An Examination Into the Use of Compact Fluorescent Lamps in the Domestic Environment

The Irish government, UK government and European Commission have recently passed a ban on the sale of all incandescent/GLS lamps above 1 OOW. This commenced in September 2009, with smaller wattages to be phased out by 2012. This paper sets out to investigate if compact f luorescent lamps (CFLs) are an adequate, su itable and appropriate replacement for GLS lamps in domestic environments. An overview of CFL performance is undertaken, initially t hrough a literature review and then through laboratory measurements. The findings of this are insightful for all readers using CFLs in their homes. In-depth research was carried out to examine CFLs, power factor, harmonic distortion and their likely effects on the national grid. The possible risk of an overloaded three-phase neutral conductor are also evaluated, which provides useful information for electrical services design engineers.