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Re: [Phys-l] CFLs



Dear Philip,

It sounds like you have a problem with your electrical system. One possibility is that the line voltage is too high, causing the ballasts to fail prematurely. You can check that with an AC voltmeter. If it is higher than 120 VAC, the power company is required to adjust the voltage for you.

Another possibility is that there is a wiring fault in your home. An electrician can check for excessive ground currents, etc.

I've never had a CFL that lasted less than 2 years in normal operation, even those that were in semi-enclosed or recessed fixtures, and I've had many that have lasted four to six years.

Also, you should be able to buy CFL for much less than $7 per bulb. Home Depot typically sells 4-packs of the 60-watt and 75-watt equivalent CFLs for under $8, and 2-packs of the 100-watt equivalent bulbs for around $7. These are N-Vision bulbs that are highly rated.

Here in southern California, I can buy a 4-pack of 75-watt or 100-watt equivalent CFLs for $2 (that includes a discount provided by Southern California Edison.)

Mark

Dr. Mark H. Shapiro
Professor of Physics, Emeritus
California State University, Fullerton
Phone: 714 278-3884
FAX: 714 278-5810
email: mshapiro@fullerton.edu
web: http://physics.fullerton.edu/~mshapiro
travel and family pictures:
http://community.webshots.com/user/mhshapiro
CSU-ERFA Website: http://csuerfa.org

-----Original Message-----
From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu [mailto:phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu] On Behalf Of Philip Keller
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 1:28 PM
To: Forum for Physics Educators
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] CFLs

Well what have I been doing wrong? I've tried a variety of brands and NONE have lasted more than 6 months. Some were in recessed fixtures (I am told that is a no-go) but others not. It is hard to pay $7 for a bulb that doesn't last long enough to pay back the investment. I feel guilty not buying them and then I feel guilty when they have to be thrown away...
________________________________________
From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu [phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu] On Behalf Of lhodges@iastate.edu [lhodges@iastate.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 3:19 PM
To: Forum for Physics Educators
Subject: [Phys-l] CFLs

I use CFLs in some places, but I'm very disappointed in their lifetimes...not
even close to "7X longer." More like the same life as incandescent. If it
weren't for the extreme heat that the incand. in the bathroom give off for the
same light, I'd go back. CFL ballasts need some vast improvements, you may save
on the electric bill, but you pay $$ for the product.

I've been using CFLs for over 20 years, since they were fairly new and unknown
but available at some stores (like electric-supply stores). I bought every type
I could find (GE, Sylvania, Lites of America, Philips, etc.) and kept records on
them. I used some in our unheated garage, leaving them on all the time except
for turning them off several times a day for a few minutes. All but one brand
(Lites of America) easily lasted the 10,000 hours claimed. So I've placed them
in all the light fixtures I could, where they last under normal use for many
years. I don't use them outside (slow to brighten up in cold weather) and don't
use them with dimmer switches. Several are in locations where they are on for
several hours every night. I'm very pleased with them. Since they aren't
burning out I haven't bought any for a few years - maybe they aren't as good -
but I suspect many users just want something to complain about.

Along similar lines, when the low-flush toilets became available, there were
many complaints about them from homeowners forced to use them. As I had good
working toilets I didn't pay much attention to them. Then one day I decided one
of our toilets which had never been a good flusher, for some reason, ought to be
replaced. The new low-flush toilet, to my surprise, was excellent, and remains
the best toilet in our house.

Laurent Hodges
writing from the inside of his passive solar home, heated for the last few days
exclusively by the sun, despite the cold temperatures.


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