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Plastics > Plastics FAQs & Links > Plexiglas® Primer > Use of Plexiglas acrylic sheet for Lighting Applications
Use of Plexiglas acrylic sheet for Lighting ApplicationsLighting Diffusers Using Fluorescent Lamps - Lighting can be built into
ceilings and overhangs by installing panels of white translucent Plexiglas
below fluorescent lamps, as shown below. The Plexiglas panels rest on the
projecting edges of the wood moldings or metal framing. If diffuser is
outdoors, cut material 1/4" smaller than the opening to allow for thermal
expansion of the material. For service access to the lighting, the diffusing
panels are pushed up, tilted and removed. Plexiglas in 1/4" thickness is
recommended for installations with areas larger than two square feet. For
uniform diffusion of light, the distance from the Plexiglas to the fluorescent
lamps should not be less than two-thirds of the distance between rows of lamps.
All surfaces above the diffusing panels should be given at least two coats of
high-reflectance white paint, with white enamel as a finish coat.
Lighting Diffusers Using Incandescent Light Bulbs - When using Plexiglas in an
incandescent lamp, you must provide sufficient space for ventilation between
the light bulb and Plexiglas to prevent overheating and softening of the
Plexiglas. For best results - even illumination and no hot spots - use
show-case bulbs. The formula for determining the minimum distance between a
given wattage bulb and Plexiglas:
Minimum Distance, Bulb to Plexiglas = 1/2 the square root of the bulb's
wattage.
Note: The minimum distance can be reduced by providing ventilation for heat to
escape, however there is no general formula to determine the reduction.
A general rule of thumb for indoor applications of Plexiglas lighting white is
to use:
Thickness Unsupported Horizontal Span
1/8" 0" - 24"
3/16" 24" - 36"
1/4" 36" - 48"
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