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GM7HUD > INFO 08.07.02 12:20l 31 Lines 1822 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 72524_GB7ESX
Read: DB0FHN GUEST
Subj: Re: 110v v 240 v & Fluo lamps
Path: DB0FHN<DB0ZWI<DB0MAB<DB0FBG<DB0CHZ<OK0PKL<OK0PPL<RZ6HXA<SP7MGD<WB0TAX<
GB7ESX
Sent: 020708/0911z 72524@GB7ESX.#31.GBR.EU $:72524_GB7ESX [Witham, Esx]NNA V3.1
They've been available for many years in the UK but (for some strange reaason)
I've only started using them recently. I can remember doing so calculations
based on cost of bulb vs. electricty used and the saving (for me) was marginal.
The bulbs used to be reasonably expensive but have dropped dramatically
in price.
The cheapest new compact fluorescent bulbs I've seen come from IKEA. They
are selling an 11W UK bayonet fitting bulb for 1.50ukp. This is equivalent
to a 60W incandescent bulb. They were stories that some of the bulbs emitted
lots of RF noise, the IKEA ones have made no detectable changes at my qth on
the HF bands or 4m/2/70cm.
I've made notes of when the fluo bulbs were placed in service to see what the
life is like. The only disadvantage over incandescent bulbs is the slow
turn on. It takes a few minutes for full brightness to be obtained. After that
period there doesn't appear to be any noticeable difference.
Whilst the IKEA devices are cheap they are a little longer than comparable
Philips devices. So you might find you'll need to pay a bit more to fit the
bulb into some smalled lampshades/fittings.
As an aside... is it just me or do incandescent bulbs no have a life that is
measured in months not years. I've been in my current house just under 2 years.
WHen we moved we changed a number of light fittings and fitted new bulbs
to existing lights. I seem to have changed many failed bulbs in a very short
space of time. I had been using B&Q own brand 60W and 100W bulbs. These
dont clear state if they are single coil or coiled coil filaments. I'm now
using Mazda coiled coil bulbs and life expectancy seems better.
Did I have a duff batch of B&Q bulbs or are they cheap rubbish? The Mazda
ones work out at twice the price of the B&Q when bought in bulk, approx. 45p
each.
73 Andy
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