Learn the science behind high pressure sodium lighting, and its most common applications in outdoor and commercial lighting. This article identifies where you may want to most effectively use high pressure sodium lighting.
High pressure sodium lighting, most often used in commercial and outdoor applications, is recognized for the yellow light it provides.
Similar to Mercury Vapour Lighting
High pressure sodium lights are similar in operation to mercury vapor lights, except there is sodium together with the mercury.
Sodium at high temperatures attacks glass, so the bulb envelope is made instead from a whitish translucent ceramic.
More Even Color
Sodium at high pressures behaves differently than mercury, and produces a more even color. It is still strongly yellow, but renders other colors well. It has an efficiency of about 100 LPW.
HPS has seen applications similar to mercury vapor lights.
Thanks to our guest lighting expert – Lance Kaczorowski, who brings a wealth of expertise to the site:
Kaczorowski, a native of New York City, now resides in Fort Wayne, IN. Kaczorowski has a 4-year degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and also a 2-year degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Kaczorowski’s broad work history includes (chronologically): Three years as a Mercedes-Benz mechanic; six years as an electronics technician with the Air Force; three years as a new product development engineer with General Electric Lighting in Cleveland; seven years as a new product development engineer and an engineering analyst with Grote Industries in Madison, IN; and currently as an engineering analyst with International Truck and Engine Corporation in Fort Wayne.
The first two years of Kaczorowski’s employment with General Electric consisted of extensive training in light source sciences and engineering under GE’s Edison Engineering Program. Kaczorowski’s experience with lighting was broadened at Grote Industries, which is a supplier of vehicle lighting for heavy duty trucks.
