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Thread: Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

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    Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

    So with new EU regulation coming into effect tomorrow the traditional 100W light bulb is going to be but a distant memory. Source

    Now being part of a technology forum, I'm not opposed to change and progression, but I have to admit my feelings towards energy saving bulbs are luke warm at best. The technology has improved over time but they still have a long way to go as far as I'm concerned. What worries me most is you cannot easily find 100W equivalent brightness energy saving bulbs, and goddamit in some areas of the house you just need to have a good amount of light - the bathroom for example.

    The problem with buying these energy saving bulbs is that they're not all the same. We all know it, yet we experiment with different brands in a 'pot luck' gamble of whether it's going to be decent or not.

    Criteria for what makes a good bulb included:

    Instant-on. Or at least a level of light which makes the bulb instantly useful (even the good ones tend to get gradually brighter over the first 30 seconds from my experience).

    Maximum luminosity. Once it's fully on what is the maximum brightness like?

    Colour. Traditional bulbs tended to emit a nice warm yellow glow, somewhat similar to natural daylight. Energy saving bulbs can be a lot cooler hue, and this don't feel as nice to use. This seemed more of a problem with the first generation, but newer ones still aren't as good.

    Shape/size of bulb. This can be applicable in certain situations (like in a lamp for example). Not so important to me, but it bothers some.

    What I'm proposing is that we report our experiences with different brands/bulbs so that we have some form of reference from other users as to which to avoid and which to look out for.

    As a general rule never buy those 5 for a £1 jobbies you see in the supermarkets, they're typically old stock and poor quality 1st gen bulbs.

    The best I've found as a general replacement for a traditional bulb thus far are the Philips 'E-on' branded bulbs. They give an instant-on useable level of light, acceptable colour (although it's not as warm), and are fairly compact as far as energy saving bulbs go. I'd recommend them for halls, bedrooms, upstairs landing, porches - that kind of thing.

    As an alternative the brightest light I've found (but it takes over 1 minute to warm up). Is general electrics FLE15W/GLS/827. This was bought from B&Q if I remember correctly, 15W with equivalent 75W rating. Colour is acceptable, looks like a fat regular bulb, warm-up time is rediculously long so only install where you leave lights on all evening (top of the stairs for me.)

    So let's have your reviews!

    Good article here: http://fivepercent.us/2008/09/09/cfl...-incandescent/
    Excellent review of different bulbs here http://www.popularmechanics.com/home...t/4215199.html
    Last edited by cptwhite_uk; 31-08-2009 at 11:07 AM.

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    Seething Cauldron of Hatred TheAnimus's Avatar
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    Re: Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

    Quote Originally Posted by cptwhite_uk View Post
    Colour. Traditional bulbs tended to emit a nice warm yellow glow, somewhat similar to natural daylight. Energy saving bulbs can be a lot cooler hue, and this don't feel as nice to use. This seemed more of a problem with the first generation, but newer ones still aren't as good.
    Its actually a LOT more orange than daylight, most flurescant strips give a more natural daylike light.
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    Senior Member cptwhite_uk's Avatar
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    Re: Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

    Yeah I realised I was probably wrong when describing that, but still, people tend to prefer the colour of traditional bulbs over energy saving ones. Care to add your input to the debate?

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    Re: Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

    Thanks for the guide, useful to pass onto my Dad who I'm sure will be replenishing the light bulb stocks soon!

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    Re: Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

    permission given (though not requested) to bump this thread once per day for 1 week to keep it in the public eye

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    Re: Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

    I've largely shifted to energy saving bulb where possible. My main issues with energy saving bulb is the high initial cost (not sure if it's really saving me money over time) and the fact that for many I've tried, I doubt the quoted lifespan (which relate to the cost saving aspect).

    I like bright rooms, so for me 100W equivalent is a must. I do not have that much difficulty obtaining energy saving bulb of 23W and above (even found one that's 30W). However they tend to be expensive compared to the 10-12W ones, and they also tend to be unbranded with more questionable lifespan (so far I find Philips to be the best in that aspect, but I do have a harder time to find high wattage for those).

    When using 23-30W bulb, I do not find the instant-on aspect to be an issue. In no time, it would become bright enough that you'll hurt your eye looking at it, and the room is bright enough for all purpose. Let alone once it reaches maximum luminosity. Yeah, I was unimpressed by the first energy saving bulb I've used 10 years ago (was put off for many years), but these days, it's not an issue for me.

    As for colour hue, I don't have any trouble with warm colour at least here in the UK. I know that cooler colours are actually favoured in some other part of the world, but as long as you check the colour temperature (2700K is closest to incandescent).

    Shape, I don't really care that much, with the one exception. One of the 30W Energy Saving bulb sold at my local electric store has a 'base' that's too large to fit the space of a spotlight.

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    Re: Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

    The issue we've got is that many of our rooms have candle style slight fittings, and energy saving bulbs just look silly in them. Is it possible to get teardrop shaped energy savers?

