This paper discusses the basic parameters of a fluorescent lighting system thatsaffect the illumination level. The parameters include the thermal performance ofsthe fixture and the ballast factor, voltage regulation, and thermal regulation ofsthe ballast/lamp system. Fixtures determine the minimum lamp-wall temperature ofsthe lamps and are described as hot or cold. That is, the lamp-wall temperatures cansvary from 39 to 61 degrees C. In general, cool fixtures tend to provide higher light levelssand are more efficacious for a given ballast/lamp system.

Solid-state fluorescent ballast/lamp systems have been measured and show a variationsin light output from 6170 to 3780 lumens for the two-lamp, F-40, T-12, rapid-startslamps. Lighting designers must obtain this information in order to accuratelyspredict illumination levels in a space.