Cubical Lighting

Full Spectrum Lights / Plant Lamps / Grow Lamps

This is just a quick and dirty primer for me to incease my happiness at work by getting a full spectrum light to replace the normal fluorescent light in my cubicle. Full spectrum lighting can increase your productivity and overall feeling of wellbeing. For those people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a full spectrum light is recommended by professionals.

I had to find out the light code (usually written at one end of the light), wattage, and length. Mine light was a General Electric F17T8; 17 Watts; 24" long.

The T8 in F17T8 represents the Tube diameter (T stands for Tube) [Conversion T8 * 1/8 inches = 1 inch]:

• T5 = 5/8 inch
• T8 = 1.00 inch
• T10 = 1.25 inches
• T12 = 1.50 inches

The F17 in F17T8 represents the type of light and power.

• F = Fluorescent
• 17 = 17 Watts

The CRI (Color Rendering Index) is an important value to consider. The closer to 100 CRI the better the lamp will be able to render colors accurately. Museum quality lights have >95 CRI. Your typical desk light is closer to 50 CRI.

Some Brands and Websites:

• http://www.lighting.philips.com/nam/prodinfo/fluorescent/p5037d.shtml ****This is the light I will get****
• http://www.esuweb.com/ ****Specialist in lights for plants and animals****
• http://www.naturallighting.com/vita_lite.cfm ****Another good quality lamp****
• http://www.specialty-lights.com/fullspectrum-bulbs.html ****lightbulb outlet****
• http://www.sunalite.com/s_lightbulbs.cfm ****Another lamp****
• http://www.cd162.com/color/Fluorescent_Lamps.htm ****What you need to know about Fluorescent Lamps****

My Selections