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How to Select your Compact Fluorescent Bulb

HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT CFL BULBClick to view bigger version

Most elements of a fluorescent light source cannot be changed without first changing your fixture or internal ballast. The wattage, length, shape and base type of fluorescent bulb are set by the fixture characteristics. You pretty much need to match exactly what you have and should have the bulb model number in hand when ordering:

How to interrupt a fluorescent ordering code CF42T830/E
(CF) Compact Fluorescent (42) Watts (T) Triple Tube (8) 80 CRI (30) 3000 Kelvin Temp (E) Electronic

(CF) Fluorescent - your bulb is obviously a compact fluroescent
(42) Watts - This one uses 42 watts. This number can range anywhere from 5 to 120 watt.
(T) Triple tube - your bulb is straight with 3 little tubes - not a flood or spiral shape.
(8) CRI - Color rendering of lamp - see below.
(30) Color Temp - Color of light itself - usually either 27-warm yellowish, 41-cool white, 51- daylight bright
(E) Electronic ballast or other output such as low mercury or high output designations.

These factors should be considered when selecting a fluorescent lamp.
  • LIGHT OUTPUT (LUMENS)
  • COLOR RENDERING INDEX (CRI)
  • CORRELATED COLOR TEMPERATURE (CCT)
  • SIZE 
  • SHAPE
  • BASE TYPE

LIGHT OUTPUT (LUMENS)

When considering light output, wattage is something to keep in mind. Wattage is not an indicator of lamp brightness. Wattage measures energy consumed by the lamp and actual the Light output is measured in lumens or units of luminous flux.

COLOR RENDERING INDEX (CRI)

CRI is a lamps ability to render an objects true color based on a scale of 100, with a 100 being a incandescent lamp.  
Fluorescents with a CRI of 70 and under are typically in low quality lamps. Colors in the room will appear dull and washed out.
Fluorescents with a CRI of 70-79 are appropriate in commercial applications.
Fluorescents with a CRI of 80-89 are appropriate in commercial and residential applications.
Fluorescents with a CRI of 90-99 are appropriate in high end retail or graphic businesses where true color is important.

CORRELATED COLOR TEMPERATURE (CCT)

CCT is a numerical measurement of the color appearance of a light source measured in degrees Kelvin within a range of 2700K to 6500K. 2700K being the warmest closest to yellow and 6500 being the coolest and closest to sunlight.  

SIZE

You have many sizes to choose from when selecting a fluorescent lamp, common sizes are dependant on the wattage of the bulb and the shape of the glass.

SHAPE

You have many shapes to consider when buying a CFL fluorescent lamp.  Common CFL shapes include coil, A-shape, G-shape, reflector, Tubular, and candelabra.

BASE TYPE

Common Lamp bases include Twin tube magnetic 2-Pin, Twin tube electronic 4-Pin, quad magnetic 2-Pin, quad electronic 4-pi, and triple electronic 4-pin. Keep in mind that screw base CFL’s are easy to use, easy to replace, and self ballasted. Pin-base CFL’s ballasts are separate and have fewer heat issues but are difficult to replace since bases vary for each wattage. Electronic 4-Pin lamps are dimmable, where as a Magnetic 2-Pin lamps are not dimmable.

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