More About Energy Saving Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

What is a CFL?
CFL stands for compact fluorescent lamp. It is a small fluorescent lamp that uses 75% less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb and can be screwed into a regular light sockets.

Can using compact fluorescent lighting really save energy and save money on my electric bill?
Yes. A single 15 watt CFL burns 60 watts less than a comparable 75 watt incandescent lamp and provides the same amount of pleasing, warm white light. Over the 10,000 hour life of a CFL , you would save 600 kilowatt hours. At 10 cents per kilowatt-hour, that’s a Euro 60 energy cost savings per lamp. And don’t forget to deduct the cost of replacing 10 incandescent bulbs, which generally last only upto 1,000 hours each. Click here to see how much you can save by switching to CFLs

Why do compact fluorescent lamps cost more than their equivalent incandescent bulbs?
The price of a high quality TCP compact fluorescent lamp reflects technology development costs. Each compact fluorescent has a built-in micro-sized ballast, adding to the cost. As the number of lamps sold increases, the overall price will continue to decline.

TCP CFLs offer great value. The extra initial price is quickly made up by energy savings. And, you would have to buy up to 10 incandescent lamps to last as long as one CFL.

Will a compact fluorescent light fit my light fixture?
Compact fluorescent lamps, which include a lamp and a ballast or transformer, come in many shapes and sizes. TCP lamps fit in most places an incandescent does are the smallest size in the industry. Great strides have been made in reducing the overall size, and many CFLs are now equivalent in size or smaller than incandescent lamps. However, it is best to measure your fixture and compare bulb sizes before purchasing a CFL.

Where should I use a compact fluorescent lamps?
Use CFLs anyplace a traditional incandescent light bulb is used. However, the most practical use for a compact fluorescent lamp is in a luminare or fixtures turned on for at least three hours at a time. Hard to reach fixtures are also good candidates, since a CFL does not have to be changed as often as an incandescent lamp. Energy saving lamps cannot be used in combination with dimmers unless specified. Use with dimmers can lead to shorter life and poor light quality.

Who manufactures TCP CFLs?
Technical Consumer Products (TCP), is a leading manufacturer of CFLs in the world. For more information on TCP visit their global website www.tcpi.com.

Can I use a compact fluorescent lamp in a fully enclosed fixture?
Yes, it is safe to use CFL bulbs that are 23 watts or below in a fully enclosed fixture.

Can compact fluorescent lamps be used where it is wet or damp?
Compact fluorescent light lamps can be installed in wet or damp locations as long as they are used in enclosed fixtures designed for such applications.

Can a compact fluorescent lamps be used in a dusk-to-dawn fixture?
Dusk-to-dawn photocell fixtures designed for screw-in incandescent lamps contain a silicon chip that converts radiant energy into electrical current. The technology is generally incompatible with screw-in CFLs, shortening the life of the bulb. However, fixtures with built-in photocells that are designed to use only compact fluorescent lamps contain a delayed instant-on circuit to make them compatible with fluorescents.

Can compact fluorescent light lamps create interference with electronic equipment?
This product may cause interference with radios, cordless phones, televisions and remote controls. If interference occurs, move this product away from the device and plug into a different outlet.

What about electronic timers?
Electronic timers tend to have a small amount of electricity running through them even though a lamp is shut off. The lamp continually tries to turn itself on, which shortens the CFL life.

Do compact fluorescent lamps give off Ultraviolet (UV) light?
Compact fluorescent lamps give off a minimal amount of UV light. It does not pose a hazard.

How long does it take for a compact fluorescent lamps to reach full brightness?
The start-up time for compact fluorescent lamps varies. Most electronically ballasted units start their lamps instantly. All fluorescent lamps start at a lower light output; depending on the ambient temperature, it may take anywhere from several seconds to several minutes for the lamp to come up to full brightness.

What wattage should I buy?
When buying a compact fluorescent light bulb, choose a wattage that's about one-fourth of what you usually buy. The table below shows some typical wattage conversions for TCP Full Spiral Lamp:
•    25-watt incandescent = 5-watt compact fluorescent
•    40-watt incandescent = 7-watt compact fluorescent
•    60-watt incandescent = 11-watt compact fluorescent
•    75-watt incandescent = 15-watt compact fluorescent
•    100-watt incandescent = 20-watt compact fluorescent

Should I be concerned about using CFLs in my home?
CFLs are safe to use in your home. No mercury is released when the bulbs are in use and they pose no danger to you or your family when used properly.

How do I safely dispose of a CFL when it burns out?
It is best to recycle your CFL. This can be done by depositing the lamps are designated places in your locality. The lamps will then be managed responsibly by an environmental management company who will coordinate CFL packaging, transportation and recycling to maximize safety and ensure

What should I do if I break a CFL?
If a CFL breaks carefully sweep up all the fragments – wipe the area with a wet towel and dispose of all fragments, including the used towel, in a sealed plastic bag. Follow all disposal instructions.

If possible open windows to allow the room to ventilate. Do NOT use a vacuum. Place all fragments in a sealed plastic bag and follow disposal instructions.