Fluorescent Safelight Selection Chart & Safelight Facts

EncapSulite® established in 1969, is synonymous with Safety Fluorescent Lighting worldwide. Designed initially as a safety enclosure for the food industry, the EncapSulite® product range has evolved and is used by many industries. The medical industry is one that will utilize our yellow colored sleeves for cases that require lighting that blocks UV rays. Invisible Ultra-Violet rays from the sun and artificial sources such as fluorescent lamps cause immense damage to displays, paintings, books, watercolors, and fabrics. Fluorescent lamps transmit almost the same wavelength of UV and visible light as the sun. Although fluorescent UV is not as strong as UV sunlight, the UV radiation from fluorescent lighting, and the sun will gradually induce fading, deterioration of organic materials and damage to the colors and fibers. The ANSWER - EncapSulite's clear or yellow Ultra-Violet (UV) absorbing filters for application on fluorescent lights, windows, and recessed ceiling lighting troffers. Ultraviolet light can also cause a number of health problems. UV radiation is linked to a number of skin, eye, and psychological problems.

Want to know which Fluorescent graphic arts & darkroom safelight is best for you?

Check the Fluorescent Safelight Chart for help in selecting the SafeLight filter for your application.

Why EncapSulite® Fluorescent Graphic Arts & Darkroom Safelights?

Graphic Arts & Darkroom Safelights provide an overall and shadow free illumination causing less eyestrain and consequently a better working environment. The "fade-free" filters for our graphic arts and darkroom safelights are designed for long life. EncapSulite filters are subject to a 10,000 hour accelerated ultra violet ageing test to verify the dyes are "fade-free". In the unlikely event of tube breakage, the EncapSulite shield is designed to contain the glass fragments and protect personnel and valuable equipment.

The special polyester filters, coated both sides for safety are enclosed within the polycarbonate sleeve and control the light source to very precise margins, giving maximum illumination levels and a generous safe handling time. EncapSulite's proprietary filters have been formulated to exactly match the color sensitivity of the photographic products.

EncapSulite Graphic Arts & Darkroom Safelights use standard white fluorescent lamps.

Safe Handling Time for Darkroom Safelights

What is safe handling time?

Safelight handling time varies from 3 minutes for Scanner film to 15 minutes to Slow Ortho-chromatic products. Film and paper sensitivity has increased dramatically over recent years. Specialized Graphic Arts & Darkroom Safelights are now available. Contact EncapSulite® if you experience any difficulties or require recommendations. See how Encapsulite graphic arts and darkroom safelights are used through out the world.

Safelight Facts

"Safelight" is defined as the room light illumination that will not fog photographic materials during the time period required for normal handling and processing.
The type of safelight recommended provides the maximum illumination, to which the photographic materials have the lowest sensitivity.