Compact fluorescent lamps: varieties + review of the best manufacturers

What lamps are

The task of the lamp, made in the form of a ring, is to create lighting that is close to natural. The light falling from the glass body is gentle, soft, but highlights every stroke. It is not surprising that the equipment is widely used in beauty, photo and video fields. Where extreme care and attention to detail is required.

The following types are on sale:

Luminescent. They are made up of tubes.

Requires careful handling, short service life. The power is weak, the level of luminous flux is low, which affects the vision of a person who is forced to work in poor lighting conditions.
LED

LED lamps are more popular because they are gentle on the eyes due to the even light output. Equipment with a long service life. Used to illuminate the workspace; premises in general; as an auxiliary element on a smartphone, telephone, camera, camcorder.

Types of fluorescent lamp sockets

Regardless of the design of the lamp, it will in any case be equipped with base elements. This is a required element. They serve to connect and supply electric current to the electrodes of the lighting device. Base designed for secure attachment and contact

When buying, be sure to pay attention to the type of base, otherwise it will simply not be possible to install the lamp. The base and cartridge must be mutually compatible

Plinth types

They can be classified into two broad categories: threaded and pin. Recently, threaded ones have become more widespread. You can call them classics. In everyday life, they are used without any modifications of the cartridge, i.e. a fluorescent lamp with an E14 and E27 base can be used instead of conventional incandescent lamps. The main technical indicators are the diameter and the distance between the turns.

The pin bases of fluorescent lamps are usually located at the ends of the light source. It can be both straight and U-shaped lamps.

Marking

The marking of fluorescent lamps is indicated on the box and contains data on the company, power, base design, operating period, glow shade, etc.

According to the decoding of the index, the first letter of the marking of luminescent type devices is L. Subsequent letters indicate the color of the device's radiation shade (daylight, white, cold white tone, ultraviolet radiation, etc.).The code value will include the characters D, B, UV, etc.

Design features on the markings are indicated by the corresponding letters:

• u-shaped fluorescent lamps (U);
• ring-shaped products (K);
• reflex type devices (P);
• quick start lamps (B).

In devices of a luminescent type, luminescence indicators are also displayed on the marking, the unit of measurement is Kelvin (K). The temperature indicator of 2700 K corresponds in hue to the radiation of an incandescent lamp. marking 6500 K denotes a cold snow-white tone.

The power of the devices is marked with a number and a unit of measurement - W. Standard indicators are represented by devices from 18 to 80 watts.

The label also presents the designation of the lamps in accordance with such characteristics as length, diameter and shape of the bulb.

The diameter of the bulb on the lamp is fixed by the letter "T" with a code designation. The device marked with the code T8 has a diameter of 26 mm, T12 - 38 mm, etc.

Markings of devices according to the type of base contain the letters E, G and a digital code. The designation for the miniature form of the threaded base is E14. The middle screw base has the code E27. The plug-in base for decorative structures and chandeliers is marked with the symbol G9. U-shaped appliances are denoted by G23, double u-shaped appliances by G24, etc.

The color temperature indicators of devices vary depending on the model, ranging from 2000 to 6500 K. The efficiency of the lamp is 45-75%.

Markings

Domestic manufacturers have adopted a marking consisting of 4 or 5 capital letters and a number:

1. The letter L stands for luminescent.
2. The second is a characteristic of the color of the radiation.
3. The third letter is used for lamps with improved quality of color transfer C and with increased CC.
4. The fourth letter denotes the form or construction.
5. The number indicates power.

The lamp can display various shades of light from warm shades: daylight, natural white, warm white to cold colors: cool white, white. There are also color shades: blue, red, yellow, green, blue, ultraviolet. In the marking, they are indicated by the first capital letter.

Models from foreign companies are produced with individual markings.

International marking consists of a three-digit code:

1. First, the heat transfer index is written, the higher the number, the more natural the color transfer.
2. The second and third digits characterize the color temperature of the radiation.

The code is indicated on the individual packaging.

Classification

Incandescent lamps

In the recent past, the most common type. Lighting devices of this type can be used both on stationary and portable devices (for example, hand-held flashlights).

Light is emitted by a heated tungsten filament placed in a flask (cylinder), from which air is pumped out (hence the term "vacuum").

According to the composition of the gas in the cylinder, incandescent lamps are divided into vacuum, krypton, and halogen lamps.

vacuum

The surface of the flask can be either transparent or opaque, which allows you to get softer light without the use of a protective cap. Also, the top of the bulb can be coated with mirror paint to direct the light downwards (in case of ceiling lighting).

