Compact fluorescent lamps: varieties + review of the best manufacturers
With the advent of fluorescent light sources, consumers have reduced energy costs by up to 75%.The financial savings of individual organizations amounted to about 3-4 thousand rubles per year.
Not everyone could use the products: a design flaw in the form of bulky dimensions limited the area of operation. Soon the problem was solved - manufacturers released compact fluorescent lamps compatible with any lighting equipment.
We suggest you understand the structure and operating principle of miniature flasks. This information will help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of fluorescent lamps and make a decision about the advisability of purchasing them.
In order not to make a mistake in your choice, you need to pay attention to a number of characteristics of the lamp and compare these parameters with the upcoming operating conditions. The uninterrupted and safe operation of a fluorescent lamp largely depends on the manufacturer - a review of reliable brands is presented in the article.
The content of the article:
How miniature devices work
Energy-saving light bulbs, much smaller in size than standard ones, were created thanks to a radical redesign of the design. They learned to curl the luminous tube itself in a spiral, bend it into several folds like an accordion, and make it in a classic round or pear-shaped shape.
Features of the flask structure
It was the ability to give the desired shape that became the main achievement towards the development of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). All other minor obstacles were overcome electronically.
The design of such equipment includes three leading components: a glass flask, a ballast and a base.
The inside of the product flask is coated with a phosphor. It converts the ultraviolet rays generated by the device into a luminous flux that will be visible to the human eye.
The performance, lighting color and other lighting technical parameters of the lamp depend on the quality of the composition of this substance.
Phosphors used in the production of CFLs are based on rare earth elements. They differ from those used in the manufacturing process of linear fluorescent devices.
Their cost is several tens of times higher, but this is fully justified by the fact that substances of this group are capable of functioning under conditions of high surface irradiation density.
This feature made it possible to significantly reduce the diameter of the discharge tube.
Types of ballasts
Since fluorescent light sources cannot operate directly from the network, their design includes an auxiliary device for connection - built-in or external ballasts.
During the startup period, the electronic component heats the electrodes and then maintains normal current power parameters regardless of surges in the supply voltage.
Lamps with external electromagnetic equipment are called non-integrated. They are equipped with an unusual base, a series-connected choke and starter.
Types of CFL bases
Mini-representatives of fluorescent light bulbs are equipped with one of two types of socles: pin or threaded.
Threaded bases denoted by the marking “E”. This is the most common type of connection, identical to a simple incandescent lamp.
G sockets They connect the light bulb to the socket according to a special circuit through a system of pins - usually there are two or four. The most popular among them are G23 and G27. They are mainly screwed into table lamps.
In industrial premises and retail outlets, lamps with a G24 base are common. The G53 base is ideal for installation in plasterboard and suspended ceiling systems.
On what principles does the equipment operate?
CFLs operate similarly to linear fluorescent light bulbs, but in a smaller area. The luminous tube-flask is filled with inert gas and mercury vapor. There are filaments on both sides of it.
The lamp is started using an electronic ballast enclosed in a plastic case.
At the moment of switching on, an electric discharge occurs in the internal space of the bulb. After this, ultraviolet light is emitted. The phosphor present on the walls of the tube transforms it into visible rays.
Strengths and weaknesses of products
Like any other light source, small fluorescent light bulbs have a number of advantages and disadvantages.
Numerous reviews from users of such lighting equipment indicate many positive nuances:
- High performance. At equal values of power consumption, the light flux of a CFL exceeds the parameters of an incandescent light bulb by 5-6 times.
- Tangible energy savings. Judging by average calculations, a fluorescent light source devotes up to 80% of resources to lighting, and up to 20% to heat. In this regard, the light output of a 20 W device will be similar to a 100 W conventional light bulb.
- Long service life. The duration of stable operation of CFLs is 6-12 thousand hours. More specific figures depend on the manufacturer, compliance with operating standards, and the frequency of turning the device on/off.
