Lightbulbs

[supapapa]

Are all switching to the new type? I find them awfully dim.

[starone]

They start off dim and then get brighter. There are no more old type lightbulbs being made so you will have no option but to use them. Unless of course there is a 'black market' in them and someone knows someone who has a few for sale.

[ELVIS68]

New to me, what`s different about them?

[supapapa]

I have some in the shed but they are running out.

[snags]

''I find them awfully dim''

Are you buying the same wattage as 'normal' bulbs? The newer bulbs need a higher wattage for the same output...

[Buenchico]

You won't have much choice regarding switching because, under EU rules, the older tungsten bulbs are being phased out. (Many tungsten bulbs are already banned from sale).

The problem of the newer bulbs being too dim has frequently referred to here on AB. The problem comes about because the light from the energy-saving bulbs is at a different frequency to that from the tungsten bulbs. So, while a new 11W bulb does (as the box states) give out as much light as a 60W tungsten bulb, the human eye doesn't see it that way (because it's less responsive to the frequencies from the energy-saving bulb).

The solution is simple. Just buy a slightly more powerful bulb. For example, if you're replacing a 60W tungsten bulb, don't buy an 11W energy-saver. Instead, buy a 15W energy-saver (which is nominally equivalent to a 75W tungsten bulb). You'll get the light output that you require but you'll still use only a quarter as much electricity as you would with a tungsten bulb.

Chris

[proops]

not just dim.....slow to kick in.....ugly.....and for most standard lamps stick out the top!!! lol
Needless to say....i've stockpiled....might earn a few quid later on! lol

[Old_Geezer]

They aren't as good by any stretch of the imagination. The claimed equivalent wattage of incandescent bulbs is laughable, and they don't seem to come in the larger light producing sizes, what they do have is physically much larger. Then there is the fuss about unpleasant chemicals and needing to dispose of the duff bulb carefully. And they don't last anything like the length of time claimed, and when they go it can be with a load of arcing and heat. The more complex something is the more it is likely to fail. And the expense !

It's all an exercise in authorities pushing their weight about and forcing through things that are not their concern just because they can. Presumably it must give them a thrill.

I'm rather hoping my existing stock of incandescent will last until they have developed LED (or even discovered a better option) sufficiently to become the standard. But even then we shall recall how we were pushed around by the faceless bullying authorities. I guess we should just be grateful it was only lightbulbs they wanted to rule over.

[heathfield]

Agree with Buenchico - go for a higher-than-stated equivalent. A problem for me is the 20w=100w ones - you really need the 23w version, and these don't seem to be stocked by many outlets. Plus my security timers and dimmers won't work with the standard low energy bulbs. Fortunately, I have drawers-full of spare incandescents, hopefully enough to last my lifetime!!.