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Author Topic: CFL light problems  (Read 5844 times)

Offline jcarter

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CFL light problems
« on: September 04, 2011, 08:33:51 AM »
We use CFL bulbs in our cellar, and after the power outage, when the power was at half, one failed.
So I looked up problems with CFLs.
They say, "Do not use in a socket with the base of the bulb up"
That is how our light fixtures are in our cellar, but we didn't know that about them, not on the label.  
Second, "They are not dimmable"
So when the power was at half for about a minute before we shut our house power off, it must have fried the bulb.
When we turned it on after power was restored, it glowed very dimly and the base got extremely hot. Its on the kitchen counter waiting to be disposed of properly, looking that up too.
A neighbour had a similar problem with a couple of his CFLs.  He tossed his into the garbage.

And they say the govt. is going to outlaw our regular bulbs in the foreseeable future, so I guess if the new ones are dangerous, we better stock up on 60, 75, and 100W old standard incandescent ones.

The darn things make me nervous now, but our cellar lights are not on unless we are doing laundry or in my husband's workshop.  So we would see it or smell it.

Jane
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Offline gunug

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CFL light problems
« Reply #1 on: September 04, 2011, 08:44:39 AM »
I was initially happy with CFL's but the general junk that is available with that name out in the world is disheartening.  I think they need to work on them being more reliable and flexible before they do away with alternatives.  I do like LED bulbs that are turning up out there and I think they're going to be by nature way more reliable by nature than CFL's will ever be!  

Saying that the problems I have with CFL's are 1) they overheat and die way too easily, they can't seem to stand the heat they generate, 2) they don't like brown outs and power outages, 3) they're very hard to recycle around here, being considered toxic waste for the mercury content!
« Last Edit: September 04, 2011, 10:34:11 AM by Highmac »
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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CFL light problems
« Reply #2 on: September 04, 2011, 09:52:45 AM »
Most likely what has failed is the 'ballast' that controls the starting and operating voltages of the gas filled tubes. And that is also why the can't be dimmed, the light comes from the 'excited' electrons in the gas. They just don't like to see any neighbors less excited than they are and, being very compassionate, simply join their 'bored' friends and the light is turned off. It's pretty much a 'one-for-all-and-all-for-one' neighborhood.

Of course, you can 'dim' a CFL bulb by using duct tape and/or aluminum foli... laughhard.gif
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Offline jcarter

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CFL light problems
« Reply #3 on: September 04, 2011, 10:32:42 AM »
I think I will go out and buy a stockpile of regular bulbs, as I sure dont like that heat problem either.

We used to save the burned out incandescent ones for target practise when we are up in Maine, but you sure cant use the CFLs for that with their mercury.
They have too many problems for my liking.

Jane
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Offline Highmac

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CFL light problems
« Reply #4 on: September 04, 2011, 10:41:10 AM »
Our European masters have already done away with the 100W and the 60W incandescent is scheduled for the chop any time now. We're now getting set to stock up on the 40W we need for a couple of our light fittings rolleyes.gif

Edit: Tech would be a more appropriate home for this thread, so I'm moving it over wink.gif
« Last Edit: September 04, 2011, 10:42:52 AM by Highmac »
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Offline kimmer

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CFL light problems
« Reply #5 on: September 04, 2011, 12:18:52 PM »
Some CFL's can be used base up, some work well in colder climates, some can be dimmed, some can ... some can .... some can ... what a pain. There are also some health issues with the CFL's, and heaven help you if you break one in your home. I truly hate the CFL bulbs, so we have a stockpile of the good old fashioned bulbs.

For disposal: check with your local hardware store to see if they take them free of charge. Also if you have a Home Depot nearby, they take them for free, just be sure they are wrapped in a plastic bag. The few CFL's we've been forced to use and had burn out, are in the garage in a sealed zip-lock baggie. We have some from a neighbor as well (they have dogs in their garage). Whoever heads to the valley next will take the bulbs to the Home Depot.

A pox on GE and all who forced this garbage on all of us. wink.gif
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Offline jcarter

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CFL light problems
« Reply #6 on: September 04, 2011, 02:11:12 PM »
"A pox on GE and all who forced this garbage on all of us."
And this is only the beginning!  Its the politicians at the root of the problem too.

Our dog is never allowed in our garage, so we could put the dead CFL in there, but we do have a local hardware store, so I will ask them. If not, we have a hazard waste pickup at our high school 3 times a year.
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Offline Texas Mac Man

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CFL light problems
« Reply #7 on: September 04, 2011, 05:15:03 PM »
There are some dimmable CFLs available. http://www.amazon.com/PureSpectrum-Fully-D...t/dp/B004PUMAEK On a recent kitchen remodel with can lights, I used these CFLs. You shouldn't use the regular dim switch used for incandescent lights. Get a dim switch for CFLs. Another advantage of this brand CFLs is that they provide near-instant full brightness. CFLs don't have near the same dim range as incandescent lights.
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Offline jcarter

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CFL light problems
« Reply #8 on: September 04, 2011, 05:24:26 PM »
No thank you, I will stick with the oldie and goodies.
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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CFL light problems
« Reply #9 on: September 04, 2011, 05:33:43 PM »
As I've said before, my money is invested in gas lanterns, once this electricity fab blows over, I'll have it made!!! yes.gif
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Offline dolphin

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CFL light problems
« Reply #10 on: September 04, 2011, 11:16:34 PM »
Here are some resources for finding recycling ideas and places for CFL bulbs.

CFL Recycling

more recycling ideas

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Offline krissel

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CFL light problems
« Reply #11 on: September 04, 2011, 11:39:03 PM »
Bought some "dimmable" CFLs a while back but they blew very quickly. Have used CFLs in up and down bases OK. But I'm afraid there is no quality control on these things and you takes your chances. sad.gif
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Offline jcarter

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CFL light problems
« Reply #12 on: September 05, 2011, 07:34:32 AM »
Looked at those links and they both give different advice, to quote them,

First one,,,,,,,  "Fluorescent bulbs contain such a small amount of mercury that they can actually be thrown away just like regular light bulbs can be. Disposal is not regulated by any government standards."

Second one,,,,,, "(CFLs) come in two main types: tubular or spiral. They're well known for their energy efficiency, but they also pose a hazard if they're not disposed of properly. Each bulb contains a small amount of mercury, which is extremely toxic to animal and plant life, including humans. If they end up in the garbage and landfills, they might break and release the toxins into the atmosphere or eventually leak into the ground, contaminating soil and water.

Read more: How to Dispose of Used Spiral Fluorescent Light Bulbs | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4968125_dispose-sp...1X54SrQPZ"
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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CFL light problems
« Reply #13 on: September 05, 2011, 12:21:00 PM »
Jane, the solution is simple. Just send the bulbs to the company with the "No Problem" attitude! laughhard.gif   

And then, buy some gas lanterns from me! yes.gif
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THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF COUNTRIES
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CAUTION! Childhood vaccinations cause adults! :yes:

Offline jcarter

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CFL light problems
« Reply #14 on: September 05, 2011, 03:58:32 PM »
Thats a deal!

Must be some surf from somewhere out there, as we all had a ball with the high waves today. Im exhausted, (and have sand in every orifice), we couldn't bring Lilly as it was Chappoquoit beach, and thats a no-dog beach sadly.
Last day of summer vacation for many people who come to Cape Cod, but anytime from now on, the no-dog beaches become Lilly friendly.
Lets make summer last  as long as we can.
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