The Difference Between Standard, White, and Enhanced Reflectors

Many linear fluorescent high bay fixtures are available with a number of different reflector options. This allows the fixture to be configured properly for a broad range of applications. The reflector material in fluorescent high bay fixtures determines how much light is reflected back down towards the work surface. The higher the reflectivity, the more efficient the high bay fixture is at delivering the light that the lamps generate down to the work plane. The typical options are as follows:
  • Standard aluminum reflector: This is typically a matte reflective aluminum surface capable of reflecting approximately 86% of incident light back towards the work surface.
  • Reflective white paint: This is a standard white painted reflector that can be used in low ceiling applications. A white reflector typically reflects 91% of incident light towards the work surface.
  • Enhanced specular aluminum: This is a highly reflective aluminum material that resembles a mirror. This reflector material has the highest reflectivity among current options and will typically reflect 95% of incident light back towards the work surface.
These different reflectors can be used to optimize the amount of light that reaches the work plane and limit the glare these fixtures can produce.  If you have any questions on what type of reflector you should use in your applications, don't hesitate to contact us.

February 15, 2012 by Ray De Varona.