NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a typical application for HID lamps?

1. Offices

2. Parking lots

3. Factories

4. Street lights

The correct answer is: Offices

HID (High-Intensity Discharge) lamps are typically used in applications that require a high level of brightness and efficiency, particularly in larger spaces or outdoor areas. These lamps are known for their strong illumination and are frequently employed in situations where bright light is essential for safety and visibility. Parking lots, factories, and street lights are all common applications for HID lamps due to the need for effective lighting over large areas, promoting safety and security. These environments benefit from the high lumen output that HID lamps provide, ensuring that the spaces are well-lit. Offices, on the other hand, typically do not use HID lamps because the lighting requirements in those environments are generally different. Offices usually favor lighting that is suitable for close-up tasks, which often includes softer and more diffuse illumination that can be provided by fluorescent and LED fixtures. These types of lighting are more energy-efficient and create a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere for workspaces, minimizing harshness and glare that can be present with HID lamps. In summary, while HID lamps are effective for high-output and outdoor applications like parking lots, factories, and street lighting, their intensity and characteristics make them less suitable for the softer lighting needs found in office environments.