Summary: The Benefits and warnings about CFL Compact Fluorescent Lamps. I personally enjoy the lighting output of CFL Light bulbs and the benefits of reducing our electric bill. We have been using CFL light bulbs in just about every standard light fixture inside our home.
Home Lighting: Avoid CFL Light Bulbs Dangers
Although I have seen controversial reports about mercury content I still continue to use CFL bulbs however I agree that there are a few things to be warned about.
I have a few light fixtures in my office that have CFL bulbs installed to help reduce the watt consumption. One day I was surprised when one of the CFL Bulbs began to shoot out a yellowish discharge into the room along with a terrible odor. I immediately turned off the light fixture and opened the office windows and closed the door to keep the odor from spreading into the rest of the house. After exhausting the room with the help of the ceiling fan I removed the bulb and took it outside where I placed it in a plastic bag.
Following is another story that came to my attention that I feel you should know about.
A Safety Warning about a Possible CFL Light Bulb Danger
Below is a picture of a CFL light bulb from my bathroom. I turned it on the other day and then smelled smoke after a few minutes. Four inch flames were spewing out of the side of the ballast like a blow torch! I immediately turned off the lights. But I'm sure it would have caused a fire if I was not right there. Imagine if the kids had left the lights on as usual when they were not in the room.
I took the bulb to the Fire Department today to report the incident. The Fireman was not at all surprised and said that it was not an uncommon occurrence. Apparently, sometimes when the bulb burns out there is a chance that the ballast can start a fire. He told me that the Fire Marshall had issued reports about the dangers of these bulbs.
Upon doing some Internet research, it seems that bulbs made by “Globe” in China seem to have the lion’s share of problems. Lots of fires have been blamed on misuse of CFL bulbs, like using them in recessed lighting, pot lights, dimmers or in track lighting. Mine was not in any of those. It was a normal light socket.
I bought these at Wall-Mart. I will be removing all the Globe bulbs from my house. I have not decided yet if we are going back to incandescent bulbs at this point. Just thought you should know.
Questions about CFL Lamps
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Electrical Project Skill Level:
Beginner to Intermediate.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, Non-Metal Step Ladder, and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level of experience, ability to work with tools for install lighting fixtures, and the available access to the project area. Electrical Safety:
Identify the lighting circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for home lighting projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional electrical wiring for lighting should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
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