Lamps for portable sources operate on voltages of 12, 24, 36 V.

For stationary - 220 V, 50 Hz (city electrical network).

The main disadvantage of such light sources is low efficiency: only 2-3% goes to lighting. The rest of the energy is dissipated as heat (hence the low light output).

Type of fastening used - Edison base (E-base); differs in its diameter (in mm), indicated in the marking:

• E10 - used for flashlights;
• E14, also called "minyon" (small);
• E27 - standard;
• E40 is used for outdoor lighting;

Pros:

• wide distribution of equipment;
• low price;
• ease of installation;

Minuses:

• low efficiency;
• short duration of work (500–1000 hours);
• fire hazard (cannot be used in plastic and wooden structures);

Characteristics:

plinth	E
Power	5 - 500 W
Light output	7–17 lm/W
Ra color rendering	over 90
light temperature	2700 K
Price	from 10 r.
Life time	500–1000 hours

krypton lamps

An incandescent lamp with krypton (an inert gas) added to its bulb. They have smaller dimensions and longer operating time compared to vacuum ones (1000–2000 hours), they are not sensitive to voltage drops.

Characteristics:

plinth	E
Power	5 - 500 W
Light output	8–19 lm/W
Ra color rendering	over 90
light temperature	2700 K
Price	from 40 rubles
Life time	1000–2000 hours

Halogen lamps

As the name implies, the flask contains a pair of halogens (elements of the 17th group of the periodic table - bromine or iodine). The addition of these gases can significantly increase the operating time and increase light output compared to vacuum counterparts.

An E- or G-base is used (see fluorescent lamps).

Pros:

• Service life up to 2000-4000 hours.
• Small dimensions, possibility of application in plasterboard constructions (for example, false ceiling).

Minuses:

1. Sensitivity to pollution (installation must be done with gloves, if fat gets on the surface of the flask, the device fails very quickly).
2. Sensitivity to voltage drops.

Currently, a new type of halogen sources with an infrared coating has been developed, which transmits visible light and reflects thermal radiation, they have reduced power consumption and increased operating time compared to their uncoated counterparts.

Characteristics:

plinth	E, G
Power	20 - 1500 W
Light output	14–30 lm/W
Ra color rendering	over 90
light temperature	3700 K
Price	from 20
Life time	2000–4000 hours

Prices

OSRAM lamp

The most popular and reliable manufacturers: OSRAM (Germany), Sylvania (Belgium), Cosmos (Russia), PHILIPS (Holland), General Electric (USA). The cost ranges from 1032 to 150 rubles.

There are models of domestic and foreign production on the market.

The cost depends on the technical characteristics and the manufacturer. The low cost of the lamp in comparison with other models may indicate a low-quality product that will not last long.

The prices below may vary from store to store, but are on average per CFL:

1. ECONOMY Cosmos SPC 105W E40 4000K T5, worth 745 rubles.
2. OSRAM DULUX L 36W / 830 2G11, worth 269 rubles.
3. OSRAM DULUX D 18W / 830 G24d-2, worth 154 rubles.
4. OSRAM DULUX S / E 11W / 827 2G7, cost 127 rubles.

The average cost for a tubular fluorescent lamp is:

1. OSRAM L 36W / 950 G 13, price - 1032 rubles;
2. OSRAM L 58W / 965 BIOLUX, price - 568 rubles;
3. PHILIPS TL -D 58W / 865 G 13, price 156 rubles;
4. PHILIPS TL-D 18W / 54-765, price - 49 rubles.

light in the hallway

The entrance hall is the first room of any house, here we meet guests. However, it is in the hallway that, as a rule, there is no sunlight at all. So that the first impression of the guests from the apartment does not turn out to be too gloomy, the hallway must be provided with bright and high-quality lamps. Their light should be quite intense, but at the same time soft and friendly. It always cheers up, makes people more open and sociable.

Hallway lighting

Therefore, for general hallway lighting, it is impossible best for fluorescent lamps. They can be used in wall sconces (compact fluorescent lamps) and as strip (tape) fixtures assembled on cornices under the ceiling around the entire perimeter. Their light will "spread" over the surface of the ceiling, lift it up and make the ceiling seem to float.

The light of the sconce should have the best color reproduction and a warm tone (for example, 930). And for strip lights, tubular cold-light fluorescent lamps (860) are more suitable.

