Compact fluorescent lamp technology is relatively new compared with the other
fluorescent lamp types. These lamps were designed to replace incandescent
lamps to achieve high energy efficiency. The line of compact fluorescent lamps is expanding rapidly and the number of manufacturers offering these products
is growing. We will touch on just a few of the basic types.
Compact fluorescent lamps have been designed to deliver light with characteristics similar to incandescent lamps. Most have a color temperature of approximately 2700K and have a color rendering Index of 82. They also deliver comparable lumen output to incandescent lamps with only one fourth the wattage.
As with any fluorescent lamp, compact fluorescents require a ballast to regulate the current flowing through the tube. Some compacts contain a ballast built into the unit itself while others separate the lamps from the ballasts. The ballasts for the segregated units will usually last for several years while the lamp has a life of about 12,000 hours. As a result the two-part units are less expensive to maintain since the lamp can be replaced when needed while retaining the original ballast.
Both magnetic and electronic ballasts are used with compact fluorescent lamps. Most of these lamps operate in the Preheat mode and thus require a ballast with a comparable operating circuit. Most, if not all, compact fluorescent lamps require a special ballast due to their unique size and operating characteristics. Compact fluorescent lamps are available in a multitude of shapes and sizes.
Integrated compact fluorescent lamps directly replace incandescent lamps in residential, commercial and industrial applications, and they provide savings in energy and maintenance costs. They make up a complete system, containing a double-folded fluorescent lamp, an Instant Start electronic ballast and an outer diffuser. They are also fitted with a medium screw base.
The two-part, segregated unit is a compact, high efficacy, high color rendering, long life, single-ended fluorescent lamp. It operates in the Preheat circuit mode with the starter built into the lamp base. 7-, 9-, and 13-watt units are available. And some units are available with a color temperature of 4100K. These lamps allow for the design of a wide variety of low wattage, highly efficient fixtures very useful for energy and maintenance savings in a broad range of residential, commercial and industrial applications.
In the interest of packing more light into less space the lamp manufacturers are constantly seeking ways to make compact fluorescent lamps even more compact. Cluster lamp compact Preheat fluorescents provide even more light than the standard compact. They replace 40-, 60-, 75-, and 100-watt incandescent bulb, providing a 76% energy savings and up to ten times the life. In the future, it is likely that compact fluorescent lamps will come in even more shapes and sizes.
