CFL: application features, disadvantages and advantages, criteria for choosing energy-saving lamps

Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) is a small-sized luminaire with fluorescent technology. In a compact sample, the principle of operation is almost the same as that of a conventional fluorescent lamp, namely: ultraviolet radiation is created by a gas-discharge light source and is converted with the help of a phosphor into visible light. Thanks to the curved shape of the lamp, its dimensions have been significantly reduced. This makes it suitable for most luminaires.

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CFL lamps are often called energy-saving, but this is not entirely accurate, because there is a more economical option. — halogen lamps, andluminous efficacy is higher than that of fluorescent ones, and LEDs, surpassing them in terms of service life and electricity saving.

Fluorescent lamp device

CFL consists of a glass bulb, built-in choke and base. More on each component below.

Base / plinth. In CFL, there are mainly two types of caps - threaded and pin.

• Threaded - is the most common variant, and has been used since the time of Thomas Edison. It is inserted into the socket instead of the incandescent lamp. This species has two subtypes:
  • E14. Thread diameter - 14 mm. Used in wall lamps and small lamps.
  • E27. Plugs into sockets, replacing the incandescent diode.
  • E40 is the most voluminous subtype. It has a diameter of 44 mm and is used in high-power lighting fixtures.
• Pin - This type is remarkable in that it uses a pin system connecting the cartridge and the diode.
  • G23 and G27 - used in table lamps and bath lamps.
  • G24 and G53 - used on an industrial and domestic scale.

Glass flask. The inside is covered with tungsten electrodes and filled with an inert gas with an admixture of mercury. The variety of shapes is quite wide, there are U-shaped flasks, pear-shaped, candles, spiral.

Choke - ignites and regulates the current to avoid device failure and overload. It is noteworthy that during the operation of the diode, the current can increase several times, and the ballast limits it.

CFL features

Specifications and disposal

Power

When buying lighting fixtures, an important aspect is the power with which the diode will operate. A 20 volt energy saving fluorescent light bulb is about the same luminous efficiency as a simple 100 volt incandescent light bulb. Although the packages usually indicate the actual wattage compared to other diodes.

Colour temperature

CFLs have many types of glow. The spectrum starts at 2500 Kelvin and ends at 7000 K.

• 2500K to 4000K - dull but soft light. Good for bedroom or kitchen.
• 4000K to 6000K - Cold, bright bluish light ideal for children's rooms and living rooms.
• From 6000K to 7000K - daytime and at the same time the coldest shade. Suitable for office lighting.

Color rendering index

This parameter shows compliance with natural light. The indicator of 100 Ra is the maximum, closest to natural light (standard). CFLs have an IC value in the range from 60Ra to 98Ra.

CFL disposal rules

Since fluorescent diodes contain a large amount mercury, then recycling is a special process. It is worth taking the lamp for demercurization to an appropriate recycling center for mercury-containing lighting fixtures.

In case you broke the CFL lamp, you need to do the following:

• Open windows to ventilate the room.
• Collect the shards. Do not apply vacuum cleaner!
• Pack the broken lamp hermetically and wet clean with potassium permanganate. Use gloves and rags (should be disposed of).
• Take the broken lamp to a recycling center.

Information on the packaging

Marking

CFL packages are often marked with a three-digit code containing a notice of color temperature and color rendering index. Below is the decoding of these numbers.

• The first digit is the color rendering index in Ra, divided by 10 (for example, if the CRI of the lamp is 60, then the first digit is 6).
• The second and third are the color temperature in Kelvin, divided by 100.

The packaging also contains parameters such as the frequency of the power supply, voltage and luminous flux in lumens (denoted as Lum or lm). It affects the brightness of the light bulb. CFLs for 20 watts, as a rule, have this value in the region of 1250 lumens.

CFL service life

Typically, lamp packs indicate the approximate lifespan when used correctly. The most common reasons for the failure of a luminaire are power surges, frequent switching on and off, and unfavorable environmental conditions. The following are the factors that affect the life of a light bulb.

• A cheap choke will not protect against power surges. When choosing a CFL, you should not choose an inexpensive model, otherwise the duration of its service will be really short.
• Frequent switching on and off will negatively affect the electrodes. Onor light an electric lamp. In order for them not to fail, it is necessary to transfer the state of the light bulb no more than once every 4 minutes.
• Dust and debris must be kept away from the CFL. Because of them, a short circuit occurs in the ballast, which contributes to the subsequent failure of the diode.
• Be careful when handling the lamp. Hold it by the plastic case, avoid mechanical stress and do not let the device fall into the hands of children!

Purchase recommendations

Tips for choosing CFLs

The main parameter that should influence the purchase of a lighting fixture is the price. When buying compact fluorescent electric lamps, you cannot choose cheap samples, since they often contain low-quality chokes, which can cause a sudden failure of the device.

Be sure to pay attention to the dimensions of the lamp, it must be no less than the lamp body.

Before changing all the fixtures in the house for CFLs, check to see if they are causing you any discomfort. Choose a color temperature, because it has its own for each room!

Advantages and disadvantages

Let's start with pluses, since this type of lighting fixture is more efficient than conventional incandescent light bulbs.

• Energy saving. On average, CFLs conserve about 80% of electricity.
• Give off little heat. Due to the fact that 85% of the energy is spent on lighting, the heat generation from the bulbs is low.
• Good light output. When compared with an incandescent lamp, the luminescent efficiency is 3-6 times higher.
• Provide uniform illumination. The entire surface of the light bulb emits light, thus creating a soft and comfortable glow.

But CFL also has several drawbacks, however, they are inherent in most of these devices.

• Flicker and noise. Lamps have a so-called stroboscopic effect that can irritate the eyes. And also the sound noise createdthe appliance can cause discomfort.
• Features of recycling. Oddly enough, but if you break this lighting device at home, then the level of mercury can exceed the norm by 200-300 times.
• Smells. Unpleasant odors come to light with prolonged use.

Of course, these disadvantages are insignificant, but for some, such disadvantages can cause health problems. When choosing a CFL, first of all check how comfortable it will be to operate it. In any case, to buy or not is up to you.