Parabolic or Prismatic

[patriotelectric]

Parabolic or prismatic? Can anyone tell me the advantage of one over the other? And does anyone have an idea a per fixture price?
I Landed a nice job for myself replacing fixtures in a nursing home. 2x2 prismatic will be replaced with 2x2 parabolic. I was told about $125.00 per fixture labor & materials. 60 total, easily accessible and wiring and fixture support is already up to code.Could lead to a maintained contract.

 

[goldstar]

Re: Parabolic or Prismatic

This is just my opinion but when you are using a prismatic lens the bulbs are totally enclosed within the housing. In the event a bulb breaks the chemical and glass will remain inside the fixture. Prismatic lenses give off more light (horizontally) than do parabolic lenses and make the area look somewhat "clinical".

Parabolic lenses, on the other hand, project the light straight down and when standing at a distance will make the room look softer (you will not be able to see that light coming out of the fixture). You will get shadows on the wall where it meets the ceiling. In addition, the bulbs are totally exposed inside the fixture housing and may require plastic sleeves. Check with the the AHJ on this.

From what I remember the 2' x 4'(silver) parabolic lenses cost about $25.00 @ and sometimes have to be cut to size depending on the fixture manufacturer. Sometimes the supply houses will cut them to size for you.