EC&M March 2004 Issue

It goes without saying that the face of lighting technology is changing, but it may surprise some that the shape is changing, too. Lighting can account for as much as 40% of a facility’s electric bill, so the manufacturers of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have embraced the need for energy efficiency, and they’ve completely changed the iconic image of the light bulb itself in the process. Corkscrews and clusters of fluorescent rods have replaced the soft curve of the incandescent light bulb, but more importantly they offer longer life and use less energy. Before you initiate a lighting redesign, though, consider out ten tips every electrical professional should know about CFLs.