Frequently Asked Questions

What are fragment retention lamps?

My company uses IP65 enclosed fixtures. Why would we need fragment retention lamps?

So can any fragment retention lamp be used in an IP65 fixture?

I have noticed cheaper forms of protection on the market. Why should I purchase GlassGuard BlackBand® coated types?

Is your GlassGuard BlackBand® coating a fire risk?

How much light is blocked by the GlassGuard BlackBand® coating?

What standards do your GlassGuard BlackBand® coated lamps meet and will they be accepted by hygiene auditors or supermarkets?

What are fragment retention lamps?

Fragment retention lamps are standard glass lamps with an external plastic coating applied to them. They contain the glass particles and phosphor powders in the event of accidental breakage preventing wide spread contamination. Fragment retention lamps help protect products, profits and personnel similar to an insurance policy.

My company uses IP65 enclosed fixtures. Why would we need fragment retention lamps?

IP65 enclosed fixtures by design are to guard against dust and water they do not provide a ‘glass free’ environment. The diffuser cover itself will guard against impact however the real risk of lamp breakage occurs during routine maintenance when covers are removed. A simple mishandling accident can result in thousands of glass particles being spread over a wide area causing potential contamination. Fragment retention lamps provide protection during and after installation, removal and disposal.

So can any fragment retention lamp be used in an IP65 fixture?

Most other products currently on the market will not operate in these types of fixtures due to higher lamp temperatures reached. They will typically yellow at the ends and become brittle very quickly due to the low continuous service temperature of the plastic coating. The coating can also melt and flake off causing potential contamination when the diffuser cover is removed. More importantly if accidental lamp breakage were to occur typically the brittle plastic will shatter and glass particles will not be contained. It is always best practice to read the manufacturer’s specification before purchasing other products.

GlassGuard BlackBand® coated fragment retention fluorescent lamps will comfortably operate in IP65 fixtures due to their excellent performance at high temperatures. The special tough GlassGuard® coating has a maximum continuous service temperature of 200°C while retaining its mechanical properties throughout the life of the lamp. This ensures glass retention at end of lamp life which is crucial.

I have noticed cheaper forms of protection on the market. Why should I purchase GlassGuard BlackBand® coated types?

GlassGuard BlackBand® coated fluorescent lamps comply with IEC 61549 (BS EN 61549) Fragment Retention Lamp Standard and will satisfy the requirements of all major hygiene audit standards.

This ensures proper performance and overall cost saving. Most other products will typically yellow and crack well before 10,000 hours of operation and will not contain glass on impact. Cheaper products are a false economy and will need replacing before the end of the lamp’s service life. These products are more expensive in the long run and do not provide a safe level of protection. Remember! Your products, profit, brand name and personnel are your most valuable asset. Can you afford to take the risk?

Is your GlassGuard BlackBand® coating a fire risk?

The special GlassGuard BlackBand® coating comprises of a fluoropolymer resin which has an extremely high thermal resistance and does not support combustion. The GlassGuard BlackBand® coating meets IEC 60598 Needle Flame Test in addition to IEC 60695 Glow Wire Test 850°C and will not ignite in a naked flame. The shatterproof coating does not therefore add any fire risk.

How much light is blocked by the GlassGuard BlackBand® coating?

Only 1% visible light is lost through our standard fluorescent lamp coating which is maintained throughout lamp life. Most other products will typically experience 8-10% but as they age this increases due to the yellowing of the coating.

For HID (high-intensity discharge) and incandescent lamps, the light loss is 5% across the visible spectrum which is also maintained throughout the lamps service life.

UVA insect lamps achieve a 97% transmission at the critical wavelength of attraction and UVC germicidal lamps around 75% in the short wave regions.

What standards do your GlassGuard BlackBand® coated lamps meet and will they be accepted by hygiene auditors or supermarkets?

Through a partnership with the BRC, GlassGuard BlackBand® fragment retention lamps can be freely used in any certified site and will pass all audits. All fluorescent lamps meet IEC 61549 (BS EN 61549) Fragment Retention Lamp Standard. Just check for the BlackBand®.

GlassGuard BlackBand® shatterproof coated lamps also meet the requirements of all other hygiene and safety audits within the Agricultural, Food, Packaging and Pharmaceutical industries.