What is cfl bulb

CFLs produce light differently than incandescent bulbs. In an incandescent, electric current runs through a wire filament and heats the filament until it starts to glow.

In a CFL, an electric current is driven through a tube containing argon and a small amount of mercury vapor. This generates invisible ultraviolet light that excites a fluorescent coating called phosphor on the inside of the tube, which then emits visible light. This entire process typically takes 30 seconds to 3 minutes to complete, which is why CFLs take longer than other lights to become fully lit.

CFLs with decorative covers like globe or reflector shapes have a unique design challenge that results in the tradeoff of a slower warm up time, which is why these CFLs take longer than bare spirals to reach full brightness. Older CFLs used large and heavy magnetic ballasts that caused a buzzing noise in some bulbs. Most photocells, motion sensors and electric timers are not designed to work with CFLs. One can simply remove the old lamp and screw in the CFL.

Plug-in CFLs require both a specific socket and a ballast, and therefore are more difficult to retrofit. At this point, it is actually easier to discuss where CFLs are not ideal: They are not generally well-suited for use with control devices, such as dimmers, timers, or photo sensors like motion detectors or daylight sensors.

They may function in these applications, but rated life will likely be reduced and therefore this type of usage is not generally recommended or covered under manufacturer warranties. Some CFLs can be used with dimmers without affecting rated life, but only if they are specifically designed for that function and listed as dimmable lamps.

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Worcester, MA Tel. I installed them and found that their light output was less than the 60 watt equivalent that they were supposed to be. I got used to it and bought some more, trying 75 and watt equivalents, which gave good light, in areas where I needed more light.

This happened a second time, with a different brand of bulb. Their 60 watt equivalents seem to produce more light than 60 watt incandescents. I have a 2nd two tube fluorescent nearby. The 1 tube LED is substantially brighter than the 2 tube fluorescent. Last week I discovered earthled and ordered 4 Luceco 18W tubes and just finished retrofitting two 2-bulb shop lights whose ballasts had died.

LED is the way to go. Cool white, soft white who knows? Well the EarthLED chat does. They pointed me in the right direction on color and brightness and were spot on. Prices are also excellent. We have re-lamped our entire house through EarthLed. FREE Shipping 1. Deal of the Week. Volume Quotes. MR GU5. Troffers Troffers 2X4. LED Downlights. Bathroom Bedroom. Dining Room Home Garage.