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Question about compact fluorescents

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By paulk
paulk's picture
Posted 8/27/08 8:46 AM

Question about compact fluorescents

Hey all,

I've changed almost all of the light bulbs in my home to compact fluorescents. The cost wasn't too bad because I kept an eye out for sales. And I've even found bulbs equal to a 150-watt incandescent for my beloved bedside reading lamp.

My question is about how the lights come on. With some bulbs, the light is almost full brightness the moment you turn it on. Others seem to take at least a minute to reach full brightness. The worst offenders are the globe lights (the ones about the size and shape of a softball) in the strip fixture above my bathroom sink.

Does anyone know why this is? Are some brands or sizes better than others? I don't mind the slower ones but they drive my wife crazy.

Paul 

By cobyjim1
cobyjim1's picture
Posted 02/25/09 7:19 PM

Question about compact fluorescents

The difference in on times that you describe is the difference in the ballast the compact fluorescent has. Some are electronic ballasts which come on right away and others are magnetic ballasts which take a few seconds to come up to full brightness. Hope this solves you question. Make sure that you buy electronic ballasts if you want them to come on right away, they usually cost a little more so if price is an issue get magnetic ballasts they both save energy and you are very wise to do this in you home. I made the same change a few years ago and am realizing a saving in every month on my utility bill.

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