04-02-2016, 04:02 PM
INTRODUCTION
What is a CFL?
A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), also called compact fluorescent light, energy-saving light, and compact fluorescent tube, is a fluorescent light designed to replace in incandescent lamps ; some types fit into light fixtures formerly used for incandescent lamps. The lamps use a tube which is curved or folded to fit into the space of an incandescent bulb, and a compact electronic balasts in the base of the lamp.Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) are smaller versions of standard fluorescent lamps. They consume much less energy but provide light that is comparable to incandescent lights. Also, they can generally directly replace standard incandescent bulbs Cfls bulbs are simply miniature version of full sized fluorescents . They screw into standard lamp sockets and give off light that looks just like the common incandescent bulbs.Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) were introduced in the 1970s; however, it has taken more than 30 years for them to gain widespread recognition in the U.S. residential lighting market. The first commercially available fluorescent lamps were introduced in the late 1930s. Fluorescent lamps convert more of the power used to usable light; consequently, they are three to six times more efficient than incandescent lamps.The parent to the modern fluorescent lamp was invented in the late 1890s by Peter Cooper Hewitt.The Cooper Hewitt lamps were used for photographic studios and industries.Edmund Germer, Friedrich Meyer, and Hans Spanner patented a high-pressure vapor lamp in 1927. George Inman later teamed with General electric to create a practical fluorescent lamp, sold in 1938 and patented in 1941.Circular and U-shaped lamps were devised to reduce the length of fluorescent light fixtures. The first fluorescent bulb and fixture were displayed to the general public at the 1939 New York world’s fair.The spiral CFL was invented in 1976 by Edward E. Hammer , an engineer with General Electric, in response to the 1973 oil crisis.Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have been widely promoted by electric utilities and energy efficiency groups because they produce the same amount of light as standard incandescent bulbs while using up to 75% less energy and lasting up to ten times as long.