Advantages Of Light Fixtures Using Medium Base Incandescent Sockets Lumenelle's fixtures using medium base lamp sockets are designed to use either incandescent or self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps. Lumenelle's incandescent fixtures are optimized to minimize the effects of the different "light centers" between compact fluorescent lamps incandescent lamps. In addition, they are also designed to accommodate the additional space requirements due to the integral ballast. There are two common types of compact fluorescent lamps - PL type and self-ballasted. At the present time, Lumenelle prefers Self-Ballasted Compact Fluorescent Lamps for the reasons shown below.  PL Type Compact Fluorescent Lamps Self Ballasted Compact Fluorescent Lamps May Qualify For Energy Credits - Energy Policy Act Of 2005 May Not Qualify For Energy Credits - Energy Policy Act Of 2005 10,000 hours rated lamp life common 10,000 hours rated lamp life common Typically locked into one or two lamp wattages Lamp wattage can be easily chosen. Readily available lamp wattages range from 4 - 54 watts Typically Locked Into One Lamp Type (Shape) Variety of shapes and styles available as well as decorator styles for when lamp will be visible. Difficult to change lumen output of fixture after installation. Self-ballasted CFLs all screw into the common medium base socket allowing change of lamp wattage/lumen output/ color temperature easily whenever desired. Difficult to accommodate situations requiring uneven fixture spacing. Self-ballasted CFLs are available in a wide variety of lamp wattages. Individual fixtures can easily use different wattages and/or beam patterns to balance the required lighting. When a ballast fails under warranty, the fixture has to be removed and returned. The lamp and ballast are an integral unit. Every time the lamp is replaced, you get a new ballast. When a ballast fails out of warranty, the ballast has to be repaired by a qualified electrician. The lamp and ballast are an integral unit. Every time the lamp is replaced, you get a new ballast. If the replacement ballast is not identical to the one as manufactured, the UL listing becomes void. The lamp and ballast are an integral unit. Every time the lamp is replaced, you get a new ballast. Typically, CFL sockets are plastic. Eventually, many will become heat embrittled. Porcelain socket will not become brittle with heat and age as plastic sockets may. Limited retail sources. Some types are only available from electrical distributors. Home centers stock only the most popular part numbers. Self-ballasted CFLs can be purchased almost anywhere that sells incandescent light bulbs. Lumenelle also recognizes that there are applications where PL type compact fluorescent lamps are required. Lumenelle can also provide light fixtures that use PL type compact fluorescent lamps. Links To Additional Information:  (open in a new window) Lighting Research Center (LRC) - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute The LRC, in cooperation with the ENERGY STAR® program under the US EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy (US DOE), investigated methods of increasing the market acceptance of screwbase compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Increasing the market acceptance of screwbase compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) NLPIP, the National Lighting Product Information Program NLPIP, the National Lighting Product Information Program, helps lighting professionals, contractors, designers, building managers, homeowners, and other consumers find and effectively use efficient, quality products that meet their lighting needs. With the support of government agencies, public benefit organizations, and electric utilities, NLPIP disseminates objective, accurate, timely, manufacturer-specific information about energy-efficient lighting products. Publication Detail: Screwbase Compact Fluorescent Lamp Products PDF: Screwbase Compact Fluorescent Lamp Products Home | Projects | Products | Services | About Us | What's New | Contact Us © 2009, Lumenelle, Inc.