What is the difference between LED lamps and energy-saving lamps

There was a time when everyone began to switch to energy-saving lamps in order to save money. Now a new trend is LED-light bulbs.

Today, LED bulbs are really in "fashion", like all other devices that help save money and do not harm the environment. Their main difference from conventional energy-saving ones is the principle of operation.

The energy-saving lamp contains argon and mercury vapors. When voltage is applied, mercury emits ultraviolet radiation, which, passing through a special coating, gives a luminous flux. A light-emitting diode (LED) lamp glows as a result of applying current to the LEDs.

Another difference is power consumption.With the same luminosity, LEDs consume 2-3 times less energy than energy-saving ones, that is, a 3 W LED bulb corresponds to a 5-watt energy-saving (or 20-watt incandescent).

In addition, LED lamps are more durable and less sensitive to voltage drops, although they are more sensitive to high temperatures, and therefore require constant cooling.

Since environmental friendliness plays a big role today when choosing electrical appliances, another significant drawback of energy-saving lamps is the use of mercury in their design.

This means that, firstly, they require more careful handling (if broken, such a lamp can harm households due to mercury fumes), and secondly, they must be disposed of in a special way - they cannot be thrown away with ordinary garbage. LED in this sense is absolutely safe, but they are also more expensive than energy-saving ones. Incandescent lamps are rapidly losing their former popularity, and they are being replaced by new, more technologically advanced lighting devices.

This happens for the simple reason of unacceptably high power consumption.

Incandescent lamps are rapidly losing their former popularity, and they are being replaced by new, more technologically advanced lighting devices. This happens for the simple reason of unacceptably high power consumption.

Therefore, today fluorescent, which is popularly called energy-saving, and LED (or LED, from the English light-emitting diode) lamps are in great demand. But, despite a lot of information about each type, many are interested in an expert answer to the question of their differences. So what is the difference between an LED light bulb and an energy-saving one?

Let's figure it out.The popular name of fluorescent lamps (LL) is not entirely correct, LED lamps are also energy-saving. Moreover, different types of energy-saving lamps may differ in appearance and be based on a completely different physical principle of operation. But, for easier perception of the article, we will use the name that has become established among the people.

The main aspect in the choice of any product is the issue of safety, which directly depends on the physical principles of operation and product design. Inside the energy-saving lamp there are mercury vapors, so damage to the glass bulb can lead to human poisoning.

But, in addition to highly toxic mercury, many experts consider their ultraviolet radiation, which negatively affects the retina, to be dangerous. In addition, the expired LL refers to hazardous waste, requiring special disposal.

The main difference between an LED lamp and an energy-saving lamp, in terms of safety, is the absence of any harmful substances. Moreover, LED light bulbs can be produced without the use of a glass bulb, which significantly increases the mechanical strength of the structure.

By the duration of the service life is meant the preservation of all the characteristics declared by the manufacturer. If we compare only high-quality products, then the LED lamp lasts about 30 thousand hours on average, and LL - only about 8 thousand.

If we compare with conventional incandescent bulbs, then the gain for LED is about 45 times, for LL and compact fluorescent (CFL) about 8 times.Another difference between energy-saving lamps and LED lighting sources is a noticeable decrease in the duration of the working life with frequent switching on and off.

LED lamps differ in terms of energy consumption. To create the same luminous flux as from a tungsten filament, a CFL will require about 5, and an LED about 8 times less electricity.

Construction of a fluorescent lamp

High levels of light output are produced by an arc discharge in mercury vapor, combined with ultraviolet radiation, which is converted in the phosphor layer. As a result, compared to a conventional light bulb, a more even and stable light is obtained, as close as possible to natural light. The linear fluorescent lamp belongs to low-pressure gas-discharge lamps.

The main structural element is a glass flask with standard diameters of 12, 16, 26 and 38 mm. In conventional lamps, it has a straight shape, while in compact ones, a more complex configuration is used. At the ends of the cylinder, glass legs are installed, hermetically soldered into the ends. They are designed to accommodate electrodes made of tungsten wire. In turn, the electrodes are connected by soldering to the base pins.
A vacuum is created in the interior of the flask, after which an inert gas, most often argon, is pumped in here. A small amount of mercury or a mercury alloy is added to it. The surface of the electrodes is coated with active substances containing oxides of barium, calcium, strontium and other elements. Their work significantly affects the ripple coefficient.

