The biggest misconception that still stigmatizes
fluorescent light sources pertains to their color
rendering. Many consumers still associate
fluorescent with having an unflattering green
cast. They are probably thinking of products
they’ve seen at the cool end of the spectrum,
or fluorescent lighting in institutional settings.
You can combat these negative associations
from fluorescent’s aesthetically impaired past
by educating your customers about lamp
color and color rendering.
The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a rating
scale up to 100 that rates a light source’s
ability to accurately convey true color. Light
sources with a low CRI will make objects
and skin tones appear washed out and dull.
Lamps with high CRI ratings bring life to a
subject and make colors more vivid. Many
CFLs have CRI ratings that exceed 80, which
is considered excellent.
Lamp color, on the other hand, is based on a
color temperature scale with a measurement
called Kelvin. A warm color of light would be
in the 2000K to 3000K range and would make
reds, oranges and yellows more dominant.
Light sources with a color temperature in the
4000K range would feature more blue or
cool tones. The variety of color temperature
options and CRI ratings for fluorescent light
sources have improved dramatically thanks
to advances in the types of phosphors used.
So now your customers can see themselves
in their best light without sacrificing energy
savings.
Light Bulb
Anatomy
FLUORESCENT
How it works: Fluorescent lamps are phosphorouscoated tubes filled with a low-pressure mercury
vapor. Light is produced by passing an electric arc
between tungsten cathodes at opposite ends of the
tube. This causes the mercury vapor to generate a
radiant energy.
Tri-Phosphor
Coating
This mixture
converts ultraviolet
light into visible
light with superior
color rendition and
a high efficacy
averaging 60
lumens per watt.
Electronic
Ballast
These high-tech
devices enable the
lamp to light up
immediately with no
flickering or noise.
Solid-state circuitry
allows for three-way,
dimmable and
photocell models.
Compact
Fluorescent
Tube
An alternative to
traditional linear
tubes, these
smaller-tubes
have been
configured into
new shapes to
reduce their size
and increase their
light output.
Color
Temp
Kelvin
Range
Effect
& Mood
Application
WarmNeutralCoolDaylight
3000K3500K4100K5000K
Warm &
Friendly
Homes &
Restaurants
Inviting &
Comfortable
Showrooms
& Reception
Offices
Clean&
Organized
Office &
Hospitals
Bright &
Alert
Galleries
& Jewelry
Diplay
What Is Energy Star?
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this
year, Energy Star
backed symbol for energy efficiency,
jointly managed by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
and the U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE). The label was created to help consumers easily
identify products that save energy and help to protect
the environment.
Energy Star manufacturer partners may place
the label on products that meet the high energy
efficiency guidelines of the program. To keep up
with technological advances, Energy Star reviews the
guidelines for each product category and tightens
them as necessary to ensure that, generally, only the
top 25 percent of products in each category can earn
the label.
®
is a government-
Beneficial Bulbs for Every Room
Energy Star recommends putting energy-efficient bulbs in the five most-used lamps or fixtures.
Since these areas of the home have the highest energy use for lighting, these “high five” are good
places to start—with plenty of options to suit most applications.
Kitchen
Recessed lighting, whether used
for general illumination or above
sinks and stovetops, can take
R30 or R40 fluorescent reflector
lamps. The fact that these bulbs
last up to 10 times longer than
incandescents means fewer
trips up the ladder to change
them. For under-cabinet lights
or surface fluorescent fixtures,
install Energy Star-rated products
that accept linear T8 lamps with
electronic ballasts to ensure
peak efficiency.
Bulbs will likely be visible in pendants over kitchen islands or a
table, so compact fluorescents
with a familiar “A” lamp style are
best. Because dimmable compact fluorescents are available,
the light level can adjust to
accommodate tasks or moodsetting entertaining.
Bathroom
Incandescent bulbs in
standard theatrical-style
vanity strips can be replaced
with globe-shaped compact
fluorescent sources. Color
rendering is important in
this room, so choose bulbs
that have a CRI of 80 or
better. Consumers are also
most comfortable with color
temperatures at the warm
end of the spectrum in bathrooms, so 3000K would be an
appropriate choice. Fluorescent sources provide sufficient
light for activities such as shaving or applying makeup
without casting harsh shadows.
Bedrooms 4
The average home’s
bedrooms as a whole—
including master, guest and
children’s rooms—account
for 10 percent of its energy
used for lighting. Bedside
table lamps or swing-arm
wall sconces will benefit from
spiral CFLs, particularly those
models that offer three-
way settings and dimming
capability.
Living Room
Here, too, recessed lighting can
benefit from the use of R30 or
R40 fluorescent reflector lamps.
If line voltage track lighting is
used instead or in addition,
those fixtures can take R20 or
R30 fluorescent reflector lamps.
Portable lamps—table or
floor—are great candidates
for spiral CFLs, which maximize
light output with their unique
shape and exposed tubes. New
mini spiral models have petite
tubes and smaller ballasts for
tighter spaces without sacrificing
efficacy. Spiral CFLs are also
available with candelabra bases
for use in chandeliers, although
this type of light source is best in
shaded applications.
Tiffany lamps are enhanced by fluorescent sources
because they create even illumination behind the colorful
glass. Flush mounts with ventilation are also conducive to
these sources because there are no visible “hot spots.”
Since the fluorescent sources themselves are cool to the
touch when in operation, there is less to worry about when
they’re used in a child’s bedroom.
Outdoor
Spiral CFLs are available in
bug light versions for use
outdoors. Torpedo-style
fluorescents, which come
with standard screw-in or
candelabra bases, can
replace flame-shaped
incandescent bulbs that are
visible behind
the panels of exterior
lanterns.
Outdoor fixtures benefit greatly from energy-efficient light
sources because they are usually left on for extended
periods of time, so the cumulative wattage saved is
significant. For this same reason, the long life of these
bulbs makes a big difference, requiring fewer bulb
changes and less maintenance.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Mini Spiral
Cand.
Mini Spiral
Med.
Screw In Lamps
Mini Spiral Lamps 120 Volt
Satco
Watts BulbBase
Mini SpiralCand. S629720W EFMSP5/302700 8248/12Box100002504.13”1.81”