Standard Lamps These are spiral lamps with a dome cover. They are designed to
give the appearance of the traditional light bulb for consumers looking for the more familiar light bulb appearance. The glass
diffuser provides a quality of light similar to the 'soft-white' type of incandescent bulbs.
Globe Lamps This shape is commonly used in
bathroom vanity mirrors or open hanging lamps, and bare bulb applications. Bathroom vanities usually require multiple bulbs,
which generate radiant heat. The CFL globe will reduce this heat buildup while saving energy. The glass diffuser provides
a soft-white light.
Flood Lamps These lamps are designed to be ideal for recessed and track lighting fixtures, indoors and outdoors. They provide
diffused, soft, white light, and generate less heat than will an incandescent flood or a halogen bulb.
Candelabra The screw-in torpedo-shape and
the small-base of this bulb is designed for smaller light fixtures throughout the house, from chandeliers to sconces. To use
a smaller candelabra-based bulb in a regular socket, you can use a socket reducer.
Limitations of
CFL lightbulbs Although CFLs are an excellent
source of energy-efficient lighting, they are not always the best choice for all lighting applications. Here are a few limitations
to consider:
On/Off cycling: CFLs are sensitive to frequent on/off cycling. Their rated lifetimes of 10,000 hours are reduced in applications
where the light is switched on and off very often. Closets and other places where lights are needed for brief illumination
should use incandescent or LED bulbs.
Dimmers: Dimmable CFLs are available for lights using a dimmer switch, but check the package; not
all CFLs can be used on dimmer switches. Using a regular CFL with a dimmer can shorten the bulb life span.
Timers: Most CFLs can be
used with a timer, however some timers have parts which are incompatible with CFLs; to check your timer, consult the timer
package or manufacturer. Using an incompatible timer can shorten the life of a CFL bulb.
Outdoors: CFLs can be used outdoors, but should be covered
or shaded from the elements. Low temperatures may reduce light levels - check the package label to see if the bulb is suited
for outdoor use.
Retail lighting: CFLs are not spot lights. Retail store display lighting usually requires narrow focus beams for
stronger spot lighting. CFLs are better for area lighting.
Mercury content: CFLs contain small amounts of mercury which is a toxic metal.
This metal may be released if the bulb is broken, or during disposal. New 'Alto' CFL bulbs are now available with low-mercury
content. These low-mercury CFLs are available at our online store.
For more information about mercury and CFLs,
see below.
Mercury and CFLs Mercury is a toxic metal associated with contamination of water,
fish, and food supplies, and can lead to adverse health affects. A CFL bulb generally contains an average of 5 mg of mercury
(about one-fifth of that found in the average watch battery, and less than 1/100th of the mercury found in an amalgam dental
filling). A power plant will emit 10mg of mercury to produce the electricity to run an incandescent bulb compared to only
2.4mg of mercury to run a CFL for the same time.
The net benefit of using the more energy efficient
lamp is positive, and this is especially true if the mercury in the fluorescent lamp is kept out of the waste stream when
the lamp expires.
All fluorescent lamps do not contain the same amount of mercury. Philips lamps with Alto Lamp
Technology, for instance, contain less mercury than conventional fluorescent lamps. Philips claims the bulbs have the lowest
amount of mercury of any bulb on the market at less than 3.8 mg per bulb. To achieve this, Philips
uses a specially developed mercury capsule which ensures the exact amount of mercury is placed in a tiny glass capsule which
is attached to the lamp cathode.
Handling and Disposal of CFLs
The mercury in compact fluorescent bulbs poses no threat while in the bulb, but if you
break one:
- open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more
- use a wet rag
to clean it up and put all of the pieces, and the rag, into a plastic bag
- place all materials in a second
sealed plastic bag
- call your local recycling center to see if they accept this material, otherwise put
it in your local trash.
Wash your hands afterward.
Burned out CFLs can be dropped off
at Home Depot and Ikea stores. Another solution is to save spent CFLs for a community household hazardous waste collection,
which would then send the bulbs to facilities capable of treating, recovering or recycling them. For more information on CFL
disposal or recycling, you can contact your local municipality.