History of CFLs: Ornate Art to Efficient Light Source

[adamskilski]

where does tesla's induction lamp fit into this? I never here them discussed as a retrofit option. Just LED's. or CFL. Personally I like the advantages that multiple switching of an induction brings to the table with my occ sensors. these controls destroy cfl lifespans.

[maclovindotca]

The real problem with LEDs is the heat they generate. So far from what i have seen low pressure are the most efficient for lumens to watts.

[LeGioNoFZioN]

CFL's are highly toxic and not good unless care conditions are followed. CFL's should be used sparingly, and LED's should be embraced.

[JennyFarlopez]

It depends on several factors. From wikipedia:

"In the United States, a CFL can save over US $30 in electricity costs over the lamp's life time compared to an incandescent lamp and save 2,000 times its own weight in greenhouse gases."

The mercury used in each CFL is also about half the used in an incandescent lamp.

It is true, however, that LEDs are far less polluting and more energy efficient. The problem is still its large-scale manufacturing.

[LeGioNoFZioN]

I'm not sure that that information isn't a sales pitch as opposed to actual cosumer tested facts. I have used CFLS for the last 3 years, only bulbs I have bough. Yet on my chandelier I have had to replace 3 CFLS while I have 3 incandescants still burning for the last 3 years. I don't use it often, by why would the CFLs brunout before the incandescants ? I don't know.

As for Mercury I don't buy that either, there is no hazmat standard for dealing with broke regular bulbs, but CFLS do have.

[rhblakeman]

@LeGioNoFZioN CFLs you are buying are super low quality Chinese is why they are burning out. As for Hg (mercury), all florescent lamps have had it in them for decades and decades. Only recently has there been the scare put out on CFLs by people that oppose change, like the cheap incandescent lamps, power companies, etc. There is enough mercury in the old Honeywell thermostats to make a few dozen CFLs and it's right in your living room - for years.

[LeGioNoFZioN]

@rhblakeman Ive bought a lot of CFLS some may have been from china but not all. the big difference between CFL's and typical flourescent light bulbs, is CFL's are more prone to breakage, and contamination. the bulk of flourescent light bulbs are bought by comercial entities who are responsible for their disposal. How many Honeywell thermostats broke in your house ? In my 30 years on this planet, none ever have where I lived.

[LeGioNoFZioN]

@rhblakeman your argument is weak, even from an environmental standpoint. People tend to throw out light bulbs, and the volume of CFL's replacing incandescant light bulbs poses a serious risk to landfills which will have more toxic issues to worry about not less. Wait 30 years till they ban CFL's for their environmental impact and then you can apologize for your weak argument. CFL's in poverty stricken areas will only cause more harm than good.

[rhblakeman]

@LeGioNoFZioN Ok you at half my age and experience are the expert I guess. CFLs are all made in China, in whole or part, and are nothing but miniaturized florescent fixtures. Hate to tell you this but there is more mercury in the air and water from burning coal than you're going to be exposed to with a broken CFL. Landfills? You do realize that mercury occurs in nature right? It's not something that people synthesize, it's a natural element that occurs as a red powder known as mercuric oxide.

[LeGioNoFZioN]

@rhblakeman yes I am aware of mercury's nature, and of its effects after prolonged exposure to humans. if there was more mercury in the airand water than in CFLs then why do CFL's have biohazard warnings and water and air don't ? Mercury runoff from industrial production puts more than the natural amount in water, its bad for fish, and when we eat them its bad for us. Plenty of toxins occur naturally, it doesn't mean its as harmless as CO2.

[rhblakeman]

@LeGioNoFZioN Well then you continue your paranoia of everything around you and end up with a nice stress related disease and I'll stick with what I know and live a long and stress free life. You're entitled to your opinion and many of us know the saying about opinions...

[LeGioNoFZioN]

@rhblakeman its not paranoia when its a warning on the package. If a package warns you with steps to proper disposal in the event of a bulb shattering that involve calling a biohazard unit, I'll take the word fo the package over you. I have no intention on becomming a mad hatter. enjoy your sanity for however long you can retain it.

[rhblakeman]

@LeGioNoFZioN Oh no the sky is falling, the sky is falling, everyone run and hide someone broke a compact florescent bulb. We'll all die for sure because the package says so!

Whatever....

[LeGioNoFZioN]

@rhblakeman whatevs bossman, I like the way you put that

[LeGioNoFZioN]

@rhblakeman for the record I looked it up, and according to scientific american CFL's have about 600 times the mercury of a thermostat. gotta keep those facts straight

[rhblakeman]

@LeGioNoFZioN Whatever you say, you are the freakin expert.

[LeGioNoFZioN]

@rhblakeman all I'm saying is burying your head in the sand is no alternative to arming yourself with knowledge.

[DjinnJuggler]

@LeGioNoFZioN Wait, what? CFLs have 600 times the mercury of a thermostat? First off modern thermostats have NO mercury, second off if you're looking at old thermostats with mercury they have about 1-2 GRAMS where a CFL has 1-2 THOUSANDTHS of a gram...

[LeGioNoFZioN]

@DjinnJuggler modern thermostats are in modern homes, I live in toronto in a 30-40 year old house, as do most people who don't live in condo's or apartment buildings. My thermostat is not modern. That said I was only responding to someone who said CFL's have more, and when I came accross an article from scientific american who gave the #'s I quoted, I shared it so homeboy might be better informed.

[LeGioNoFZioN]

but I still prefer LEDs for their actual efficiency as opposed to perceived efficiency.

[rhblakeman]

@JennyFarlopez Mercury in an incandescent lamp? Where? Incandescent is a filament of tungsten in an argon filled glass envelope and sometimes coated inside with phosphors or coatings to change the way the light output shows. Ive never seen any mention of mercury in and incandescent bulb. There's no need for mercury in an incandescent bulb.

[JennyFarlopez]

@rhblakeman Incandescent lamps contain a tiny amount of mercury. Even if it's small, it still is a health hazard, as heavy metals are toxic even in the tiniest amounts. Getting rid of this amount of mercury during production would increase the cost of the lamp that much it's not worth the effort.

[rhblakeman]

@JennyFarlopez Well then where is this unnecessary mercury in an incandescent lamp? It's never been used before, why is it now? It's not is why. Only tubular and compact florescent lamps use mercury in a vaporized state for conduction. The biggest hazard in incandescent bulbs is maybe lead in the solder to attach the leads to the base. Now if you mean a mercury vapor lamp like in a street light that is a totally different thing and not used inside a home.

[rhblakeman]

@rhblakeman Even these wonderous light emitting diodes, aka LEDs (which have been around for a long long time) have toxins and hazards. The silicon is doped with things like iodine, arsenic and other elements to create the bridge that alters the silicon from an insulator to a semi-conductor (conducts when conditions are right, insulates when not). Give an LED too much power and they burn through the casing and vaporize the doping into the air.

[sugarpuddin88]

So little advancement in this area since 1850

For lighting the marketplace: LEDs are the future

(LEDs as main lighting solutions are already in the present in Asia & parts of Europe)