Sodium-Vapor Lamp

High Pressure
Sodium Light
 What is a High Pressure Sodium Light:
 High Pressure Sodium Vapor (HPS) lights, similar to
LPS lights, are a specific type of gas-discharge light
(also known as a High Intensity Discharge, HID or arc
light).
 The principal difference between low and high
pressure sodium lights is the operating pressure
inside the lamp. As indicated by the name, “high”
pressure sodium vapor lights operate at a higher
internal pressure.
 The arc tube is made of aluminum oxide and the
sodium metal is combined with several other
elements like Mercury which counter-balances the
yellow glow with some white to light blue emissions
 High-pressure sodium-vapour (HPS) lamps
have an inner discharge tube made of
translucent alumina that can withstand the
corrosive effects of a mixture of mercury and
sodium under greater pressure and higher
temperature.
 HPS lamps give a whiter light and are used
for extra-bright lighting in places such as road
intersections, tunnels, sports stadiums, and
other places where it is desirable to see a full
spectrum of reflected colours.
Efficiency and Lifespan
 As sodium vapor lights age, more and more
voltage is required to produce the same
amount of light until eventually the voltage
exceeds the fixed resistance provided by the
ballast and the light goes out (fails).
 The lights become less efficient over time
because they must use more and more
voltage to produce the same lumen output as
the light degrades. That said, HPS lights in
particular maintain fairly good light output
(roughly 80%) at their typical end-of-life (24,000
operating hours).
Disposal:
 The Sodium in these lamps is a highly volatile
substance. When exposed to air the sodium may
explode. The sodium lamp should not be disposed
of in normal the normal garbage disposal. There
have been many cases of garbage trucks catching
fire when the bulbs in the back broke. Sodium
lamps also contain mercury.