 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Home : Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs : Spiral by Watt, Base & Color Temp
Spiral Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Our spiral compact fluorescent light bulbs are sorted by Wattage/Incandescent Equivalency, Base Type and Color Temperature.
Wattage/Incandescent Equivalency
Base Type
Color Temperature
Spiral Compact Fluorescent F.A.Q.
Q: How do spiral compact fluorescent light bulbs save energy?
A: A standard incandescent light bulb produces light by heating a filament inside the bulb. Only a small amount of the energy used to operate a standard light bulb is turned into light, most is wasted as heat. A standard incandescent only produces around 15 lumens of light per input watt. On the other hand, spiral compact fluorescent light bulbs produce 50-100 lumens per input watt. Thus, 13 watt spiral compact fluorescents produce as much light as a standard 60 watt incandescent light bulb (over 75% less electricity for the same amount of light).Spiral shape light bulbs will also save energy by producing less ambient heat than standard incandescents. Thus, your air conditioner won't have to work as hard.
Q: I don't like the color of fluorescent light, are there any spiral compact fluorescents that produce similar light to incandescent light bulbs?
A: Yes! Spiral CFL light bulbs are now available in a wide range of color temperatures (measured in degrees Kelvin [K]). The color of light a spring lamp produces is determined by the phosphors lining the glass portion of the spiral shape light bulb. The phosphors can be manipulated to mimic virtually any light source. The light produced by spiral compact fluorescents with a color temperature of 2700K-2850K is virtually indistinguishable from the light of incandescent bulbs. Compact fluorescent spirals also come in colors that replicate halogen, traditional fluorescent, and full-spectrum light sources.Q: Which wattage of spiral cfl light bulb should I buy to replace my current light bulb?
A: The manufacturers of most spiral CFLs rate their bulbs for incandescent equivalency. However, there is no agreed upon standard for equivalencies. Thus, not all 60 watt equivalent spiral compact fluorescents have equal light output. A better measure for comparing relative light output of spiral CFLs is 'Lumen Output'. A spiral CFL light bulb's lumen output is an actual, objective, measurement of light output.Q: Can spiral compact fluorescents be used with dimmers?
A: Only spiral CFLs designed specifically for use with dimmers may be used with dimmer switches. A standard spring lamp will not operate correctly on a dimmer switch, and the spiral CFL light bulb will fail quickly. Use of non-dimming spiral CFLs on dimmer switches will void all warranties.We are often asked if non-dimming spiral compact fluorescents may be used with dimmers if the dimmer is never dimmed. Theoretically, a dimmer always left at full power should not harm your spiral CFL light bulbs, however even slight or accidental dimming will do substantial damage to non-dimming spiral compact fluorescents.
Q: My fixture is rated for a 75 watt maximum bulb. Can I use spiral CFL light bulbs that has an incandescent equivalency higher than 75 watts?
A: Yes. When choosing a spiral compact fluorescent only the actual wattage needs to be considered. In the above example spiral compact fluorescents up to 75 watts may be used. Spring lamps are perfect for applications where more light is desired than a fixture's rating will permit.Q: Are spiral CFLs available with candelabra bases?
A: Yes. Spiral compact fluorescents are available in candelabra base, medium (standard) base, and mogul base. Spiral shape fluorescents may also be found with 4-pin bases and GU24 bases.Q: Can spiral CFL light bulbs be used outside and in cold weather?
A: Spiral compact fluorescents may be used outdoors as long as they are not directly exposed to the elements. We carry enclosed CFLs designed specifically for direct exposure to weather. Spiral compact fluorescents are ideal for coach lights or under eaves.
When choosing a spiral CFL for use in cold weather, be sure to look at the minimum starting temperature of the spiral compact fluorescent. Most of the spiral CFLs we carry will start at ambient temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. With all spiral compact fluorescents, the colder the temperature the longer it will take for your spiral CFL to reach full brightness.Q: Do compact fluorescent spirals make a buzzing sound?
A: Older fluorescent technology utilized magnetic ballasts that would often times emit a buzzing sound that was irritating to some people. Modern fluorescents, including spiral compact fluorescents, use an electronic ballast that is not only more efficient but cycles at a rate that eliminates buzzing. A properly functioning spring lamp should operate silently. If your compact fluorescent spiral is buzzing then there is a problem with you spring lamp, the socket, and/or the wiring.Q: Do compact fluorescent spirals flicker?
A: As with the problem of buzzing, the electronic ballasts used in compact fluorescent spirals have eliminated the flicker associated with fluorescent lighting. The most common cause of flickering with spiral compact fluorescents is using non-dimming spiral CFLs on a dimming circuit. In any case, if your compact fluorescent spiral is flickering then there is a problem with you spring lamp, the socket, and/or the wiring.Q: Are spiral compact fluorescents available for my 3-way floor lamps?
A: Yes. We stock spiral CFL light bulbs that work with 3-way switches. These spiral CFLs offer 3 distinct light levels, but be careful of their size. 3-way compact fluorescent spirals are wider and taller than incandescent 3-way bulbs, so make sure you have room in your fixture. Our product line includes 3-way compact fluorescent spirals in 5100K, a color temperature many people prefer for reading, sewing, or any activity requiring high levels of visual acuity.Q: How long should spiral compact fluorescents last?
A: Compact fluorescent spirals range is rated life from between 6,000 to 10,000 hours. Most of the spiral CFLs we carry are rated for 10,000 hours. The life of spiral compact fluorescents, for the most part, is determined by the quality of the ballast. Cheap spiral CFLs, both in price and quality, often have an inferior ballast. Also, keep in mind that the life rating is an average. Half of all bulbs will last longer than the rated life but half will not reach the rated life. All quality spiral CFLs are warrantied by the manufacturer.Q: Is there mercury in spiral compact fluorescents?
A: Mercury is essential to the operation of spiral CFLs. It is the mercury that excites phosphors in spiral CFLs, causing them to glow and give light. The amount of mercury in most spiral compact fluorescents is less than 5 milligrams (most of our spiral CFLs contain around 3 mg), roughly the amount required to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. By comparison, older home thermometers contain 500 milligrams of mercury and many manual thermostats contain up to 3000 milligrams. It would take between 100 and 600 spiral CFLs to equal those amounts.Spiral CFLs are responsible for less mercury entering the atmosphere than standard incandescent light bulbs, and spiral CFLs actually work to prevent mercury from entering our air, where it most affects our health. The leading source of mercury in our air comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal, the most commonly used fuel in the U.S. to produce electricity. Spiral compact fluorescents use 75% less energy than an incandescent light bulb and lasts up to 13 times longer. A power plant will emit 10 mg of mercury to produce the electricity to run an incandescent bulb compared to only 2.4 mg of mercury to run compact fluorescent spirals for the same amount of time.
It is also important to remember that spiral CFL light bulbs release NO mercury when the bulbs are in use.
