FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA CAWANGAN JOHOR

KAMPUS PASIR GUDANG LABORATORY MANUAL

COURSE BUILDING SERVICES

COURSE CODE ECM346
LEVEL OF OPENNESS 0
CATEGORY PARTIALLY OPEN ENDED
DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED (%) 100
PERIOD OF ACTIVITY 1 WEEK

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF LIGHTING SYSTEM :

TITLE
FLUORESCENT LAMP INSTALLATION

1.1 Introduction
The traditional methods of conducting laboratory activities (assigned as Level 0) will not be
able to provide the avenue for students to enhance independent learning activities and
inculcate creativity and innovation. The traditional method is fully prescriptive where the
three elements namely problem, ways & means and answers are provided/fully given to the
students. However, it is still necessary to be implemented as part of the whole laboratory
course activity especially to first and second year students.
In this activity, students will be exposed to learn about the basic wiring of a fluorescent lamp
where it can assist them to identify the important components of a fluorescent lamp
installation. The function of the components needs to be addressed in order to understand
the overall basic operation of a fluorescent lamp.

1.2 Objective
The objectives of this activity are:
1. To identify the basic component of lighting system, accessories and fixtures
2. To understand the basic principle of wiring for fluorescent lamp installation.
3. To explain the basic method of fluorescent lamp installation.
PREAMBLE
1.3 Learning Outcomes
At the end of the laboratory activity, students would be able:
1. To describe the main components of a fluorescent lamp fixtures.
2. To sketch the wiring diagram of a simple fluorescent lighting system.
3. To discuss the safety precautions when assembling a fluorescent lamp.

1.4 Theoretical Background

A fluorescent lamp is a low-pressure mercury vapor lamp confined in a glass tube, coated
inside with a fluorescent material known as phosphor. Energized filament delivers electrons
to ionized inert gas within tube, forming plasma that conducts electricity. Ballast limits the
flow of the current through the tube. Ballast or also known as choke is used to absorb
voltage produce from ionization, and then send back to the tube. Ballast function as gate to
balance the amount of voltage. A higher current will increase total voltage absorb by ballast
as ionization growth. Then, plasma excites the mercury vapor atoms to emit a spectrum of
red, green, blue, and ultraviolet lights. Internal phosphor coating then converts ultraviolet
light into other colors.

FKA, UiTM CAWANGAN JOHOR KAMPUS PASIR GUDANG JUNE-OCT 2016

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA CAWANGAN JOHOR
KAMPUS PASIR GUDANG LABORATORY MANUAL

2.1 Problem Statement

Fluorescent lamp fixtures are more costly than incandescent lamps because its require a
ballast to regulate the current through the lamp, but the lower energy cost typically offsets
the higher initial cost. On average, 40 watts of energy in a fluorescent tube produces as
much light as a 150-watt incandescent bulb. Therefore, compared to traditional incandescent
bulbs, less heat is generated from the filament at similar lighting output. Thus, the
application of fluorescent lamp is becoming common and wider compared to incandescent
PROBLEM
lamp. Besides, due to the mercury which contained in the bulb, many fluorescent lamps are
STATEMENT classified as hazardous waste. Thus, proper management is needed to ensure it will not
cause any harm to the environment and human.
In this case, students are required to assemble the given components and fixtures of
fluorescent lamp by referring to the given procedures. During the task, students are required
to observe the correct installation and identify the safety precautions that need to be
implemented during the wiring installation. Students need to illustrate the wiring diagram of a
complete fluorescent lamp installation.

3.1 Apparatus
Fluorescent bulb, magnetic ballast, starter, fluorescent lamp holders, 3 cores wire
cable, 13 Amp plug, wire cutter,stripper, test pen, screwdriver, knife

3.2 Procedures
In order to execute the given task, follow the following procedure:
Fitting a new plug
1. Remove approximately 2.5 cm of outer sheath of the cable.
2. Unscrew the cover of the new plug and remove it.
3. Loosening the cable grip inside the plug.
4. Loosen the terminal screws on top of the holes to allow the wires to go into the
holes and get a good contact with the metal.
5. Prepare the end of each type of cores by stripping away the necessary insulation.
6. Check that prepare cores are long enough to reach their terminals.
7. Identify the live, neutral and earth terminals. Connect each wire core to its correct
WAYS & terminal.
MEANS 8. Loosen the terminal screw and insert the bare end of the core in the hole. Tighten
the screw to trap it in place.
9. The cable should be clamped in place using the cable grip at the bottom of the
plug.
10. Replace the plug cover and make sure that it is firmly screwed together.

Assemble a unit of fluorescent lamp.

1. Open the cover and prepare the conductors to be ready for connection, with the
insulation of each core stripped back by about 2.5cm.
2. Connect the live wire to the Live terminal connection of the fitting.
3. Connect the neutral wire to the Neutral terminal connection of the fitting.
4. Connect the earth conductor to the Earth terminal of the light fitting.
5. Check all connections are correct and secure. Make sure that the wiring does not get
snagged as the cover is replaced.
6. Fit the tube itself into the fitting. Take care to align the pins at the end of the tube with
the sockets on the fitting ends.
7. Plug in and switch ON the power to test the fluorescent lamp.

FKA, UiTM CAWANGAN JOHOR KAMPUS PASIR GUDANG JUNE-OCT 2016

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA CAWANGAN JOHOR
KAMPUS PASIR GUDANG LABORATORY MANUAL

3.3 Data Acquisition

The data acquisition for this exercise including the students ability to observe
and record all the relevant information during conducting and completing the
task. Students need to sketch the wiring schematic diagram of fluorescent lamp
by indicating the different types of wire with different colours and snap pictures
of any THREE (3) main fixtures of a fluorescent lamp. Each fixture/component
needs to be address and name clearly in the illustration with the discussion of its
function and importance. Besides, the discussion on safety practices while doing
the electrical wiring need to be highlighted as well as recommendation of the
proper disposal method of fluorescent lamps.

4.0 Results, Analysis and Conclusion

The group is required to submit the technical report of the laboratory results
highlighting the
RESULTS discussion and analysis carried out with the relevancy of the outputs to achieve the
objectives. The writing of the report is left to the creativity of the group.

The report must be submitted 7 days after the date of laboratory.

FKA, UiTM CAWANGAN JOHOR KAMPUS PASIR GUDANG