Contents
What is the output of a CFL bulb?
Know your watts and lumens (light output)
| Incandescent | CFL | Lumens |
|---|---|---|
| 60W | 13-18W | >900 |
| 75W | 19-22W | >1,200 |
| 100W | 23-26W | >1,750 |
| 150W | 38-42W | >2,600 |
What is the output voltage of a CFL ballast?
Newer fluorescent ballasts are usually rated for both 120 volts and 277 volts. Some are rated for only 120 volts, others for only 277 volts (used in commercial environments). CFLs for the home have a built-in ballast at the base of the bulb.
What does a compact fluorescent bulb emit visible light?
Like traditional tube-style fluorescent lamps, CFLs contain a small amount of mercury. It is the use of this small amount of mercury that allows any fluorescent lamp to produce visible illumination at much higher efficiency levels than incandescent lighting.
How does a compact fluorescent lamp produce light in CFL?
CFLs produce light differently than incandescent bulbs. 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.
Can I use a 60 watt CFL in a 40 watt lamp?
Hi Ricky, Yes, you can use a compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb that produces more light as long as it doesn’t exceed the wattage recommended for the fixture. A CFL bulb that produces the same amount of light as a 60 watt incandescent bulb (900 lumens) only uses around 15 watts of electricity. …
Does CFL need ballast?
All compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs require a ballast, which is often integrated. All HID bulbs require a ballast, which is sometimes integrated. No LED bulbs require a ballast, although some are engineered to work with an existing ballast. Incandescent and halogen lamps do not require a ballast.
Is fluorescent light and UV light the same?
As mentioned above, fluorescent tubes use the same technology to create ultraviolet radiation as the UVC bulbs, but they use different phosphors to convert that UV radiation to visible light. The phosphors absorb the UV, making them safe, and emit visible light.
Why are compact fluorescent lamps CFLs preferred over electric bulbs?
CFLs are preferred over electric bulbs because they work on the chemical effect of electricity and not on the heating effect of electricity. Thus, they do not consume more energy than electric bulbs. Thus they are very cost-efficient. CFLs also reduce wastage and can be fixed in the ordinary bulb holders.
Can I use a 100 watt CFL in a 60 watt lamp?
For a 60-Watt fixture, you could use a 100W, 125W, or even 150W LED equivalent because they all consume under 60-Watts! The 150W LED equivalent produces about 2,600 lumens, while using only about 30 Watts.
What kind of light is a compact fluorescent light?
A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), also called compact fluorescent light, energy-saving light, and compact fluorescent tube, is a fluorescent lamp designed to replace an incandescent light bulb; some types fit into light fixtures designed for incandescent bulbs.
What’s the difference between CFL and incandescent light bulbs?
CFL bulbs (or Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs) are very similar to the overhead fluorescent tubes you’re used to seeing overhead in many commercial spaces. They last 10 times longer and utilize about 1/3 of the energy of typical incandescent bulbs.
When was the first compact fluorescent light bulb made?
The first fluorescent light bulb and fixture were displayed to the general public at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. The spiral CFL was invented in 1976 by Edward E. Hammer, an engineer with General Electric, in response to the 1973 oil crisis.
What’s the life expectancy of a CFL bulb?
The next best are CFL bulbs which bring in a respectable 8,000 hours of average life expectancy. Keep in mind, most tests are based on a running time of 3 hours per day. The past year has been unique. This is an understatement of epic proportions.