Under the action of the applied voltage in the gaseous medium, a discharge of electricity occurs, the value of which is limited by the components of the control gear.At the same time, a stream of electrons begins to be emitted from the electrodes, ionizing the mercury atoms. As a result, there is a visible glow and ultraviolet radiation, invisible to normal vision. Further, ultraviolet falls on a layer of phosphor covering the inner surface of the flask. Under its influence, light radiation occurs in the visible part of the spectrum.

The glow of the lamp occurs due to an electric discharge (to a lesser extent) and a luminous phosphor coating, which gives out the main part of the light flux. Depending on the composition of the phosphor, any color can be obtained, ranging from ordinary white to various tones and shades, the number of which is constantly increasing.

The best in terms of price / quality LED bulbs for the home

OSRAM Led Star Classic 827 FR, E27, A60, 9.5W

Many people are still convinced that the products of world leaders (OSRAM, Philips) are very expensive. Today, this is not entirely true: look, for example, at OSRAM's Star Classic lamp. You can buy one for less than 100 rubles, while the manufacturer guarantees an “honest” power of 9.5 W and a service life of up to 15,000 hours. Warm white light is suitable for both the bedroom and for rooms such as a corridor or office.

ERA B0020629, E27, P45, 6 W

An inexpensive LED light bulb from ERA can last 25,000 hours. Its power is only 6 W, which corresponds to 40 W of an incandescent lamp. For the most part, it is convenient for installation in the toilet, since, for example, when visiting this room at night, it does not hurt the eyes much. It can also be screwed in to illuminate pantries, closets and other rooms where a person is relatively rare.

Its average price in stores is 50 - 60 rubles.Over a long service life, it will pay off its price in full. It fits under a regular cartridge, which "accepts" plinths with a diameter of 27 mm.

Lightstar E27 G95 13W 4200K

The 13-watt, balloon-like LED bulb is suitable for lighting a room in a house up to 20 m2. The lamp is made in Italy, which the manufacturer appeals to, speaking of its high quality. The matte light bulb has a pleasant warm light (as close as possible to daylight). One of its main advantages is the ability to connect a dimmer. A dimmer is a light bulb power regulator in a home lighting system that allows you to change the brightness to suit your needs.

Lightstar products appear from time to time on television programs such as "Housing Problem" and "School of Repair". The lamp life is 20,000 hours - not the longest for LED models, but it pays for its cost.

REV 32421 8, E27, 50W

Powerful German-made 50W LED lamp (equivalent to 400W incandescent lamp) is designed to illuminate repair boxes or a small home workshop. Fits a standard cartridge. The light bulb produces a cool, rich white light.

The light bulb can serve its owner up to 30,000 hours - three and a half years of continuous operation (and if you consider that it does not work constantly, then the service life is doubled). The cost of the lamp is certainly considerable, but you have to pay for German quality.

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For photographers and bloggers

How to take a quality photo? “Use a ring lamp,” an experienced photographer will remark. But which company's product is better to buy, so as not to be mistaken?

Professional recommendations:

5.Ring Fill Light

It costs 2450 rubles.
Professional equipment for photo and video filming.

Light source:	SMD LED
LED lamp	64 pcs.
External diameter	36 cm
general power	10 W
Colorful temperature	5500K - 3200K
Dimming range:	1% -100%
General illumination:	3600LM
Adapter:	USB universal
Remote controller	there is
Tripod	No

Ring Fill Light

Advantages:

• Light temperature adjustment;
• Powered by USB port.

Flaws:

4. OKIRA LED RING 240

Sold at an average price of 6000 to 7000 rubles.

Supply voltage:	220 volt
Number of LEDs	240 pieces
Chroma	bicolor
Colorful temperature	3200-5600 K
Power	28 watts
outer diameter	35 cm
Color rendering index	RA 83
Brightness and color adjustment	Dimmer
Case color	black
The weight	2 kg
Tripod	there is
Bag	there is
Phone mount	there is
Remote controller	there is
Filter	matte

ring lamp OKIRA LED RING 240

Advantages:

• The package includes a 2 meter tripod;
• Carrying bag, which is convenient on the road;
• Phone mount;
• Controlled by remote control.

Flaws:

3. LKC LED 240

For the purchase you need to pay from 5000 to 6000 rubles.

LED	240 pcs
Power	55 W
Diameter	49 cm
Weight	1.45 kg
Removable cover	there is
bracket	there is
Smartphone mount	there is

ring lamp LKC LED 240

Advantages:

• Phone holder, smartphone;
• An arm with adjustment of an inclination;
• Removable cover.

Flaws:

2. LED-RING 180

Price - from 6000 to 7500 rubles.
Almost ideal for photographers who are in love with the profession.

