What is the true life of a CFL compact fluorescent
Energy Efficient Lighting, General Technical Stuff September 1st, 2010Hi There
I am the head of the body corporate of our building and currently using incandescent globes in our fittings in the common areas. I would like to use compact fluorescent globes CFL to try and save electricity but also save on our building maintenance costs.
We will get the same life that is quoted by the manufactures if we have the lights on for extended periods at a time?
Looking forward to your response.
Kind regards
Jill
September 1st, 2010 at 10:09 am
Hi Jill
Thanks for your great question
It is really hard to judge as the hour life quoted by manufacturers are based on switching cycles. When I talk about switching cycle I refer to a similar switching cycle like in a residential premises which is how they are tested and rated in a factory and they quote the AVERAGE lamp life. The lamps are switched on, left on for a period of time, switched off and allowed to cool and then switched on again. SO some lamps last longer and some are worse for that particular switching cycle. Then to complicate things further there is no standard for switching cycles so you cant really compare rated hours between manufacturers. Then the Chinese manufacturers will print any rated life you want on the box! So best stick with a big name manufacturer
In answer to your question, the rated life all changes when you leave the lamp on for long periods. It could be better or it could be worse.
The best thing for you to do is conduct a trial. lamp life can change between buildings and areas too. Other things which affect the lamp life is voltage, air flow in the fitting and ambient temperatures.
Hope this makes sense
Anything else please let me know
Kind regards
Daniel