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Re: [Phys-l] CFL's not such a hot idea

One thing to keep in mind... I believe the voltage on these CFL's is stepped up from line with some onboard electronics (charge pump or somesuch? I don't know)

In any case, they don't like to be in enclosed fixtures -- They burn up if they are. I learned this the hard way. I reasoned that if I could put a 60W incandescent in a socket, a CFL at <15W should be fine. Not necessarily so... the CFL's need room to breath. (this is in the fine print on most of the CFL boxes if anybody actually reads it... rrrriiiiiiggght!) If I observe this rule, they do seem to live quite a bit longer for me. But (interestingly) they seem not to last as long as they did some years ago... Granted, this is anecdotal, but that won't stop me from drawing cynical conclusions ;)

But then, I'm still a little confused why they can't design a 50 year incandescent bulb... If you know, I'd love to hear, but my suspicion is that it has more to do with the economics of the replacement lightbulb biz than anything else...

Cheers,

Jason

At 09:46 AM 5/1/2007, you wrote:
I have many CFLs in my house, and I do _not_ think they last significantly
longer than good incandescent bulbs. I've only been in my house 5 years
and I think I've replaced a greater percentage of the CFLs than the
incandescents. I don't think the CFLs are saving me much money, but they
do give more light per watt, and that is why I like them.

Larry
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Jason Alferness
University of Washington
Room B256B, Physics & Astronomy Building
Campus Box 351560
Seattle, Washington. 98195-1560

Phone: (206) 221-2974
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email: alf@phys.washington.edu