LED	180 pcs
Diameter	34.5 cm
Power	50 W
Weight	1.2 kg
Brightness control	Dimmer
Tripod	there is
Smartphone mount	there is
Bag	there is
Built-in battery	there is
Light	two modes

ring lamp LED-RING 180

Advantages:

• Carry bag included;
• Safe for health, does not emit ultraviolet;
• Tripod with three sections;
• Compact.

Flaws:

1. LUX FE-480

Expensive pleasure, 13,000 rubles.
Choice of specialists.

Power	96 W
outer diameter	45 cm
LEDs	480 pcs.
Color rendering index	RA ≥ 95
Light power	5500 K
Light flow	9600 Lumens
Resource of working hours	50000 h
remote controller	there is
holder for your mobile phone	there is
transport bag	there is
mirror	there is
tripod	there is

ring lamp LUX FE-480

Advantages:

• IP20 standard - protection against moisture and dust;
• Equally good at shooting indoors and outdoors;
• Radiators are located on the sides of the model;
• Controlled by remote control.

Flaws:

The best brands of this year: top 3

The most widespread and high-quality brand is the company "Philips", which rightfully occupies the 1st place in the market. Distinctive characteristics are quality, environmental friendliness, the model has high technical characteristics and a long operating period.

The second place in the top was taken by a domestic company Gauss. Weak heating of the flask, acceptable cost, great design.

In 3rd place is the German brand of the company Osram. For several years, the brand has gained momentum. The product quality is excellent, the product is reliable and economical.

Budget segment 2017 – the best manufacturers

Each consumer today is interested in the issue of price / quality, since not everyone is ready to spend a lot of money on an ordinary lamp.

We provide the top 3 2017 best manufacturers:

• The Russian manufacturer of the company entered the top three "Optogan" and competes with European and domestic brands.
• The second place rightfully belongs to the Chinese famous brand "Camelion".
• Firm NICHIA pleases its consumers with high-quality assembly, reasonable price and economy.

Any model from a good manufacturer can be purchased at any specialized store, it is important to make a choice. The transition from fluorescent light sources to LED is no longer so surprising to the consumer's imagination. The transition from fluorescent light sources to LED is no longer so surprising to the imagination of the buyer

The transition from fluorescent light sources to LED is no longer so surprising to the consumer's imagination.

A simple calculation will help you see the effect of real savings:

• Simple lamps often burn out and need to be changed or bought frequently. LED models, almost eternal.
• It is profitable to buy a light source of the latest generation in those rooms where there are a lot of lamps and the light is on almost constantly.
• The LED device is environmentally friendly, does not require attention in use.

Of all these characteristics, LED lamps are the best and most economical.

Article

The growing popularity of energy-saving lamps today is explained quite simply. Compared to conventional light bulbs, their light output is 5-8 times higher and amounts to 50-100 lm/W. At the same time, they radiate much less heat. These indicators allow you to save about 80% of electricity.

Today they are used not only in residential areas, but also for other purposes - on signal towers, in car headlights, in landscape design, etc.

Energy-saving lamps are lighting devices that work on a phosphor or LEDs.They do not have a voltage filament, unlike incandescent lamps. What these 2 types of illuminators have in common is the presence of a base, due to which the same cartridges are used for their use as for ordinary light bulbs.

The main components of this device - ballast electronic device and bulb.

These 2 components divide energy-saving lamps into 2 types:

• luminescent;
• LED;

Main conclusions

Life time
10 thousand hours
can be only for expensive products Philips, Osram, General
Electric, so you should not buy cheap CFLs. Low
the price suggests that the manufacturer saved on components.

For each energy saving lamp
the optimal indicators of temperature and humidity were determined. If conditions
do not correspond to the operation, the service life is significantly reduced. These
sources should not be installed in closed fixtures so as not to overheat
ECG electrodes.

Additional Tips:

in
while working with CFLs, care must be taken so that the bulb does not break;
in
during operation, mechanical influences and vibrations must not be allowed,
ingress of dust and moisture into the starting device;
keep
lamps need to be in a place that is not accessible to children.

For each room, it is necessary to choose a source with optimal technical and optical characteristics.

If the luminaire does not change, special attention is paid to the dimensions of the product. Don't change all the bulbs at once.

It is better to buy one or two to make sure that they do not cause discomfort. CFL is the best option for fixtures that burn 3-4 hours a day. They are not suitable for a bathroom or pantry due to the need for frequent on / off.

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