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Impartial Quality Tests of Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Poul Erik Pedersen
M.Sc. DELTA Light & Optics, Hjortekærsvej 99, DK-2800 Lyngby
Abstract
CFLs are marketed as a reasonable and energy-efficient replacement for incandescent lamps. Due to consumer complaints the Danish Electric Utilities have carried out several quality tests of CFLs on the Danish market at the accredited laboratory DELTA Light & Optics. The Danish IES has taken care of project coordination and communication with the suppliers of CFLs.
Tests have been performed according to IEC Publication 969 concerning lifetime, light output, efficiency and colour qualities. According to IEC Publication 969: ŒSelf-ballasted lamps for general lighting services - Performance requirements? the test conditions have been: Test quantity: 20 lamps, supply voltage: 230 V, 50 Hz stabilized, ambient temperature 25 °C, relative humidity 65 % maximum, 100 hours continuous burn in, followed by an automatic switching cycle: 2 hours and 45 minutes ON / 15 minutes OFF.
Tests have been carried out since 1991, and revealed significant quality differences among CFLs on the Danish market. Though the results show a group of high quality CFLs with average life hours exceeding the promised 8.000 hours, some lamps, typically manufactured in the Far East, but also in Germany, and sold in discount stores, supermarkets, and timber merchants, do not fulfil the promised life hours.
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