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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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Is this Long-Life lamp working properly?
Dave wrote:
First time I've ever bought one of these LL lamps (sad,,, sad). Anyway, It's 20W equiv. light of 100W and has three long U shaped tubes. When switched on, only two of the tubes light up (takes about 1 minute to reach full brilliance). But it takes a few minutes longer before the third tube shows any light at all! Is this normal operation? tia Nope. All the ones I've ever had fire up immediately giving about 75 - 80% of full output for the first minute or so before kicking it to full bore, eye blinding, moth zapping, wishywashy, general purpose ilumination. I think the most I have fitted is 11W beasts though. You must need welding goggles to look at a 20W one ! :¬)) -- http://gymratz.co.uk - Best Gym Equipment & Bodybuilding Supplements UK. http://trade-price-supplements.co.uk - TRADE PRICED SUPPLEMENTS for ALL! http://fitness-equipment-uk.com - UK's No.1 Fitness Equipment Suppliers. http://gymratz.co.uk/hot-seat.htm - Live web-cam! (sometimes) |
#2
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Dave wrote:
First time I've ever bought one of these LL lamps (sad,,, sad). Anyway, It's 20W equiv. light of 100W and has three long U shaped tubes. When switched on, only two of the tubes light up (takes about 1 minute to reach full brilliance). But it takes a few minutes longer before the third tube shows any light at all! Is this normal operation? tia It's all one tube. What you describe is not uncommon if the lamp hasn't been used for a while or is quite cold. There's no light from part of the tube (the middle normally) as there's no mercury vapour there. It will diffuse down as the tube warms up. -- Andrew Gabriel |
#3
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Pet @ www.gymratz.co.uk wrote:
Dave wrote: First time I've ever bought one of these LL lamps (sad,,, sad). Anyway, It's 20W equiv. light of 100W and has three long U shaped tubes. When switched on, only two of the tubes light up (takes about 1 minute to reach full brilliance). But it takes a few minutes longer before the third tube shows any light at all! Is this normal operation? tia Nope. All the ones I've ever had fire up immediately giving about 75 - 80% of full output for the first minute or so before kicking it to full bore, eye blinding, moth zapping, wishywashy, general purpose ilumination. I think the most I have fitted is 11W beasts though. You must need welding goggles to look at a 20W one ! :¬)) We have a 23W IIRC (120W equiv) in our bedroom. It's like turning the sun on ). I don't know how you can cope with only 11W bulbs it would drive me round the twist. I have noticed quite a variation in the light quality between manufacturers. My favourite is GE as they seem to give the crispest light. |
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Andrew Gabriel wrote: Dave wrote: First time I've ever bought one of these LL lamps (sad,,, sad). Anyway, It's 20W equiv. light of 100W and has three long U shaped tubes. When switched on, only two of the tubes light up (takes about 1 minute to reach full brilliance). But it takes a few minutes longer before the third tube shows any light at all! Is this normal operation? tia It's all one tube. What you describe is not uncommon if the lamp hasn't been used for a while or is quite cold. There's no light from part of the tube (the middle normally) as there's no mercury vapour there. It will diffuse down as the tube warms up. -- Andrew Gabriel I'd say it's not acceptable for normal indoor temperatures. I bought a 3 pack of cheapo 11w bulbs from Ikea - 2 of them would start instantly but the 3rd would sit for ages before the whole tube fired up and get very hot, so they went back. I remember the older heavy, non electronic ballast bulbs taking longer to start and reach full brightness, but with modern ones a I think a much quicker start up is expected. |
#6
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Dave wrote:
First time I've ever bought one of these LL lamps (sad,,, sad). Anyway, It's 20W equiv. light of 100W and has three long U shaped tubes. When switched on, only two of the tubes light up (takes about 1 minute to reach full brilliance). But it takes a few minutes longer before the third tube shows any light at all! Is this normal operation? tia they dont normally do that, but the occasional one will. CFLs are a lot more variable than GLS, buying a few different makes will soon show you which ones are best. Avoid the =A31 ones. NT |
#7
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doozer wrote:
We have a 23W IIRC (120W equiv) in our bedroom. It's like turning the sun on ). I don't know how you can cope with only 11W bulbs it would drive me round the twist. I have noticed quite a variation in the light quality between manufacturers. My favourite is GE as they seem to give the crispest light. Use them in halls and landings where they tend to get left on a lot. I am currently sat under a 250W Halogen light in the kitchen which really _is_ like switching on the sun. :¬) Pete |
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