Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Compact Fluorescent
These lamps feature a narrow tube space (1/2 to 5/8 in diameter) that is doubled back on itself and terminated in a plastic base. Compact fluorescent lamps are small enough to replace incandescent lamps in diffuse source applications and therefore bring the increased efficiency of fluorescent technology to a much larger variety of fixtures. Lamps with an internal ballast can be used in a typical incandescent socket. Other lamps use an external magnetic or electronic ballast.

How does it work?
A fluorescent lamp is a gaseous discharge light source. Light is produced by passing an electric arc between tungsten cathodes in a tube filled with a low pressure mercury vapor and other gases. The arc excites the mercury vapor which generates radiant energy, primarily in the ultraviolet range. This energy causes the phosphor coating on the inside of the tube to fluoresce, converting the ultraviolet into visible light.

Electrical Requirements
To start the lamp, a high voltage surge is needed to establish an arc in the mercury vapor. Once the lamp is started, the gas offers a decreasing amount of resistance, which means that the current must be regulated to match this drop. Without regulation, the lamp would draw power unceasingly and would rapidly burn out. By using a ballast the starting voltage is provided and the subsequent flow of current to the lamp is controlled. Using a balanced lamp/ballast system extends lamp life, increases energy efficiency, improves color characteristics, and enhances luminous efficacy.

Phosphor Coatings
Fluorescent lamps offer more color options than any other lamp type. This is due to the phosphor coating on the inside of the tube. Halophosphor is the basic coating. Along with rare earth and triphosphor coatings a control over the generation of red, green and blue is achieved. This has enabled the development of high lumens per watt (LPW) lamps in a variety of color temperatures that feature excellent color quality and provide spectacular renditions of virtually all colors.

GoodMart sells a wide range of compact fluorescent lamps. Please make a selection from the list below to view available product types:
» Twist Shape
» Reflector Lamps
» Globe Shape
» "U" Shape Tube
» Chandelier Style
» Dimmable Lamps
» Three Way
» Standard Bulb Shape
» Mogul Base 		» Bullet Shape
» 2-pin Base
» 4-pin Base
» Ultra-Small Mini-Mini SpringLamps
» Ballast Adapters
» TCX Base
» Circline
» Modular Globes-Reflectors
» Two-Piece