Frequently Asked Questions
Induction Lighting Principles FAQ
The following questions pertain to induction lighting systems and their principal operating characteristics.
What is light?
Light is essential to our vision and plant growth but the way our eyes and plants react to this light are entirely different processes. While the overall physics and science of lighting can be complex we're going to reduce it to it's bare elements here and primarily concentrate on the important plant/light interactions and how we measure that light.
WAVES: All light consists of electromagnetic waves in a spectrum that range from the low end ultraviolet (UV) to the high end infrared (IR) of the spectrum. The wavelength is measured in nanometers (nm) and consists of both visible and invisible light.
PARTICLES: Light is measured in PHOTONS which are a quantum or individual unit. Since individual photons possess tiny amounts of energy, photons are measured in units of moles (mol), which are 6.02 x 1023 photons. Micromoles (µmol) are one-millionth of a mole.
QUALITY: Photons have different amounts of energy, determined by their wavelengths. Light quality is the relative number of light particles at each wavelength. Light quality refers to the spectral distribution of light, or the relative number of photons of each portion of the spectrum, both visible and invisible that our light emits.
PAR LIGHT: During the photosynthetic process where the plant turns light into its energy it requires certain wavelength spectrums which we refer to as Photsynthetic Active Radiation or PAR for short. While PAR light spectrum ranges between 380-720 nm the region brightest to human vision (555 nm - Green, Yellow and Orange) has the least effect on plants. Consequently lightmeters that measure human vision levels (lumens,lux,footcandles) are not as effective as quantum type meters in determining if plant lighting levels (YPF, PPF) are actually being met.
MEASURING PAR: Quantum light meters differ from visible light meters in that they will tell you how much many photons are striking a square meter per second. This can be taken as a moment in time 'incident reading' at the plant and the unit of measurement will be measure in micromoles and expressed as µmol/m2. To give you some reference, using a quantum meter, sunlight on a cloudless day would measure 2,000 µmoles at the leaves.
Why is selecting the proper grow light so important to to my plants success?
Plant growth and development is significantly influenced be both the quantity and quality of the light it receives in turning that light, through a process known as PHOTSYNTHESIS, into the energy which the plant requires to successfully mature.
Proper indoor grow light can also mitigate disease pressures that are often seen with plants grown outdoors. These plants are naturally affected by the number of cloudy days versus sunny days, humidity and leaf wetness where lack of solar radiation may subject the plants to disease cultivation that the indoor grower can influence with lighting and irrigation schedules.
What is the induction lamp system and how does induction lighting work?
An induction lamp system uses a technology of light generation that combines the basic principles of induction and gas discharge. Void of electrodes this technology delivers 100,000 hours of natural sunlight light spectrums with rare earth horticulture blend phosphors for full PAR spectrum photosynthesis for plant growth.
How does Induction Lighting work for Plant Lighting
What are the components of the Inda-GRO system?
The system is comprised of 5 components:
- 2.65 MHz High Frequency Generator (driver / ballast)
- Electromagnetic Coils (also called a Power Coupler)
- sealed Bi-Spectrum Electrodeless Flourescent Discharge Lamp (EFDL)
- fixture assembly
- Reflector - 99.7% Spectral Reflectance - The highest available.
Why use Inda-Gro Induction Lighting Products?
Unlike standard induction lighting products Inda-Gro Induction Lighting Systems utilize a 12 blend phospor systems offer five to ten times the life of HID systems for only two to three times the cost of the HID lamp and driver.
Our Inda-Gro Induction Lights produce a more natural light with 85+ CRI, Peak PAR values for Vegative and Flowering stages, low operating temperatures and engineered reflectors for deep canopy penetration resulting in maintained yields.
What are the general Benefits of Induction Lighting?
- Significantly reduces energy consumption
- .99 High Power Factor
- Less then 10% Total Harmonic Distortion
- Fastest Return on Investment (ROI)
- Most sustainable lighting option for on/off grid applications
- Lower CO2 emissions and carbon footprint
- Instant on/off allows for lighting control systems utilization
When testing for lumen output what is the required warm up time?
Typically 3 minutes warm up time is needed for 100% Lumen Output. The lumen output for the induction lighting depends on the mercury vapor pressure in the lamp which in turn is determined by the ambient temperature. These lamps use an amalgam system which results in low mercury vapor pressure before starting. However, an auxiliary amalgam is located in the discharge to ensure fast lumen run-up. When turned on, this auxiliary amalgam heats up, releasing mercury into the discharge. Light output quickly peaks and then dips slightly as mercury vapor pressure increases above optimum. After a few minutes, the mercury begins to go back to the main amalgam. The time required for the thermal equilibrium depends on ambient temperature and fixture design.
What is the typical lumen maintenance?
