Compact Fluorescent Lamps

       This type of fluorescent lamp is compact in size to enable it to replace the incandescent lamp and they are often referred to as energy-saving lamps. They use about a fifth of the energy to produce the equivalent light output as the standard GLS  incandescent lamp. The life of the lamp is also considerably longer, in the region of 10000 to 12000 hours, compared to around 1000 hours for the standard incandescent lamp.

       There are many variations of this type of lamp, but they all serve the same purpose by reducing energy bills and lasting longer with increased efficacy (for example a 10 watt coolwhite lamp has an efficacy in the region of 60 lumens per watt).

       The type of compact lamp shown in Figure 1 is effectively one unit consisting of a tube and a ballast control. If the fluorescent tube or ballast fails, the complete unit has to be replaced. Other types of compact fluorescent lamps have separate tubes to that of the control arrangement.

       Energy saving lamps can be used for a wide range of domestic and commercial applications. They are particularly suited where there is the need for prolonged lighting, for example restaurants, corridors, toilets and hallways.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Compact Fluorescent Lamps
1- advantages
. High luminous efficacy
. Long life than incandescent lamp
. Reduced cooling loads in incandescent lamp replacement
2- Disadvantages
. high cost
. decrease of light output with time
. Smaller ON cycles shorten lifetime
. Distortion of current waveform of lamps with internal ballast
. contain mercury