OTT-LITE Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes OttLite Lighting unique?

  Not all lighting is created equal.
  
  Some light wavelengths let you see vibrant colors.  But, they emit a bright, glaring light.  The eye muscles react by squinting.
  
  Other wavelengths let you see with high contrast – the edges of objects are incredibly clear.  Ideal for text and fine details.  The downside is you lose the color fidelity. 
  
  OttLite gives you the best of both worlds with its unique 508 Technology™ – a precise balance of contrast and brightness.  Now the eye can see and focus without the harsh glare, distortion and fatigue other light sources cause.  Reading is easier, seeing is more comfortable.  Plus, colors are vibrant and details are incredibly clear. 
  
  With over 5 million OttLite products sold, people worldwide have made OttLite lighting their choice for seeing everything easier and more clearly. Touted by Oprah Winfrey's O at Home magazine, The Ladies' Home Journal, AARP Bulletin and more, OttLite Technology's innovative products are specially designed to help you do what you do better. Whether you're reading, using a computer, sewing or painting, OttLite Technology has the perfect design and technology to help you Enjoy Life in HD™.
  
  This technology is based on 40 years of research by photobiologist and pioneer in light research Dr. John Nash Ott. Dr. Ott discovered the effects specific wavelengths of natural light have on all living things. Known as the father of time-lapse photography, Dr. Ott developed the first OttLite product while filming “The Secrets of Life” Series for the Walt Disney Company and helped Disney animators transform an ordinary pumpkin into Cinderella’s magical carriage. Dr. Ott’s cinematography was also featured in the 1951 Academy Award winning film “Nature’s Half Acre” produced by Walt Disney.
  
  
  

• Where can I purchase OttLite products?

  OttLite® lighting is available at retailers nationwide in a variety of styles and finishes.  Please visit Where to Buy for more information. 
  
  
  

• How long do the bulbs and tubes last?

  Eco-friendly and energy efficient OttLite bulbs are rated to last up to 10,000 hours -- more than 10x longer than a standard lightbulb that typically lasts 750 hours.
  
  

• How do I assemble my lamp?

  Our lamps come with instructions showing the parts included with your lamp and a detailed explanation of the assembly process. If the instructions were not included with your lamp please contact the customer service department at 800-842-8848 x500 and they will send you this information or explain the assembly of your lamp over the phone.
  
  

• My lamp is not working correctly, how can I troubleshoot the problem?

  Please try the following:
  
  

  1) Make sure the bulb is inserted into the socket properly. When inserting the bulb you will hear at least 2 clicks.
  
  2)  After you hear the second click and the lamp still does not work, please try a different outlet.
  
  3)  If the above actions do not fix the problem, please contact customer service at 1-800-842-8848 x 500 or e-mail at custserv@ott-lite.com.
  
  Please note:  In the event you need to return your OttLite lamp, an OttLite customer service representative will give you a return merchandise authorization number (RMA #) and the return address. This RMA # is required for all returns to OttLite Technology.
  
  

• Can I use an OttLite Lamp on a dimmer?

  OttLite lighting is not dimmable.
  
  
  

• How does the light output of an OttLite bulb compare to an incandescent bulb?

  A 13 watt OttLite bulb has an approximate light output comparable to a 60 watt incandescent bulb and an 18 watt OttLite bulb has an approximate light output comparable to a 75 watt incandescent bulb. 
  

  
  It is important to note, however that wattage only represents the amount of heat and energy being used, not the quality of the light output.  In fact, most incandescent lighting wastes about 98% of the power they consume in heat. 
  

  
  Eco-friendly, energy efficient OttLite lighting is specially formulated to be like natural daylight indoors with three distinct lighting formulas to help you do what you do better.
  

   

• Does my OttLite lamp come with a warranty?

  All OttLite products come with a two-year limited warranty on fixtures and a one-year limited warranty on tubes and bulbs. You will find a copy of this warranty in the box with your lamp.
  
  
  

• Why is Mercury used in your product?

  Mercury is the ‘catalyst’ of the fluorescent lighting process.

  All fluorescent tubes contain some Mercury because it is an essential part of the fluorescence process.  It is similar to water and salt.  Pure water is a very poor conductor of electricity, however if you add salt to it water becomes a very good conductor.  In the same manner Mercury in a fluorescent tube is like salt in water.  The fluorescent tube is filled with an inert gas, which does not conduct, but add a little Mercury and it will conduct electricity very well.  Neon lights also contain Mercury.
  
  For more information, click here. 
  
  

• Are broken bulbs hazardous?

  The bulbs contain inert gases and approximately 1.5mg. (10w linear) to 10mg (40w linear) of mercury (about the size of a period at the end of a printed sentence).  The powder seen in and around a broken tube is from the phosphors most of which remains stuck to the glass.  The mercury mostly remains in a liquid state embedded in the phosphors.  Exposure from a single bulb is well below OSHA established exposure levels. Clean up using good safety practices would be to sweep up the glass and powder then wipe the area with a disposable moist cloth. DO NOT VACUUM, vacuuming will vaporize the mercury. Dispose of cleaning materials inside a plastic bag as normal household trash.