What colour tubes do you require?

Bear in mind there are several different whites available from cool through to warm white.

See our COLOUR CHART to choose or ask if you are not sure what colour will give the best result. Colours in the chart are for guidance only.

High or low voltage system cold cathode?

Low voltage cold cathode is made up using tubes averaging 2000 mm long and 20 mm diameter. Measure each run of proposed cold cathode and divide by 2000 mm. If the tubes work out a little over 2000mm this is not a problem. Do not exceed 2300 mm in any case. Normally low voltage transformers are specified. Low voltage transformers (ballasts) generally have an output voltage of 990 v and do not require a fireman’s switch.

High Voltage cold cathode enables several tubes to be run on the same transformer. The transformers are more bulky (will not normally fit within a lighting trough) and they require a fireman’s switch in the circuit.

Straight or shaped?

Are all tubes straight or are there any bends or curves involved. List how many of each type of tube in each run.

If using a lighting trough or coffer will the tubes fit?

Ideally if the tubes are within a trough this should be at least 75 X 75 mm. Really the wider the trough the better the spread of light. All cold cathode tubes have a electrode at each end, this electrode is the electrical connection between the transformer and tube. Most tubes are made with turned back electrodes. Turned back electrodes enable the tubes to be butted up together to eliminate dark patches. As long as the trough is large enough you will be able to place electronic type ballasts within the lighting trough, adjacent to the tube. Electronic ballasts are typically L 150 mm x W 50 mm x H 35 mm.

For drawings of electrodes and trough layouts click here to open ELECTRODE PDF

Do you require installation?

If you require installation, are there any access issues, either height or obstacles at ground level to negotiate? Do we require special equipment that we need to provide? Also what is the geographical location of the installation.

Technical Information.