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    Re: Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

    What about those LED bulbs? Anyone used those? I bought some from China, but they were the wrong fitting, so never got round to it again, but they apparently only use 2-3w and give a similar brightness to the 16w ES bulbs.
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    Re: Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

    Not keen on the energy saving bulbs at all, and not very happy about the (alleged) health issues either.
    Sorry planet and all that, but I have been squirrelling away 100 watters here & there (& predicting a black market in them) - even if I keep their use to a minimum, as a compromise. Have topped up supplies today (thanks for reminder!) & with a bit of luck they will see me out.

    ..On the comparison front - currently have one of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/equivalent-o.../dp/B000MSQXII Philips 11 watt energy saver, warms up quite quickly but would not equate the output to a 60w trad bulb, far nearer to 40w it seems to me.
    Last edited by sammyc; 31-08-2009 at 11:31 PM.

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    Re: Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

    Quote Originally Posted by TooNice View Post
    I've largely shifted to energy saving bulb where possible. My main issues with energy saving bulb is the high initial cost (not sure if it's really saving me money over time) and the fact that for many I've tried, I doubt the quoted lifespan (which relate to the cost saving aspect).

    As for colour hue, I don't have any trouble with warm colour at least here in the UK. I know that cooler colours are actually favoured in some other part of the world, but as long as you check the colour temperature (2700K is closest to incandescent)
    The cost of the newer bulbs shouldn't be an issue any more, the prices are now hitting the point that they can be called cheap. In the 11 years i've been living at present house i've only had 2 energy savers fail. One of which had been in use for around 7 years (very early gen bulb). I don't mind that sort of life, better than some old style bulbs.

    Quote Originally Posted by Powderhound View Post
    The issue we've got is that many of our rooms have candle style slight fittings, and energy saving bulbs just look silly in them. Is it possible to get teardrop shaped energy savers?
    I managed to get some from Screwfix a few years ago. They were exactly what i was looking for, but once they were warmed up they would emit a high pitch squeal which would just do my head in. These were dumped and replaced by small 12w spiral bulbs.

    Quote Originally Posted by Clunk View Post
    What about those LED bulbs? Anyone used those? I bought some from China, but they were the wrong fitting, so never got round to it again, but they apparently only use 2-3w and give a similar brightness to the 16w ES bulbs.
    LED's are going in the right direction, at the moment i think that the prices are putting people off them. Once they come down to more manageable levels then these should take over from the current crop of energy savers. Plus you shouldn't have to replace them too often (if at all) and you also get away from the mercury/disposal issues.

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    Re: Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

    Quote Originally Posted by Powderhound View Post
    The issue we've got is that many of our rooms have candle style slight fittings, and energy saving bulbs just look silly in them. Is it possible to get teardrop shaped energy savers?
    Yeh, my dad some a few months ago. They are proper tear shaped, but the lower part is made of white plastic and the tube thing is enclosed by a frosted tear shaped glass. They look ok. I can take a picture and find out the model if your interested.

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    Re: Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

    Quote Originally Posted by beanbandit View Post
    The cost of the newer bulbs shouldn't be an issue any more, the prices are now hitting the point that they can be called cheap. In the 11 years i've been living at present house i've only had 2 energy savers fail. One of which had been in use for around 7 years (very early gen bulb). I don't mind that sort of life, better than some old style bulbs.
    Cheap is relative. While those 12W can be picked up for a pound or less, 23-30W still costs about £7-ish and I've never had any of them last 7 years. The lifespan definitely vary a lot, Philips are good for lasting a few years (but I don't think I've had any last more than 3, if that), but I can't find their higher wattage. I've definitely had some die within a year. Here's hoping that with the ban, we'll see better yet cheaper higher powered energy saving bulb for those of us who've always preferred 100W to 60W.

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    Re: Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

    anyone got links to good online shops with a wide range ?

    im after mini edison screw 40w candle bulbs

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    Re: Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

    Quote Originally Posted by beanbandit View Post
    LED's are going in the right direction, at the moment i think that the prices are putting people off them. Once they come down to more manageable levels then these should take over from the current crop of energy savers. Plus you shouldn't have to replace them too often (if at all) and you also get away from the mercury/disposal issues.
    Not too mention the dimmability.

    One of the reason i don't use energy savers in the lounge is because its nice to have them dimmed when watching TV or just kicking back when ur hung over.

    The dimmable engery savers cost the earth, and don't seam to provide quite as good dimming experiance.

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    Re: Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

    My house came with a silly enclosed light fitting in the bathroom - all the energy saving bulbs I've looked at are "Not suitable for enclosed light fittings" The mind boggles as to why none of them would work - is it a fire risk or something?

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    Re: Lightbulbs - A hexus reference guide

    I've had a stumpy, curly, energy saving bulb in an enclosed fitting on my landing for years and it's been fine.

    Only one fire so far.
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