The lumen output of an Inda-Gro induction lamp is expected to have depreciated after 100,000 hours to no less than 70% of the initial rated lumens. When any lamp is new, its light output is at the maximum. As the lamp operates, various processes (plasma, chemical, and thermal) within the lamp causes a gradual reduction of its lumen output. The degree to which the actual light out put decreases with operating time is referred to as lumen maintenance.
How long will an Inda-Gro Induction Lamp last?
Inda-Gro Induction Lighting Systems are designed to have an average rated life of 100,000 hours at a maximum driver case temperature of 149 Deg F/ 65 Deg C. After 100,000 hours 50% of the drivers will be surviving (at 60,000 hours, 10% failures are expected).
Is there a difference between Plasma and Induction lamps?
Both of these systems utilize electrodeless magnetic coils to excite the gas in the lamp vacuum with the main differences being that the plasma systems are clear lamps utilizing no phosphor and they have significantly higher core temperatures of over 720 celcius with lamp lifes usually around 30,000 hours. However either type of system operates at low temperatures which does not contribute added heat within the room with the lumens per watt or efficacies being similar as well.
The PAR analysis of the Plasma fixtures indicates excellent UV values for the clone and vegative stages with sustained spectral levels up to the 550 nanometer range then rapidly falling off spectrums that are necessary for maximum chlorophyll absorption at the flowering and budding stages from the 600 -700 nanometer ranges.
We're very excited by the benefits and efficiencies of the electrodeless lamp technologies. As it pertains to plant lighting technologies we do not see the current state of plasma after factoring purchase costs, lamp lifespan, PAR ranges, canopy penetration and lack of reference grows would give us reason to endorse plasma as a replacement over fluorescent induction grow light systemswhereby phoshpors blends can create UV/IR ranges that are delivering 95%+ PAR levels at less cost and for longer life spans then plasma systems.
What is the difference between LED and Induction?
What type of gas is used inside of the lamp?
Low Pressure Argon Gas
Can running a lamp interfere with computers or any other electronic devices?
NO. Lamps runs at 250 KHz which complies with FCC rules with no interference under normal circumstances. INDA-GRO fixtures also utilize frequency dampening materials to prevent corona outside the fixture driver compartment.
Which way should the lamp be orientated?
An induction lamp can be operated in any position. In most cases though, the lamp should be mounted with the amalgam tip in the downward position. Because operating position has a slight effect on the amalgam tip temperature this should be considered when mounting the fixture.
Are Inda-Gro Induction Lamps and Fixtures vibration-resistant?
Yes. The fact that Inda-gro Induction Lamps have no electrodes makes them more reliable in high- vibration and gusty applications. For over 70 years induction lamp technology has proven its durability in bridges, tunnels, and signage applications.
How far can the HF generator/driver be remotely mounted from the power coupler/discharge vessel assembly?
6 feet. However INDA-GRO fixtures are packaged with the driver and optimum coupler cabling for the highest lumen efficiencies.
How to handle system disposal?
Lamp: Although a very small amount of mercury is used, it is recommended to treat as small chemical waste. The lamp can be recycled together with other low-pressure mercury discharge lamps. Follow local regulations for disposal of this type of light source. Driver: This component is a RoHS compliant electronic device, which can be disposed of with normal care. It is recommended to dispose of the driver as normal electronic waste, according to local regulations.
Is the light output of an Inda-Gro Induction Lamp affected by temperature?
The lamp's amalgam fill technology allows for output over a wide range of ambient temperatures, maintain at least 85% of nominal lumens from 30 Deg F to 130 Deg F.
What are the system Max temperature limits?
Driver: temperature should never exceed 149 Deg. F (65 Deg C). Thus to maximize system life, ambient temperature of the driver should be kept as low as possible.
Lamp: temperature of the lamp mounting base of the induction core should never exceed 212 Deg F (100 Deg C). Amalgam tip: temperature must be within the range of 131 Deg F to 257 Deg F 9 (55 Deg C to 125 Deg C) for optimal light output.
What is the minimum starting temperature?
Higher wattages can start as low as 40 Deg F (-40 Deg C). While the lower wattages need to be a minimum starting temperature of -13 Deg F/ -25 Deg C.
How is induction effected by humidity?
Induction can handle air humidity of up to 95%
Does voltage supply fluctuations effect the performance of the induction system?
The built-in pre-conditioner (+/- 20v) in the generator provides for a stable internal supply voltage. Light output, consumed power and system efficacy vary by less than 2% as a result of voltage fluctuations. Additionally Inda-Gro Induction Grow Lights offer a .99 PF and less then 10% THD.
Custom NEMA Configuration Options
Our fixtures come with a standard NEMA 5-15P Plug. If you require special configurations, Please contact us with the NEMA Configuration identified on this chart.