Compact fluorescent lamp


Compact fluorescent lamp

Fluorescent light bulb in which the tube is folded or twisted into a spiral to concentrate the light output. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are typically three to four times as efficient as incandescent light bulbs and last 8–10 times as long. CFLs combine the efficiency of fluorescent light with the convenience of an Edison or screw-in base, and new types have been developed that better mimic the light quality of incandescents. Not all CFLs can be dimmed, and frequent on-off cycling can shorten their life. Concerns have been raised over the mercury content of CFLs, and though they have been deemed safe, proper recycling and disposal are encouraged.