Performance of fluorescent reflector inserts

A summary is presented of lighting test data taken on a number of different recessed fluorescent troffer luminaires which were modified by equipping the inside top and sides of the luminaire with insert panels of high-reflectance silver or aluminium in place of the usual white-painted metal. Photometry was utilized to carefully compare before-and-after measurements of luminaire efficiency, lumen output, light distribution, and power input. The results indicate that the reflector inserts substantially increase luminaire efficiency. Data from tests of four lamp luminaires which were modified by removing two lamps and a ballast and installing a reflector insert indicate that luminaire power dropped by about 50% while total luminaire light output dropped by about 30%. The reflectors therefore improved the efficiency of the luminaires by over 20%.<>