Compact fluorescent lights are one of the energy saving bulbs used for reducing the power. Besides, compact fluorescent lights do not only reduce the power consumption, but also have a long life when compared to the normal bulbs. They have a much longer life – usually 7500-10,000 hours, sometimes up to 20,000 hours compared to 750 to 1000 hours for a standard incandescent.
In general, compact fluorescent lights consist of mercury and it has two parts. First part is the gas filled tube and the second part is made up of magnetic and electronic ballast. When an electric current passed through it, it emits ultra violet rays. Thus, the UV light produced, excites the phosphor present in the walls of the tube. This coating is responsible for producing a visible light.
Another great thing about the compact fluorescent lights is the truth that they work in both direct current and alternating current. They can be operated using solar panels as well.
Compact fluorescent lights are the most popular in the category of energy saving light bulbs. They have been the point of focus of many a green campaign. The main objective is to get people to use these 7-11w lights instead of standard 20w-25w lights or higher. These lights can produce the same amount of bright light perfectly while also bringing the electricity bill down.
The compact fluorescent lights come in various shapes and sizes and also have varied wattage to produce lights varying in their brightness. There are lights available for standard shapes and fits that are perfect for chandelier fittings and hence will not look odd or out of place.
Some compact fluorescent lights are of the “modular” type, having bulbs and ballasts that can be separated and replaced separately. Others are of the “integral” type, in which the ballast is permanently built into the bulb and is discarded with the bulb when the bulb burns out.
Overall, the types of compact fluorescent lights include 3 way, dimmable, post, A-line and spiral. 3 way CFL bulbs are made for 3 way table lamps and last six times longer than standard A-line bulbs. Dimmable CFL bulbs are made for incandescent dimming circuits and dim as low as 10 percent outputs. They last 13 times longer than A-line bulbs.
Post CFL bulbs have a shatter proof cover. They last 16 times longer than A-line bulbs. A-line CFL bulbs look very similar to traditional incandescent bulbs, but they last six times longer than A-line. They fit most table lamps.
Meanwhile, spiral light bulbs as another version of compact fluorescent lights are good for use in table lamps and last eight times longer than a regular A-line bulb. The spiral shape provides better light distribution than the other CFLs.
Compact fluorescent lights can be used both indoors and outdoors. However, you must check the packaging to ensure they are suitable for outdoor use. They may not hold up well under the stress of a power surge, so they are not recommended for use in workshops.
There are various compact fluorescent lights to choose from depending on your requirements. Any choice will give you good value and energy efficiency which is of upmost importance in today’s economy. You can purchase them easily both in stores and online and should be a welcome addition to any home.
