Different types of CFL Lamps
What are the basic principles for making lamps?
Lamps
(Light Source) are produced by using two principles, one by converting
heat into light and second by discharging the mixture of material and
gases. It could be described as under:
(1) Incandescent Lamp:
Is the first produced light source invented by the great scientist, Mr.
Thomas Alva Edison in the year 1879. These lamps work on the principle
of heat. When the electricity is passed through inside the glass hallow,
the tungsten filament gets heated and starts emitting light. But 80% of
the energy is wasted in generating heat and only 20% is used for giving
light. In the era of highly priced Electricity Power, these are now
known as power hungry lamps. Due to their lower price, they are
frequently used all over. These include GLS lamps (bulbs), halogen lamps
etc.
(2) Discharge Lamp: The discharge lamp
operates on discharge technology to give high luminous efficacy and long
life. Here electrical discharges between the electrodes cause the
filler materials and gases in the pre-coated tube to emit light. A
suitable control gear is invariably used to limit the current and to
ensure the light-up of the lamp. It comprises of low pressure and
high-pressure type, based on various applications. These include
Fluorescent Tube Lamps (Tube Light/FTL), Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL),
Mercury Vapor Lamps, Sodium Vapor Lamp, Metal Halide Lamp etc.
(3) The light sources using the laser beam technology is said to be under development.
Why CFL is the best replacement for GLS lamp?
The
construction of CFL being compact in size and comparable with GLS lamp
hence is considered to be the best replacement for GLS lamp. Normal tube
lights (FTLs) being longer (4 Ft.) in size and larger in dia (38 mm)
are thus not worth comparing with CFL (12.3 mm dia).
It is
therefore advised that CFL must be discussed at all times in reference
to GLS lamp only. It will generate a good amount of confidence and
interest with the prospects.
What is photometric?
Photometric
is the testing measurement involving distance and direction of light by
using sophisticated equipment by mounting lamp at an adjustable and
measurable distance from the photometer head. It includes measurement of
the intensity of light, luminance, color temperature, color rendering
index etc. For measurement, accuracy a globe shape halo sphere is
invariably used, which is pre-coated with barium sulfate suspension.
What is the thumb rule for replacing a GLS lamp?
The
thumb rule is that a CFL replaces 5 times more wattage GLS lamp to the
nearest of standard rating available in the market in terms of light
output. It means that a similar amount of light output of 100W GLS lamp
can be obtained by replacing it with a 20W EL lamp (20W i.e. 1/5th of
100W).
Important: The other thumb rule is neither try nor advise
to replace FTL with CFL. CFL is the best replacement for GLS lamp as
explained earlier.
Why there are the different base for different CFL lamps?
These
are as per the international design primarily to ensure that lamp
concerned is used with the matching fixture including ballast.
What is the CFL?
The
CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) is a vacuum discharge lamp and the
latest in the line of revolution in the lighting arena. As the name
suggests, the CFL is quite a bit like the normal fluorescent lamp,
popularly known as tube lights; but necessarily compact in size. Apart
from the size, the other major difference is the lesser amount of energy
consumed by CFL. That’s why it’s truly called the Power Saver lamp,
essential for all. In fact, the small size of CFLs makes it more
versatile, usable and acceptable over the traditional lamps.
CFLs
are the state-of-the-art energy saver lamps available in two versions:
Core and Electronics. They save 80% energy, have a long life and come in
a wide choice of colors and have high esthetics.
What is the construction of CFL?
The
CFL consists of two parts, (1) a gas-filled coated tube(s) and (2) a
magnetic or electronic ballast. The gas in the tube glows with
ultraviolet light when electricity flows therein through the ballast.
This in turns excites the triband phosphor coating walls inside of the
tube, which emits visible light throughout the surface of the tube. CFLs
are state-of-the-art energy saver lamps who come in two versions (1)
Core/ PL/ Non-Retrofit / Non-Integrated Lamps, and (2) Self-Ballasted/
Electronic / Retrofit/ Integrated Lamps.
What is triband phosphor?
