Basic Electrical Engineering

Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL)

Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL)

The compact fluorescent lamps are becoming very useful nowadays, because of consumption of power, cost, longer life, attractive look, smooth light and low maintenance. These lamps are available in different sizes and designs. They have single rod, double rod, triple rod or spiral rod. These lamps are available in different power ratings like 5, 7, 9, 11, 18 and 24 watts in 220 V.

It is basically a low pressure mercury vapour lamp having two electrodes coated with an electron-emitting material placed in a glass tube. The tube is coated internally with some fluorescent material in the form of powder. In the tube one drop of mercury and argon gas is filled at low pressure. Compact fluorescent lamps are now available in the same popular sizes as incandescent and are used as an energy-saving alternative in homes

a. Advantages

1. Low energy consumption.

2. Low maintenance cost

3. It starts instantly

4. It does not heat the surroundings

5. Excellent colour properties

6. Low operating cost

7. More life

b. Applications

1. The compact size, longer life, low running and maintenance cost, instant glow makes these lamps suitable for all places where uniform illumination is required.

2. It is used in offices, shops, hotels, hospitals, cinema halls, residential buildings etc.

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