The increase in tariffs makes us look for ways to save electricity, for example, increasing the efficiency of electrical appliances. Commonly used incandescent lamps have a very low efficiency, and therefore they are trying to replace them with energy-saving lamps.
Compact fluorescent lamp device
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) differ from conventional fluorescent lamps installed in office rooms only in the size and shape of the bulb, which is bent in various ways to reduce dimensions. A hermetically sealed flask is filled with a mixture of mercury vapor and an inert gas. During the passage of an electric discharge, the gas ionizes with the formation of ultraviolet radiation. Under the influence of ultraviolet light, the phosphor begins to glow - a special substance deposited on the inner surface of the bulb.
CFL Benefits
C.p.d. Incandescent lamps are very low, since a significant part of the consumed electricity is lost in the form of thermal radiation from the filament. Fluorescent lamps are free from this drawback, and therefore their efficiency and service life are several times higher.
Discharge lamps are not designed to turn on and off frequently.
By changing the phosphor, one can vary the spectrum of light radiation of CFLs.
Harm CFL
Mercury vapor filling the flask is extremely harmful to health. A lamp broken indoors is a serious health hazard. In addition, the problem with the disposal of spent CFLs has not been resolved - in theory, they should be destroyed at special landfills, which so far simply do not exist in sufficient quantities.
Some of the ultraviolet radiation generated in the gas discharge tube penetrates outward through the glass. An increased level of ultraviolet radiation is a factor that provokes skin cancer, eczema, and allergies. In addition, the choke responsible for turning on the lamp generates electromagnetic radio frequency radiation, which is dangerous at a distance of about 15 cm from the base. Accordingly, CFL in a table or bedside lamp can be an additional risk factor.
The spectrum of light emitted by an incandescent lamp is close to the sun and therefore does not cause discomfort if the lamp is bright enough. The spectrum of light from a fluorescent lamp can be quite different from natural and cause fatigue, pain in the eyes and headache.
When buying, pay attention to the latest CFL marking numbers, which indicate its color temperature. With an average illumination of the living room, the temperature closest to the spectrum of the incandescent lamp will be 2700-3000 K.
Significant disadvantages of energy-saving lamps include their high cost. In this case, frequent on / off of the CFL will lead to its rapid failure. So, in order to save an energy-saving lamp, you have to keep it constantly on. Thus, the hope of saving energy becomes dubious.