Triband
phosphor is the mixture of various fluorescent elements called
activators, essential for the development of luminescence. It helps
convert short-wave length ultra-violet radiation into light.
Triband
phosphor is the most superior quality phosphor, capable of emitting
red, green and blue wavelengths as against the ‘halophosphor’ with red
and blue properties, which is used for ordinary fluorescent lamps
(FTLs). Given the small dia tubes of CFL (12.28 mm) in comparison to FTL
(38 mm), the use of triband phosphor ensures better and uniform light
output throughout the life of the CFL. Triband phosphor is 10 times
costlier than the halophosphor. The sub-standard spurious CFLs available
in the market are largely made of using halophosphor and thus are
cheaper in price.
What are the characteristics of 4 Pin CFL?
4
Pin CFL is specially designed for electronic operation to offer the
possibility of controllable light output (dimming ), HF (High Frequency)
and DC (Direct Current) supply; and a wide range of supply voltages
when operated in conjunction with electronic gear. Electronic gear
enables better control of lamp starting characteristics, allowing for an
instant start which results in longer lamp life. In view of its
favorable color rendering properties, the 4 Pin lamp is very suitable
for use wherever light contributes to the creation of a flicker-free and
pleasant atmosphere such as in hotels, restaurants, at homes, offices
and so on.
What precautions are suggested for the best results from CFL?
Do not use in enclosed fittings.
Do not use in dimming circuits electronic switches.
Run on stable voltage.
Fragile-Handle with care.
Do not expose to water.
Do not hold from the glass.
MAJOR ADVANTAGES OF COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS (CFLs)
Low electricity bills:
CFL produces 90% less heat and hence gives more light per watt. It cuts
electricity bills by almost 80% in comparison to the traditional
incandescent lamp ( Popularly known as bulb or GLS lamp), which is
considered to be power hungry light source. Whereas CFL is the most
energy efficient light source.
Higher luminous efficacy:
Gives more light output per watt of electricity consumed in comparison
to the GLS lamp. An 11W CFL produces around 540-580 lumens compared to
710 lumens by a 60W GLS lamp. So it is 49 for CFL against 12 of GLS.
Long life:
CFLs are available in a wide life range of 3000 hours to 12000 hours as
compared to GLS lamp’s standard life range of 960 hours to 1200 hours
only.
Available in different color temperatures:
To suit various ambiance needs, these are ready, available in Warm
White (2700°K) close to GLS lamp, Cool White (4300°K) and Cool Day White
(6500°K) similar to tube light.
Enhances color rendering: The objects are seen in their true and natural colors under CFL lights. Color Rendering Index (CRI) is exceeding 80.
Lower installation cost: As most of the CFLs are worthy to fit or making it easily fit in the existing installation itself.
Lower replacement cost:
Longer life reduces the frequency of replacement and thus keeps the
replacement cost low especially, for installation put up at abnormal
heights in the hotels, auditoriums and in developed countries where
labor overhead expenses are innumerous.
Less heat dissipation:
Unlike the GLS lamps, the CFLs by turning more energy into light than
heat helps save on room cooling cost, such as air conditioner,
refrigerators etc.
Universal burning position: More versatile lamp than many others having this constraint like metal halide lamp.
Enhances esthetics of the installation: Being trendy and compact.
Slim and compact design: makes it suitable for creative luminaires.
Wide range to suit all requirements:
Available in 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 23, & 26W as
compared to restricted usable range of 15, 25, 40, 60, 75, & 100W in
GLS lamps.
Demand-side reduction for power:
The use of CFLs reduces energy consumption by 80% and thus helps in
better demand-side management for power. The calculation shows that the
mere replacement of 100W GLS lamp by 20W CFL generates saving of
approximate 800 KW Hrs over CFL lamp’s average life.
Most advantageous for DG set operations: As CFL consumes the lowest wattage per lamp.
Economical storage and distribution cost: Due to their compact size.
Environment-friendly:
Power saved is power generated and helps in preventing a great deal of
carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide coming from the power generating
thermal plants otherwise. Ultimately, enhances the quality of human life
and nature around us.
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