EU Bans Incandescent Light Bulbs

[Bare Foot Kid]

Not everyone is enthusiastic about switch the CFL technology. Opponents to the measure argue that the fluorescent bulbs take a long time to warm up and sometimes have a tendency to flicker. The bulbs are also too big for some (very) old-fashioned fittings and are generally more expensive - although the EU has vowed costs will come down before 2010. CFLs also carry the added baggage of potential health risks and environmental problems because of the mercury found in each bulb.

European Union Bans Incandescent Light Bulbs : Red, Green, and Blue

 

[fseal]

And if you plug most of them into a socket with a dimmer switch you may have a fire hazard on your hands.

At least the ban is on 75 watt or higher, there's no way you can replace a huge array of smaller bulbs with anything curently available.

Hopefully we'll see a reduction in the astromical cost of LED bulbs in the next few years.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

The only way they're cheaper to use is if they're left on for extended periods of time, contrary to the way people are encouraged to use lights, just leave it on as long as it's needed. Continually turning CFLs on and off actually shortens their life.

 

[AlexT2889]

The whole ban on incadescent bulbs is ****ing moronic, the "energy saving" gas bulbs are 90% more toxic than regular bulbs we use today. You have to have a enviromental cleaning facility ported to your home if you accidently break a gas bulb. Regular bulbs LAST LONGER than the new "greenie" bulbs too, I know this because I took 3 years of electrical classes. No one here will believe me anyway since I bet 70% of people on here are "Green Commie" and refuse to face the facts. This is all I'm going to say.

 

[SquonkSC]

The whole ban on incadescent bulbs is ****ing moronic, the "energy saving" gas bulbs are 90% more toxic than regular bulbs we use today. You have to have a enviromental cleaning facility ported to your home if you accidently break a gas bulb. Regular bulbs LAST LONGER than the new "greenie" bulbs too, I know this because I took 3 years of electrical classes. No one here will believe me anyway since I bet 70% of people on here are "Green Commie" and refuse to face the facts. This is all I'm going to say.

I think you are underestimating your fellow forum members.

Green Commie? Is that short for Green Communist?
Can't really follow you there, because I can't see any connection between green and communism.
The first is respect for the planet we live on, the second is a totalitarian regime.

I do think introducing a toxic lamp, to abolish an energy inefficient one, is like putting a thief in jail and letting a serial killer out.

Of course it's better to conserve energy, but until there is no viable alternative for Edison's wonder, we should hold on to it a little longer.

Greetz

 

[pparks1]

I recently replaced the bulbs around our house with CFL's partially for lower energy bills, but more importantly for a longer period of time between bulb changes. Unfortunately, I don't really feel that these CFL's are really lasting any longer than the old versions. My energy bills did see about a 10-15% reduction monthly in consumption. However, I'm still not sure the savings has paid for the purchase of the 18 bulbs and some of the replacements that I have put in.

 

[SquonkSC]

I recently replaced the bulbs around our house with CFL's partially for lower energy bills, but more importantly for a longer period of time between bulb changes. Unfortunately, I don't really feel that these CFL's are really lasting any longer than the old versions. My energy bills did see about a 10-15% reduction monthly in consumption. However, I'm still not sure the savings has paid for the purchase of the 18 bulbs and some of the replacements that I have put in.

You are right.
The "they last longer" slogan is a lie.
I had many of them and they actually last shorter.

They cost a fortune in comparison to normal bulbs.
That's why the EU want's us to buy them.
It's one of many ripoff deals they presented us with over the years.
The worst was the Euro, which cut our salaries in half.

Did I mention a gallon of gas costs $ 7,69 here?

Greetz

 

[bobtran]

Not quite true

I recently replaced all incandescent bulbs in my home with CFL's and before doing so I did a little research.

To get the same lumins of light as a 75 watt bulb the equivalent CFL uses just 15 watts. That's an 80% reduction in power usage.

CFL's have a life expectancy of 10,000 hrs on average verses 2,000 hrs for the normal incandescent bulb. That's an 80% longer life. You sometimes get a bad one but this also happens with incandescent bulbs. The ones I have been using have already lasted longer than any incandescent bulbs I have used so there is no LIE about how long they last.

CFL's work just fine with Dusk to Dawn light switches (on/off) and there is a type of CFL for dimmer switches (I use them and there are no problems with them). There is no fire danger if you use regular CFL with dimmer switch but it will shorten the life of the bulb and yes it will flicker.

You do NOT need a hazmat team if you break one (scare tactics) and florescent lights have been used for what....over 50 years so please get real.

Any place you can put a normal incandescent bulb you can put a CFL (the socket design is the same).

The newer CFL's do not require a long time to warm up. You have light immediately although it does get a little brighter for 30 - 60 seconds.

Many power companies are subsidizing the costs of CFL's (I have been able to purchase them for around $1.83 each) and the normal cost here in New Mexico USA is around $2.83 per bulb. This cost seems reasonable compared to the long term cost of incandescent bulbs that you need to equal one CFL.

There are a few negative issues with CFL's but as with any new product these issues will be addressed by the free market system and government regulation as relates to the environment.

 

[swarfega]

I thought they only banned 100w bulbs.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

I thought they only banned 100w bulbs.

I thought it said anything over 75w.




I have a question: does this now mean someone can be arrested for possession of light bulbs?

:huh:

 

[fseal]

Heh, I doubt it, generally that means "Ban the sale of...".

I just noticed thatthat article is actually a year old. I wonder how it's going?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

How about this one, sorry about that.


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/business/energy-environment/01iht-bulb.html

However, the European Commission acknowledged that compact fluorescent lamps had to be handled with extra caution. If one breaks, people are advised to air out rooms and avoid using vacuum cleaners when cleaning up the mess to prevent exposure to mercury and other electronic parts in the bulbs, officials said. Instead, householders should remove the debris with a wet cloth while avoiding contact with skin. Used bulbs should be put in special collection receptacles, officials said.

 

[Antman]

This is simply an opportunity to invest. I am going to purchase several cases of 75 and 100 watt bulbs, and some three-ways.

Supply and demand is your friend. I can triple my money in < 3 years. Not bad.

I just have to make room in the basement alongside all of my Y2K Spam and beans.