CFL Light Bulbs
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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.
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Home Lighting: Avoid CFL Light Bulbs Dangers |
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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.
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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. |
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Questions about CFL Lamps
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Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right
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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets
UL Listed
Light indicates if wiring is incorrect
Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..
The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.
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RELATED
More about Cfl light bulbsHow to Fix a Dusk to Dawn Lighting Problem
How to Fix a Dusk to Dawn Lighting Problem with a new lamp: The Most Common Problems with a CFL Dusk to Dawn Fluorescent Light and How to Fix Them.
What Size Light Bulb Is Safe For Fixtures?
Light Fixtures Light Sockets Lamps and Light Bulbs: Guide for Selecting the Right Size Light Bulb, CAUTION: Installing the Wrong Size Light Bulb Can be Dangerous!
Installing and Testing Dusk to Dawn Light Fixtures
I just installed a 150w dusk to dawn light fixture and it wont light up: How to Install the Electrical Wiring for a Dawn Outdoor Light Fixture.
Will CFL Lamps Work With Dusk To Dawn Fixtures
Why Dusk To Dawn Light Fixtures and CFL Lamps Will Not Work
Why CFL Light Bulbs Flicker
Remote Control Units May Cause CFL Bulb Flicker: CFL lamps must be compatible with the light fixture and controlling device or switch where the CFL light bulb will be installed - Double check your wiring connections just to make sure, however I have a light fixture that is controlled by a motion sensor and the lamps are CFL too, and the light flickers when it is supposed to be off as well.
Light Bulb Base and the Light Fixture Socket
How to Identify the Positive and Negative Parts of a Light Bulb: Light Bulb Base and Fixture Socket, Electrical Tips about Light Bulbs and Fixture Wiring.
How To Fix Outdoor Light Problems
How do I fix an outdoor light that is not working right? How to Repair Outdoor Light Problems, Typical Light Fixture Problems to Look for.
Is Modifying a Light Fixture Safe?
Safe Alternatives to get More Light from a Light Fixture and Why Light Fixture Modifications Could be Hazardous
cfl light bulbs - 1625
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Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician:
Great resource! Ken from Shelby, North Carolina
Wiring Light Fixtures
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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Wiring Fixtures
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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
|
This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
|
|
|
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester
|
This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use.
|
|
|
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
|
|
A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.
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