- Low flask temperature. The light bulbs emit a minimal amount of heat, and therefore can be safely screwed into devices whose instructions provide temperature restrictions.
Compact lamps provide correct and powerful light emission. The light rays in them are reflected from the entire surface area of the bulb, illuminating the room brightly and evenly.
The devices also have a lot of disadvantages.
The negative points include:
- Quite a long start. The light comes on 0.5-1 second after switching on. Some models require time to set the full luminous flux within 10-15 minutes.
- High level of ripple, noise, flicker for products equipped with external ballasts. This causes rapid fatigue and has a bad effect on the general well-being of people in the room.
- Flashes off. This phenomenon occurs due to a sharp discharge of the capacitor and can shorten its service life.
- Sensitivity to moisture and low temperatures. CFLs do not work after temperatures drop below zero.
It should also be noted that the lamps are not compatible with standard light-control dimmers. There are separate modifications on the market with the function of adjusting brightness values, dimmers that are connected according to a special circuit.
If light sources are accidentally destroyed, there is a high probability of chemical contamination. Severe poisoning can be caused by mercury vapor contained in the flask.
To avoid unpleasant symptoms, you need to quickly collect the broken flask in a container filled with water, and then thoroughly rinse the floor with potassium permanganate and ventilate the room.
Detailed information about the rules for recycling fluorescent lamps is presented in this article.
Key Specifications
In addition to a slight design difference, CFLs also differ in technical characteristics. To clearly inform the buyer, all of them are marked by the manufacturer on the product packaging.
Among them:
- Colorful temperature;
- color rendering index;
- voltage;
- luminous flux and luminous efficiency;
- life time.
The power of energy-saving mini-bulbs starts from 5 W. With the same power values as the classic representatives, their luminous efficiency is approximately five times higher. When choosing this parameter, you should focus on the equivalent ratio.
For example, a 9 W housekeeper will correspond to a 45 W conventional light bulb, 13 W - 65 W, 22 W - 110 W, 26 W - 130 W.
As already noted in the list of advantages, CFLs cover a wide range of color temperatures. Among the different types of models, everyone can easily choose the right shade for themselves.
The color temperature in fluorescent devices is calculated in kelvins (K). The lighting tone is adjusted by changing the composition of the phosphor.
The following color intervals are distinguished:
- 2700-3300 K – soft and warm light with a yellow tint, optimal for kitchens and bedrooms;
- 4200-5400 K – white daylighting, widely used in hallways and living rooms;
- 6000-6500 K – cool white light rays with a bluish glow, recommended for workrooms and offices.
In different areas, green, red, lilac compact light bulbs with a different temperature range (up to 25,000 K) are also used. They participate in the illumination of advertising signs, store windows, and buildings at night.
The correspondence of the level of naturalness of the color of the lamp is shown by the color rendering index. The maximum value is closest to sunlight - 100 Ra. The minimum represents the dark shade and is equal to 0 Ra.
The nominal service life of the product, which is written on the packaging, is the shortest duration of operation provided that all operating rules are observed. The parameter is influenced by many factors.
Voltage surges in the network, low or high operating temperatures, contamination with debris and dust, and frequent switching on and off can significantly reduce the expected time.
Rating of popular manufacturers
At choosing energy-saving lamps experts advise not to skimp and purchase only high-quality models from reliable brands that provide a guarantee for their products. This will serve as the key to long and stable operation. According to the latest statistics, five companies have become leaders in the ranking of the best CFL manufacturers.
General Electric Functional Products
Compact light bulbs from an American manufacturer are produced under the line Biax. The name implies a multi-axial structure of the devices - a tube folded 2, 4 or 6 times compared to a standard element.
Brand devices have power from 5 to 55 W. They are characterized by a high color rendering index - more than 82 Ra. Standard modifications are equipped with two and four outputs.
The latter have the ability to adjust the flow of light rays. The assortment includes decorative versions of light bulbs, made in globo- and candle-shaped shapes.
The series deserves special attention Outdoor, covering an extended operating temperature range - from -35°C to +65°C. The average service life of the company's products is 10-12 thousand hours.
