Compact Flourescent LightingCompact flourescent lamps are about the same size and same lighting output as standard medium base A bulbs, but produces 3 to 5 times more lumins. They have a significantly longer operating life, between two to six years, using 66% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb. Most americans choose bulbs by wattages, compact flourescents uses considerable less lumins than an incandescent bulb. QUICK GUIDE 7 to 13 watts CFL equals 40 - 60 watts incandescent 13 to 20 watts CFL equals 60 - 70 watts incandescent 20 to 25 watts CFL equals 75 - 100 watts incandescent 26 to 32 watts CFL equals 100 watts incandescent 40 watts CFL equals 100 - 500 watts incandescent The 3 ways CFL are more difficult and costly to dim, they do not create the same intimate that you received from dimmed incandescents, xenon or halogen bulbs. The typical rated life is 10,000 hours. To search CFL bulbs click here. Above wattage equivalents are approximate only lumins may vary depending on manufacturer. WARNING: These flourescents contain an average of 5 milligrams of mercury, a toxic meatal. The amount is slight and because it contained in glass it poses no rick unless the glass breaks. Search the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) They say the benefits outweighs the risks, as these bulbs use about 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs. Handle bulbs with care. Screw them in and out of sockets gently, holding them at the base and not the glass tubes. If a bulb breaks, open a window for at least 15 minutes. To contain mercury, scoop pieces with stiff paper. Wear gloves and do not vaccuum or sweep, Wipe floor with damp paper towels or use tape to pick up shards. Some states consider them hazardous waste and prohibit throwing them in the trash. Search www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling to see whether your community recycles flourescents, or call your municipality. qualified CFL bulbs as providing the same amount of lumens as standard incandescent bulbs, but have lower wattage ratings. They not only use less energy, they cause less pollution. If every hosehold in the U.S. replaced one incandescent bulb with a compact flourescent it would prevent enough pollution to equal to removing one million cars on the road. Campared to incandescent or halogen bulbs they produce 70% less heat, which meets with the National Fire Protection Association guidelines for fire saftey. Following the National Energy Policy Act guidelines, all lightbulbs packaging product after April 25, 1995 must list the amount of wattages the bulb uses, as well as the amount of lumins produced. The wattages of CFL will vary slightly by manufacturer. This energy savings, combined with a significantly longer rated life makes them ideal for ambient illumination in rooms such as kitchens that experience longer burning hours. Their long life makes them ideal for hard to reach areas, like tracks, recess and security fixtures. They have a diffused light making them ideal to use for perimeter wall wash applications.
Search for prices and styles of compact flourescent bulbs. For more answers on Compact Flourescents and Flourescents check the Web. Answers for Other Types of Lightbulbs All About Flourescent
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