Compact Fluorescent Overheating
Many places are banning the sale of incandescent light bulbs or are about to, and are making Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) mandatory. Energy saving has been proven beyond any doubt, although there are some CFL things to be aware of. I have been using Compact Fluorescent replacements since they first came on the market. Here are some unofficial observations.
(Fluorescent or florescent spelling? Both are used extensively.)
Remember to use compact fluorescent bulbs only in open or well ventilated sockets. The base gets warm from the electronics inside. If overheating occurs, this can happen.
These pictures may be from early models and are presented as an awareness only.
Find more information on the links page under lighting.
This site provides some interesting facts on compact florescent light bulbs.
Will the base of the Compact Fluorescent fit the socket? Prior to purchasing you may want to check the type of socket you have.
Compact Fluorescent Characteristics
These are characteristics I have personally observed, and are not the results of any official tests.
- Compact Fluorescent bulbs take time to warm up and reach full brightness. Anywhere from one to several minutes.
- CFL may or may not dim near the end of their life span. Some will be observed dimmer just prior to failure, othes will just quit working.
- Compact Fluorescent bulbs cannot be use with a dimmer, especially with the X-10 style remote controls.
- CFLs do not work well in cold environments. At freezing temperatures they will turn on, but take as long as ten to twenty minutes to reach full brightness.
- So far I have not found any Compact Fluorescent lamps that last anywhere near the advertised 5 - 7 year life span.
- I am using Compact Fluorescent lamps in sockets pointing downward, upward and horizontal. I have found no difference in performance or life span.
- I have found no difference in the spiral vs bent tube style CFL replacements. Light output may appear to vary depending on the type of socket they are installed in and how much of the tube is actually visible.
- Compact Fluorescent lamps contain small amounts of Mercury and may need to be disposed of according to local laws.
Compact Fluorescent Life span
Feb. 2007 Update: I have found the spiral style compact fluorescent do not last anywhere near their advertised 7 year life span. In fact for some the life span is about the same as for normal light bulbs.
Indication of failure: When you first turn it on, it glows much more dimmer than usual, then reaches full brightness in about one to two minutes. Finally it will quit altogether and not come on.
It is said these bulbs last longer if they are turned on and left on for an extended time. On / off cycles may shorten their life span to a degree. The failures I experienced were in settings where the lights were turned on and off as you would with normal bulbs, such as in a bathroom.
| ©2006