CFL Bulb

What is CFL Bulb?


CFL stands for Compact Fluorescent Lamp. In a CFL bulb, an electric current is operated through a tube holding argon and a little amount of mercury vapor. This produces invisible ultraviolet light electrifies a fluorescent coating (called phosphor) inside the tube and emits visible light.  

During first turning, CFL bulb requires a quite more energy. But, when electricity starts flowing, it use almost 75 percent less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs. A ballast of CFL bulb helps to start the bulb and then controls the current once the electricity starts flowing.In order to complete the whole process, typically, it requires 30 seconds to 3 minutes. This is why CFL bulbs take longer than other lights in order to ignite completely.  

Benefits of CFL Bulb

Efficient: CFL bulbs are more efficient and last longer than incandescent bulbs. A 22 watt CFL bulb has almost same light output like 100 watt incandescent. CFL bulbs use 50 - 80% less energy in comparison to incandescent bulbs.

Cost Effective:
 Though it is quite expensive initially, it saves money in the long run. Because, CFL bulb utilizes one-third of electricity and lasts up to 10 times as long as incandescent. Using a single 18 watt CFL in stead of a 75 watt incandescent will save approximately 570 kWh over its lifetime which saves money. So, CFL bulb is very cost effective and economical.

Reduces Environment Pollution: Substituting a single incandescent bulb with a CFL bulb will contribute to reduce a half-ton of CO2 from the atmosphere during it's lifetime. If we can use energy efficient lighting like CFL bulb, we could quite 90 average size power plants. Saving electricity means decreasing CO2 emissions, sulfur oxide and high-level nuclear waste. So, using CFL bulbs contribute to reduce environment pollution.

High-Quality Light: Instead of the "cool white" light of older fluorescent, newer CFL bulb provides a warm, inviting light. They use rare earth phosphors for significant bright color and warmth. New electronically ballasted CFL bulbs don't spark or vibrate.

Flexible:
 CFL bulbs can be used almost every where that incandescent bulbs are used. Energy efficient CFL bulb can be used in lower fixtures, track lighting, table lamps, ceiling fixtures and porch lights. 3-way CFL bulbs having 3-way settings are available now. Dimmable CFL bulbs having dimmer switch are also available in the market.

Prasun Barua

Prasun Barua is an Engineer (Electrical & Electronic) and Member of the European Energy Centre (EEC). His first published book Green Planet is all about green technologies and science. His other published books are Solar PV System Design and Technology, Electricity from Renewable Energy, Tech Know Solar PV System, C Coding Practice, AI and Robotics Overview, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, Know How Solar PV System, Know The Product, Solar PV Technology Overview, Home Appliances Overview, Tech Know Solar PV System, C Programming Practice, etc. These books are available at Google Books, Google Play, Amazon and other platforms.

4 Comments

  1. The main problem with incandescent bulbs is that they consume two to three times more energy than the alternatives.

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  2. I think small businesses operate out of small buildings, and manage a smaller plant, as a result, the building itself might be dated, which can compromise energy efficiency and lead to an increase in costs over the long run. Luckily, there are various resources, technology, and software available that can help plant and facility project managers and teams monitor overall energy usage. Energy management Software review

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