GlobalSpec has asked its users about the latest design trends and features related to Fluorescent Lamps. They have also shared their product applications and tips on how to buy and use these products.
See the entire survey
What would your design or feature "wish list" be for this product?
13 answers
CFL bulbs that produce bright output and are designed with adequate spike protection from external power quality fluctuations and adequate manufacturing oversight, so that circuit components are assembled with proper polarity observation so as to maximize product life.
~Robert J, Retired R&D Engineer, South Holland, IL
More lamps with internal reflectors. Less amalgam and a higher percentage of mercury gas in lamps. Better education in regards to recycling and discarding of lamps.
~Arno J, Design Engineer, Brakpan, South Africa
Self ballasted dimming of compact fluorescent with integral remote dimming.
~Marketing/Sales, Wisconsin, WI
To continually improve power consumption, power factor and CRI.
~Richard N, Chief Electrician MRO, www.uss-hornet.org, Alameda, CA
Where lamps are easier to snap into the socket.
~Maintenance/Facilities Management, N. Fort Myers, FL
Not sure, again I think the future is in LEDs.
~Engineer, Manhasset, NY
More efficient in energy use vs. light emitted.
~Juan Carlos C, Engineer, Guatemala, Guatemala
To make CFL in T3 design as small as possible.
~Rajiv Sharma, Project Manager, Chandigarh, India
Continue improving lumens per watt.
~Builder/Contractor, San Juan, PR
Better standards between MFG's.
~Michael H, Lighting quotes and spec., Brea, CA
Smaller size, more power.
~Design Engineer, Stow, OH
More length selection.
~Gary C, Process Engineer, Hot Springs, AR
With timer setting
~S.Chow Y, General Management, Singapore
Is there any advice you want to share with users to help them avoid common errors in selection or usage of fluorescent lamps?
8 answers
Forget lumens per watt, as invariably people are fooled to think this is the only criteria that matters. Also look at the ambient conditions - T5 lamps are not the solution. I guess another three to 5 years before they have sorted their issues. Lets hope it is soon enough as LED's might just have overtaken fluorescent lamps by then.
~Arno J, Design Engineer, Brakpan, South Africa
I think people should be aware of "Color Temperature" and what it means. For example, a light source a 6500K temperature produces an overcast day effect. This may not be suitable for what you're trying to illuminate. On the ship, I get the best results with temperatures of 2700K, 3500K and 4100K.
~Richard N, Chief Electrician MRO, www.uss-hornet.org, Alameda, CA
Choose rapid start CFL lamps, but beware of potential shorter life expectancy or design flaws.
~Robert J, Retired R&D Engineer, South Holland, IL
Calculate existing lumens of lamps that you are using. After that, select CFL accordingly.
~Rajiv Sharma, Project Manager, Chandigarh, India
Understand how you want it lit, before you pick a fixture.
~Michael H, Lighting quotes and spec., Brea, CA
Choose the correct color light, not the cheapest.
~Juan Carlos C, Engineer, Guatemala, Guatemala
Check for mercury content.
~Engineer, Manhasset, NY
Check for rapid start.
~Design Engineer, Stow, OH
