What about the CFL light bulbs?

Question

I know that CFLs only use about a fourth of the other incondescent lightbulbs do. But I am just wondering if it's not just a waste, because what if like the power connectors and stuff are used to the old 60 watt lightbulbs, so I'm wondering if even thought it uses only 13 watts, if 60 watts are still going through or being wasted. Or is it actually slowing the flow? I just want to know.

Sam

Answer 1

It has to do with the heat they produce.  Standard filament light bulbs take a lot of energy to heat that little guy (look at one when it is off), so the connector has nothing to do with it.  I like the way you think though!

Answer 2

The 60 Watts equivalent rating just means it's as bright as a 60 W conventional bulb. It still only consumes 13 W of power.