Compact Fluorescent Lights

Compact fluorescent lights  (CFL) are fluorescent lights with a tube diameter of 16mm or less. CFLs are designed to screw into the standard incandescent light bulb socket found in most luminaires. Since fluorescent lights are much more efficient than standard lightbulbs, these compact versions are a great way to get long lasting, cheap and energy-efficient light.

Pros and Cons of CFL

Pros Use 25% of the energy that an incandescent lamp uses. Life span is up to 10 times longer than incandescent lights, sometimes longer. Electric ballast technology makes bulbs silent and "flickerless". Higher illuminance. Easily replaces a standard light bulb - just screw it in.  Cons Require a warm-up time. Cannot operate in extremely cold temperatures. If you are still using magnetic ballasts then the sound and flicker of fluorescent light are obvious. Higher illuminance results in greater glare. Frequent cycling of CFL's can shorten life of the bulb.

External Links

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