Safe and reliable PHILIPS light bulbs
A well-known Dutch brand of household appliances makes small energy-saving light bulbs with minimal mercury content.
According to the manufacturer, thanks to the use of new technology New Generation the amount of chemicals in the devices is completely safe for humans. The brand's CFLs have the "environmentally friendly" logo.
Models of various shapes with a threaded or pin base are presented in series Tornado, Master P.L..
The range includes special models designed for professional lighting of store windows. They emit sparkling white light and give the product a unique shine.
High-tech OSRAM light sources
Compact energy-saving appliances from the German company are offered to customers in a series DULUX. The products quickly reach the nominal light flux, perfectly distribute its intensity, and emit a pleasant, non-dazzling light.
The design of durable plastic with grooves provides increased impact resistance to the devices.
During numerous laboratory tests, it was proven that the flickering effect in the brand’s devices is almost absent. The average service life of the modifications made is about 12-15 thousand hours.
The company's product range includes CFL options for open light sources, decoration, and creating creative lighting design. Models SENSOR equipped with a light sensor: they turn on independently in the dark and turn off in daylight.
Small fluorescent light bulbs of the Russian brand with standard sizes of bases are sold under the series NCL.
Modifications are intended for public, office and residential premises. The dimensions are considered one of the most compact in this class among competitors.
The brand's products are produced in various interesting shapes: U-shaped with 2, 4, 6 arcs, pear-shaped, spiral and semi-spiral, cylindrical, candle-shaped.
The equipment has a good color rendering index (>82Ra). The devices are designed for a service life of approximately 8-10 thousand hours.
To ensure the correct operating temperature for the electronic circuit, you need to leave at least 15 mm of clearance between the lampshade of the lighting equipment and the plastic housing of the base.
The manufacturer also warns that energy-saving devices cannot be installed in structures with light sensors, time sensors, or brightness controllers.
Budget devices COSMOS
The products of the Russian company are characterized by silent operation. The devices use electronic ballast that operates at high frequencies that are not perceptible to human hearing.
The body of the light bulbs is made of special resistant plastic, which does not turn yellow over time from ultraviolet radiation.
The inside of the product flask is coated with tri-phosphor phosphor, which exhibits the best color rendition. The light of the lamps does not distort the real shades of objects in the room.
Provided that the device is active for up to 2.7 hours a day with a normal frequency of switching on/off, it lasts from 8 to 10 thousand hours.
Useful tips for choosing CFLs
When choosing a compact fluorescent light bulb for your home, you need to take into account all the criteria that are of fundamental importance. To begin with, it is worth analyzing in detail the main technical parameters.
In addition, experts recommend paying attention to the following points:
- It is advisable to buy CFLs only in specialized lighting departments.
- For each room, the characteristics of the lamp should be selected individually.The optimal combination of light flux, color temperature and brightness is determined depending on the specific purpose of the room.
- Before purchasing, it is important to make sure that the dimensions of the selected light bulb correspond to the dimensions of the lamp body. The edges of the light source extending beyond the ceiling can cause glare.
There is no need to change all light sources in the house to fluorescent devices at the same time. The first step is to take 2-3 lamps with different color temperatures and check whether they cause discomfort to the eyes.
It is important to remember that CFLs are suitable for fixtures that operate for at least a few hours a day. In rooms where lighting is needed only 5-10 minutes a day, it is not advisable to use them.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Test comparison of CFLs with conventional incandescent light bulbs and LEDs:
On what principles do fluorescent lamps work?
Overview of the technical characteristics of one of the OSRAM models:
Compact fluorescent devices can serve as an additional and main source of indoor or outdoor lighting. Due to their compactness, efficiency and low heating temperature, they will serve as an excellent alternative to halogen devices and incandescent lamps.
Do you have experience using compact fluorescent lamps? Or want to ask questions on the topic? Please comment on the post and participate in discussions. The feedback block is located below.
