CFL stands for Compact Fluorescent Lamp (aka: light bulb). CFLs are an excellent alternative for general ambient lighting and can be used anywhere an incandescent household bulb is used. CFLs use one quarter the energy of an incandescent and last for six to ten years.
Fluorescent lights are omni-directional meaning they send light in every direction. This natural light distribution is what makes CFLs a viable option for ambient lighting applications. CFLs come with a screw base (also known as Edison base) as a means for retrofitting incandescent fixtures with Edison sockets. Today’s CFLs are comparable to incandescent in light quality and size, making the conversion easy. ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs come in warm 2700K color options (as well as white, cool white and daylight options) and have a minimum CRI of 80. Modern CFLs use rare earth phosphor coatings inside the glass tubing for near perfect color quality. They also employ electronic ballasts which rid them of the flicker and hum of years past.
Despite the many advancements made with CFLs, they are often criticized for their twist appearance To alleviate the aversion to CFL twists in open fixtures, there are specialty covered varieties that hide the twist inside.
CFL Applications
Enclosed fixture bulbs, Dimmable bulbs, Reflector bulbs in cans, Globe covered bulbs for bath, A-line covered bulbs, Candelabra bulbs, Torpedo bulbs
It is difficult to tell the difference between incandescent lights and high quality CFLs when used in the proper application.
Additional CFL considerations:
1. Enclosed fixture CFLs must be used in completely enclosed fixtures. Otherwise the UL Listing of the fixture will be voided. Enclosed fixtures include flushmounts and recessed cans. All reflector CFLs will be required to pass high heat testing for the ENERGY STAR label effective July 1, 2009.
2. Dimmable CFLs must be used in fixtures on wall dimmer systems. Otherwise the UL Listing of the fixture will be voided.
For more information on lighting see LIGHTING SPECIFICS and THE COLOR OF LIGHT