[RFI] CFLs and LEDs

David C. Hallam dhallam at rapidsys.com
Sat Jan 17 07:54:31 EST 2009


To be more specific about my main high failure rate application, I have 
a ceiling fixture over the bar in the kitchen.  It is separated from the 
sink and stove by ceiling mounted cabinets.  There are 4 horizontally 
mounted 100W equivalent CFL's.  It is turned off and on several times a 
day but no short cycle use.  I have gotten into the habit of marking the 
date on a bulb when I install it.  Approximately 6months is about as 
long as a bulb will last.

I buy bulbs at Home Depot or Wal-Mart and get whatever is on sale or the 
  cheapest so the brand will vary.  I don't buy Philips because they 
seem to be priced about double that of any others.

I see a definite difference in life between the straight tube and twist 
tube CF L's.  The straight tube seem to last much longer to the point 
where I have no complaint about their length of service.  I have a 
couple of those that I have had for years.

There have been some comments about the Lights of America brand.  All, 
only 4, of the straight tube CFL's I have are Lights of America.  I know 
I haven't bought one of those in over 10 years.

Three way bulbs have given me unusually poor service life but 
incandescent bulbs do the same.  I don't know what it is about three way 
bulbs.  I have not tried the dimmable CFL's.

David
KC2JD/4



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