Cleanroom Lighting – Which Type Is Best?

The focus of cleanroom design is rarely on its lighting, but this is a crucial element of cleanroom operation. Proper lighting makes it possible for workers to do their jobs correctly, control contamination, and maintain the temperature within the room. Energy efficient lighting also lowers operating costs, which is a concern for any organization. What are the different cleanroom lighting possibilities? We will go through the options in this blog so you can better understand what you need.   

Types of Lighting 

We are familiar with different types of lighting, but the needs of a cleanroom are different than the needs of other environments, so more traditional types of lighting do not work well. 

Incandescent lighting – The most traditional type of lighting is incandescent. Incandescent bulbs give off heat as well as light which makes them energy inefficient. The light they produce is also not bright or consistent enough for cleanroom applications. 

Fluorescent lighting – The second type of lighting is fluorescent. Fluorescent light bulbs emit UV light which then filters through the glass coating to create visible light. They are most commonly available in long tubes, but they also come in bulb form. They are more energy efficient than incandescent lighting and can be used in some cleanroom applications. 

LED lighting – LED stands for Light Emitting Diodes. This is the most energy efficient lighting option. LED lights convert electrical energy directly into light without producing heat. LED lights tend to be more expensive than incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs, but they are efficient and long lasting, which offsets the cost in the long run. LED flat panel lights offer a variety of brightness (lumens) and color temperature (K) options and produce even, consistent light which doesn’t create shadows. 

Finally, there is also natural light. In some cases cleanrooms can take advantage of natural light via exterior windows. The cost of natural light is free and can have some psychological benefits for workers, but in many cases it’s not strong or consistent enough for cleanroom applications.  Windows may also create temperature control issues in the cleanroom environment. 

The Best Cleanroom Lighting

LED lighting is the most useful, appropriate, and energy efficient lighting alternative for cleanrooms. Technical Air Products uses LED flat panel lights standard in all of our cleanrooms. If your organization already has an existing cleanroom, you can upgrade by replacing your fluorescent fixtures with LED flat panel lights. With a low purchase price and a low operating cost, LED flat panel lights deliver a quick return on your investment and will save you money for years to come. They also have no crevices or seams where contaminants can accumulate. They are fully dimmable and are compatible with building controls, motion sensors, and timers. 

Another lighting option we offer is the flow thru troffer. This type of lighting allows filtered air to flow through the lighting fixture into the cleanroom. It’s designed to provide light in places where full-filter coverage is necessary but space for light fixtures is not available. 

Our flow thru troffers have a top perimeter flange to retain a standard filter module. Universal ballast allows connection to 120-277V single phase power. Each fixture uses LED T8 lamps and an acrylic egg-crate grill in an extruded perimeter frame. 

Technical Air Products’ LED lighting options meet the highest cleanroom standards, give workers many different options for illuminating these spaces, operate efficiently, and last far longer than incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs. If you have a specific lighting need, please contact us. We would be happy to discuss design options for your cleanroom.