2 questions about economy saving flourescent light bulbs.?

Question

Doesn't one of those a 60 watt twisty fluorescent bulbs draw the same power as regular 60 watt bulb since they are both 60 watts?

Is it OK to put them on a dimmer switch?

Answer 1

A 60 watt EQUIVALENT compact fluorescent light draws about 13 watts. But they advertise it as 60W because so many people are used to how much light a 60W bulb gives that they just think 60W is an amount of light and not an amount of electricity. Those people would assume that a 13W light would be really dim and not buy it.

It is NOT OK to put these on a dimmer. There are a few special types that can be dimmed, but be absolutely sure you actually have a dimmable compact fluorescent light before trying it is a dimmer circuit. A dimmer will ruin a regular compact fluorescent light.

Answer 2

leon

Compact fluorescent light bulbs, right now, are more efficient and " eco-wise" then anything else most consumers can get a hold of (ie. incandescent) and currently save over 2000 times their own weight in greenhouse gases.

But since my house is completely on solar / wind and we REALLY need to watch usage, every light is fitted with s***w type (typical 110v lamp socket style) LED bulbs. They emit the same luminosity (typically 45) but at only 1watt rather then a 45w compact or 10w CFL. However they usually cost twice as much as CFLs which is twice as much (or more) as compacts. Still LEDs would be the way to go by far.

If you want to really lower you utility bill I have a step by step guide that would walk threw everything you need to do. You can find it at www agua-luna com or feel free to contact me.

Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions if you’d like assistance in making your first self sufficient steps, I’m willing to walk you step by step threw the process. I’ve written several how-to DIY guides available at  www agua-luna com on the subject. I also offer online and on-site workshops, seminars and internships to help others help the environment.

Dan Martin

Retired Boeing Engineer now living 100% on Alternative & Author of How One Simple Yet Incredibly Powerful Resource Is Transforming The Lives of Regular People From All Over The World... Instantly Elevating Their Income & Lowering Their Debt, While Saving The Environment by Using FREE ENERGY... All With Just One Click of A Mouse...For more info Visit:

www agua-luna com

Stop Global Warming, Receive a FREE Solar Panels Now!!!

Answer 3

No and No! If you actually had one of those 'twisty's' in your hand -you would 'read it's wattage consumption' as 13 watts,as printed clearly on the base of the bulb. These cheap ,incandesent bulb replacements, are not dimmmable. Some high-tech manufacturers have begun to offer dimmable ,flouresent bulbs specifically aimed at the 'new home builders ' market as replacements for high wattage halogen bulbs designed for task lighting. Expect to pay 20 times more for one of these replacements. 1 bulb begins at somewhere near 35$ and comes with little or no warranty. Begin thinking about L.E.D. lighting tech as you begin to see the shame of flouresent tech. Flourescent tech demands the use of mercury,which supports an industry that is akin to chinese paint-(lead,lead and more lead)! Consider the future of your grandchildren.

Answer 4

1) No. The 60 watt label is only a brightness equivalent for consumers to understand the equivalent brightness. On the package you will find that the actual power usage is 13 watts or thereabouts.

2)Since these are truly florescent (new American spelling) tubes, there's a new type of starter or ballast contained in the base. Dimmers can only be used with filament light bulbs. Light bulbs glow steadily from the current. Florescent tubes actually oscillate at the same frequency as the AC power, 60 Hz or 60 cycles per second.