Magnetic Particle Inspection Level 2 Practice Exam

What wattage is most commonly used for mercury vapor bulbs in portable fluorescent magnetic particle inspection?

1. 200 watts

2. 50 watts

3. 100 watts

4. 75 watts

The correct answer is: 100 watts

The most commonly used wattage for mercury vapor bulbs in portable fluorescent magnetic particle inspection is indeed 100 watts. This wattage provides an adequate amount of light necessary for detecting flaws and defects in ferromagnetic materials during the inspection process. The intensity of 100 watts strikes a balance between providing sufficient illumination for visibility and control over heat generation, which could potentially affect both the inspected material and the inspection process itself. Using 100-watt bulbs ensures that inspectors can effectively view the magnetic particles applied to the test surface, which is crucial for achieving accurate results. Furthermore, this wattage is generally found to be efficient in terms of energy consumption while still meeting the requirements of visibility in various inspection environments, making it a common choice among professionals in the field.