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.
Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician: Neat and easy to navigate. James from North Manchester, Indiana
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.
Electrical Wiring Video #2
Electrical Wiring Tips for Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Tripping Circuit Breaker, Outlet at a Wall Switch, Light Fixture without a Ground Wire, Help with Home Electrical Wiring Projects.
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Electrician and Building Inspector. Includes: Methods of Home Electrical Wiring Wiring Diagrams for Light Switches Wiring 3-Way, 4-Way and Dimmer Switches Installing Fluorescent Light Fixtures How to Make Your Own Light Fixtures ....and much more.
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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!
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 - 1644
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.
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.
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.
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.
» How To Wire It RIGHT!« Wire it with Confidence! Fully Illustrated Instant Download Now You Can Wire it like a Pro!
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