Thread: Lighting DIY - Lamp Life

Vibration will shorten the life of any lamp, so avoid siting light fixtures near to doors and ensure they are securely fixed. You do not need to be reminded of their fragile nature.

Fluorescent tubes use less energy to produce the same light output as bulbs. The equivalent of a 100 watt bulb would be an 18 to 36 watt tube, depending on the type. However, unlike bulbs, their light output falls off considerably over a period of time - up to 25 per cent -and they may need replacing some time before they actually fail.

According to the type you buy, the efficiency of tubes does vary. For normal use, the options include high efficiency and poor color or good color and poor efficiency. The more expensive models do, however, offer good color and efficiency. They come in 2, 4, 6 and 8ft lengths and in 1 or 1 1/2iin diameters.

In each category there is usually the choice of a warm or cold effect. Colored tubes are also available for use with illuminated ceiling panells and in other decorative situations.

Low-energy compact fluorescent lamps provide an alternative to the tungsten lamp for general use. It is claimed they last up to five times as long and use only a fifth of the energy. As they are cool-operating, they can also be used with ultra-slim fixtures and types of shade that cannot take tungsten filament lamps.

Low-energy lamps are available in 16 and 28 watt ratings. The light output of the former falls between that of a 60 and 100 watt lamp, while the latter is equivalent to a 150 watt lamp. One point to bear in mind with these bulbs is that they may require a special ceiling fixture or a plug-in adaptor.

Fluorescent lights may seem costly to buy, but in the long-term they do pay for themselves with their long life and low running costs. It has been estimated that a fluorescent light can be up to five times more efficient than a tungsten filament lamp.

Choosing energy saving lighting is one of the easiest and most cost effective things you can do. Compact fluorescent lights are a great choice because they save energy and last longer - just remember to choose 'warm white' bulbs for a nice warm feel.