On 18 Nov 2006 00:26:28 -0800, wrote:

So I'd buy one of each type of bulb you want, and try them before
buying any more.

And end up with a load of bulbs that you don't want to use. B-)

Asking in here is a good way to find out which ones produce decent
quality light. I replaced the 6 x 40w candles with GEC 9W TBX/XM "Tech
Extra Mini" CFLs, they actually have meaningful data on the packaging:
2700K, 480Lm (the 40W tungsten were rated at 390Lm). I did try one as a
match with tungsten after they where recomended in here and it is pretty
close.

They weren't cheap though 7 or 8 quid each(*) but even at that price
payback on power saved was well less than a year, these lamps are on for
18hrs+/day. They have been in now for a couple, maybe three years and are
starting to show their age in reduced output. Hardly surprising at
6,500hrs/year though.

There is the other factor of light output. The stated equivalent powers
are simply bs, a factor of 4 is more realistic. Again, try one to see
what power you really need before buying the lot.

Agreed, the quoted equivalence is nearly always rather optomistic. Best
to try and find ones that quote their output and compare that with yer
typical tungsten bulb.

(*) This was before the supermarkets where flogging CFLs at 50p each
(Morrisons £1 BOGOF). Even without the offers branded CFLs prices are
much lower now.

--
Cheers
Dave. pam is missing e-mail