According to so-called “specialists” in the market, “Full Spectrum Lighting” will fix everything that ails you. One claim is “Reduces levels of the Stress Hormone”. Another one says that “Full Spectrum” reduces the chance of skin cancer. How can this be? Isn’t full spectrum like the sun? Doesn’t the sun have dangerous UV in it? See what happens to your skin without sun screen. Look at the adverse effects to your skin and body from Gamma, X-rays, Radio waves, Infrared and a bunch or other radiation.
So some of our competition supplies lamps that they claim have all this and more! They claim that “Full Spectrum” will reduce headaches, fatigue, and irritability. WOW! This is great, does this elixir come in a bottle? Is this like the special secret solution from the days of the Wild West or possibly a special potion from very old witch doctors of the 18th century?
None of the major manufacturers (Sylvania, GE, Philips) use the words “Full Spectrum” in their product information or specifications. Wonder why? It is not a measurement of a light source. Light source measurements use standards set by scientists such as; Color Rendering, Color Temperature, Lumens, and Candle power. The FTC recognizes these terms and measurements, but they do not recognize “Full Spectrum”.
Full Spectrum is an advertising term only. One web site says “Simply replacing your standard fluorescent tubes with full-spectrum tubes, you can instantly enhance your well-being!” Doesn’t that sound great! Just open your wallet and let’s start that new life you always wanted.
So what can you do? Simple. Buy from an established company that does not use such advertising practices. Buy from a company that is up front about the standards, measurements and terms they use. One that meets or exceeds FTC labeling standards for lighting.
Lighting can seem like a very technical area. It really isn’t. Some suppliers want to convince you it is very technical and very complicated so they can sell you hype.
Full Spectrum Lighting is just like buying “ Dr Feel Good’s Magic Elixir”Don’t believe us? Just go to Google and type in “ Full Spectrum” and see the amount of claims that are out there.
What good lighting for your application. It pays to learn the terms and ask questions about a light source to insure that it works for the project you have at hand.
Buyer Beware! A telemarketing company in Arizona will call you, tell you that it is time to re-order. When you ask them if they are USA Light (or any other companies you do business with), they will say" yes, we are". They take your order and ship COD. After you receive and pay for the package you find that you are "short shipped". Chances are slim to none that you will get what you paid for. If you do fall to this misfortune, contact the D.A. in Arizona or where ever the telemarketer is based.
* At USA Light we never telemarket. We don't like those annoying calls and neither do our customers.
* We never ship COD; it's not safe for our customers or us. Credit cards are the best for both the customer and the shipper.
Our Halogen Lamps last 6000 hours:
I am sure they do. But it's important to note that when you change one aspect of lighting you change all aspects of lighting. You may now have a longer life, but you also now have reduced light output and much more heat. When comparing lamps, compare all aspects. Use the chart below to compare what you are using now. Don't know the details? We have them posted on the Internet, or give us a call. The laws of physics dictate the lamp life, not a slick salesperson.
Current lamp
Proposed lamp
Lamp type:_____________________
______________
Life:__________________________
______________
Candle power:__________________
______________
Beam Spread:___________________
______________
Voltage:_______________________
______________
Color Rendering Index:___________
______________
THE MR-16 120VOLT DEBACLE
There are some low-end home improvement stores that got stuck with some kits that have a power track, floating power feed and three inferior track heads. These track heads use a MR-16 120volt lamp with two pins. Watch out for this one. These MR-16 lamps have a life of about 300 hours (if they work at all) and a very poor output.
The worse part is that no one stocks replacements. If you do find a replacement, expect to pay about $12 for it. (A standard MR-16 12volt costs about $3 and last 4000hrs)
If you have one of these fixtures, take it back to the place you got it and demand your money back. There should be nothing wrong with the track. Our fixtures, and many other brands should fit.
