixture that has an electric discharge lamp that produces a blue-white light by creating an arc in mercury vapor enclosed in a tube or globe.

Purpose

Mercury fixtures are used for lighting applications where bright, long-lasting illumination is required. They are commonly used in street lighting, industrial lighting, and outdoor security lighting due to their high intensity and efficiency.

Examples of Use

• Street lighting: Providing bright, efficient illumination for roadways and public spaces.
• Industrial lighting: Used in factories and warehouses to ensure sufficient lighting for operations.
• Outdoor security: Installing mercury fixtures around buildings and parking lots for enhanced visibility and safety.

Related Terms

• HID Lamp: High-intensity discharge lamp, a type of lighting that includes mercury vapor lamps.
• Fluorescent Lamp: A low-pressure mercury-vapor gas-discharge lamp that uses fluorescence to produce visible light.
• Ballast: A device that regulates the current to the lamps and provides sufficient voltage to start the lamps.

Notes

• Mercury fixtures contain mercury, which requires careful handling and disposal due to environmental and health concerns.
• They are being phased out in many areas due to energy efficiency regulations and environmental considerations.
• Alternatives such as LED and high-pressure sodium lamps offer improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact.