To understand why technicians developed the proprietary CCF lights, one first must understand the difference between the cold cathode fluorescent, on one hand, and traditional halogen and hot cathode fluorescent lighting on the other.

Existing halogen and fluorescent technology does not meet the harsh requirements of the marine and RV environment. In halogen bulbs or hot cathode fluorescent tube, large amounts of electric current are pushed through a thin tungsten wire filament, superheating it into the range of 1,200°C-4,000°C (2,200°F-7,200°F). Because of this, the wire filament is very fragile and vulnerable to destruction by any level of vibration.

It is also degraded by the very act of simply turning on the light due to higher starting currents. This repeated degradation results in a limited number of starts after which the wire filament fails. CCF tubes withstand shock and vibration and produce long operating life. In contrast to the filaments in traditional lighting, the cold cathode electrodes operate at a significantly lower temperature of 65°C + 20°C. Furthermore, the electrodes in the ends of the cold cathode fluorescent tube are much more substantial in construction. This is because they use a large metallic tubular surface area instead of a thin filament of wire. This construction withstands destruction by shock and vibration experienced in the marine and RV environment.

In fact, these CCF’s have been subjected to tests of vibration from 10 Hz to 1 MHz, and have endured multiple shock impacts in excess of 50g, all without failure. (USCG recommendations were referred to for both tests.) Taylorbrite optics enhance efficiency of the CCF tubes. The small size of our tubes (6mm) allows more effective optical control. Many CCF’s include the TIR lens, which captures nearly 100% of the light emitted by the tube and directs it where desired. This makes a very efficient light engine even more effective.

CCF electronics and tubes are sealed in glass filled Valox Bases. The CCF’s are marine and RV UL listed and meet the Ignition Proof test requirements of the United States Coast Guard, as stated in Title 33 CFR 183.410. Furthermore, all Taylorbrite CCF’s are marine and RV UL and CSA listed, and are CE compliant (required for Europe). CCF Bezels are stainless steel-based for maximum protection from the environment. Stainless steel is well noted in the marine industry for the resistance to corrosion, however, it also provides an excellent plating surface. Finishing options include white powder coating, gold, chrome, or brass. Clear coating (gold and brass) provides additional protection from the environment.

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