CFLs Explained
A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), also known as a compact fluorescent light or energy saving light (or less commonly as a compact fluorescent tube), is a type of fluorescent lamp. Many CFLs are designed to replace an incandescent lamp and can fit into most existing light fixtures formerly used for incandescents.
Energy efficiency
The chart shows the energy usage for different types of light bulbs operating at different light outputs. Points lower on the graph correspond to lower energy use. For a given light output, CFLs use 20 to 33 percent of the power of equivalent incandescent lamps.
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Electrical power equivalents for differing lamps |
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|
Compact Fluorescent (W) |
Incandescent (W) |
Minimum light output (lumens) |
|
9–13 |
40 |
450 |
|
13–15 |
60 |
800 |
|
18–25 |
75 |
1,100 |
|
23–30 |
100 |
1,600 |
|
30–52 |
150 |
2,600 |