[RFI] Bulb rumors.

[Christopher E. Brown]

On Mon, 29 Nov 2010, Andy wrote:

> They are fairly cheap here.  But I haven't bought any in years ...
> haven't needed to!


And that is I think the diff.


Of my few remaining CFLs most are 5 - 7 years old, and appear to be much 
better construction than the newer ones (precision molded higher density 
plastic housing, etc.


All of the noise and issues fall into place if you keep in mind...


Expensive product going into low cost mass production in china.


Build a switch mode power supply equiv for the ballast, try to make it the 
diameter of a quarter by 1/2 inch tall, then try to mass produce for 
pennies.


All of mine started as cool running and fairly quiet.  No noise unless a 
pickup loop was close to the bulb, then sounded like a low power switcher.


Most (at least 80%) of the ones that started making noise


Showed obvious signs of progressive P/S failure and heating (case running 
very warm to spots on case showing discoloration from heat)

OR

Were making much louder humming noise.


Signs of a failing power supply.




Other than the issue of finding bulbs with a high CRI, I have no issues 
with FL fixtures.  A good quality filtered electronic ballast and all is 
good.  Its trying to cram it all into the base of an screw in bulb that is 
an issue.