Compact Fluorescent Bulbs?

Question

I picked up a couple cfl's yesterday, one Philips a19 enclosed cfl, and one regular GE 60 spiral. It seems like the enclosed one starts off very dim when first turned on, but the spiral one is bright from the start. I brought it back and exchanged it for another one and that one does the same. If it wasn't for the lamp shade having to clamp to the bulb itself, I would of used a spiral instead. Anyone else noticed this?

Answer 1

This is normal...I've been using them for over a year now and found the same thing. What you have is a flourescent bulb having to warm up to operating temp and full brightness. The spiral ones do the same thing only not as noticeable as the enclosed ones...think that has to do with the additional glass covering.

All in all I am a bit undecided over the use of these things...have them over the vanity in the bathroom and have to leave them on for about 30 seconds before they're bright enough to be useful...

IMO...they may be best used in areas where lights are left on for the longer periods of time...I.E.  living room where a light is on from the time I get up, to bed time...NOT so in the hallway where the light is only needed to get from kitchen to bedroom  (seconds)

as to the lamp shade...you can purchase a shade kit (lamp wire kit) from most hardware/home improvement centers that will change the method you have now to a socket/harp...you then have the choice of bulbs to use.

Answer 2

I have one that does this too. I have no idea why, so I just put up with it. Luckly, it is not one I use very much.