Compact fluorescent lamp: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:54, 23 December 2009

Revision as of 20:56, 23 December 2009

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;Time to achieve full brightness: Compact fluorescent lamps may provide as little as 50–80% of their rated light output at initial switch on<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/NLPIP/PDF/VIEW/SR_SB_CFL.pdf|format=PDF|title=National Lighting Product Information Profram (NLPIP) Specifier Reports Screwbase Compact Fluorescent Lamp Products Volume 7 Number 1 June 1999 page 11|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref> and can take up to three minutes to warm up, and color cast may be slightly different immediately after being turned on.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gelighting.com/na/business_lighting/faqs/cfl.htm|title=GE Lighting Frequently Asked Questions - Compact Fluorescent (CFL): 4. Can I use a CFL in applications where I will be turning the lights on/off frequently?|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref> This compares to around 0.1 seconds for incandescent lamps. In practice, this varies between brands/types. It is more of a problem with older lamps, 'warm (color) tone' lamps and at low ambient temperatures. Cold cathode CFLs reach their rated light output far more quickly.

;Infrared signals: Electronic devices operated by [[infrared]] [[remote control]] can interpret the infrared light emitted by CFLs as a signal limiting the use of CFLs near televisions, radios, remote controls, or [[mobile phone]]s.<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2007/11/cfl-problems.html Can CFLs interfere with electronic equipment?] at ConsumerReports.org. Accessed 1 January 2008.</ref>

;Audible noise: CFLs, much as other fluorescent lights, may emit a buzzing sound, where incandescents normally do not. Such sounds are particularly noticeable in quiet rooms, and can be annoying under these circumstances. NewerThe compactnoise fluorescentis lighta bulbsresult areof nearlyproblems noiseless,related butto somethe poorlyrectification madeand CFLspower mayconversions stillcircuits emitin athe CFL, similar to computer buzzingpower soundsupplies.

;Iridescence: Fluorescent lamps can cause [[window film]] to exhibit [[iridescence]]. This phenomenon usually occurs at night. The amount of iridescence may vary from almost imperceptible, to very visible and most frequently occurs when the film is constructed using one or more layers of sputtered metal. It can however occur in non-reflective films as well. When iridescence does occur in window film, the only way to stop it is to prevent the fluorescent light from illuminating the film.

;Use with timers, motion sensors, and other electronic controls: Electronic (but not mechanical) timers can interfere with the electronic ballast in CFLs and can shorten their lifespan.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> Some timers rely on a connection to neutral through the bulb and so pass a tiny current through the bulb, charging the capacitors in the electronic ballast. They may not work with a CFL connected, unless an incandescent bulb is also connected. They may also cause the CFL to flash when off. This can also be true for illuminated wall switches and motion sensors. Cold cathode CFLs avoid many of these problems.