FAQs about compact fluorescent bulbs

Do they flicker when you turn them on?

Unlike early energy saver lamps a few years ago, the latest designs include electronic rapid start circuitry to make the lamp light in less than 1 second with virtually no flickering.

Don’t they give a rather harsh light?

Some older designs had quite a high “colour temperature” which may be perceived as “colder” but many energy saving lamps now give off a “warm white” light to make the light very similar to a normal incandescent bulb.

Do they take time to “warm up”?

The latest compact fluorescent lamps “warm up” very much faster than older designs, typically reaching 95% of their full light output in under a minute.

They are always too long and stick out above my lampshade!

Again, with the latest designs, this need not happen. Many compact fluorescents are now so small that they are virtually the same size, or even smaller, than ordinary bulbs. If the bulb is visible, you can choose from one of the designs that uses a decorative outer bulb to cover the fluorescent tubes.

Do compact fluorescents get hot?

Compact fluorescents are far more energy efficient than normal light bulbs so they give out far less heat, making them safer for use in unattended security or night light applications. This also makes them ideal for use with lampshades made of delicate materials that can be damaged by heat. All lamps do however give off some heat and should not be used in a totally enclosed light fitting unless there is some way for the heat to escape.

Are “Energy Saver” and “Long Life” bulbs the same thing?

Yes and no! Compact fluorescent lamps do generally have much longer life than ordinary incandescent bulbs but there are also many other types of “long life” bulb, most of which do not also save energy. Generally a normal incandescent bulb will have a rated life of around 1000hrs whereas compact fluorescent energy saving bulbs have a rated life of between 3,000 and 15,000 hours.

Can energy savers be used with a dimmer switch?

Most compact fluorescent energy savers available on the UK market cannot be dimmed using a standard domestic dimmer. The latest technology “Dimmerable” energy savers started to be introduced in October 2007 and can be dimmed simply by rotating a standard dimmer switch. Please check to ensure that you are ordering the correct item before using an energy saver with a dimmer switch.

Lamps
Q: Are lamps included with fittings? 
A: No lamps are included with fittings unless clearly indicated that they are included.

Q: Do the Square Lamps give out the same amount of Light as a Standard MR16 Lamp ?
A: No, due to the design of the reflector, the light output may be reduced.

Transformers
Q: Do all spotlights need transformers?
A: No, only low voltage spotlights require low voltage transformers.

Q: How many 50W lamps can I use with a 150VA Transformer?
A: The calculation for any question like this is to divide 150VA by 50W, the whole number that you get is the most lamps you can fit on that transformer. In this case the answer is 3. 

Q: How many 50W lamps can I use with a 60VA Transformer?
A: The calculation for any question like this is to divide 60VA by 50W, the whole number that you get is the most lamps you can fit on that transformer. In this case the answer is 1.
 
Q: I have a transformer with 3 pairs of output terminals but I have 4 light fittings. Can I connect these 4 fittings onto the one transformer or do I have to get another transformer ?
A: You can connect all 4 onto one transformer providing the total wattage does not exceed the transformer rating & you can connect more than one fitting to a single pair of terminals providing the total load does not exceed 105W/VA on that pair of terminals.

Q: Are your transformers approved to be used with Lutron dimming systems?
A: Many do - Lutron offer a compatibility listing of transformers for their different dimming systems. Please refer to Lutron.
 
Q: What is the maximum distance I can put my low voltage downlight from the transformer?
A: 2 meters. When we say 2 meters - that refers to the cable length from the transformer to the lamp. 
 
Q: Are Aurora transformers leading and trailing edge?
A: All our transformers are leading edge design but have the ability to work on most trailing edge dimming systems

Fire Rated
Q: Can I fit accessories to fire rated downlights?
A: Yes, but not the recess baffle accessory.

Q: Do all spotlights have to have a firehood?
A: Only if the surface you are installing your downlights into is deemed to be a fire barrier, and you have space above which is occupied by people, then yes, you either need to install a firehood, or install a fire rated downlight.

Q: Where am I required to use fire rated downlights?
A: Only if the surface you are installing your downlights into is deemed to be a fire barrier, and you have space above which is occupied by people, then yes, you either need to install a firehood, or install a fire rated downlight. For further clarification please refer to your local building control authority

Light Fittings
Q: Can you change from Low Voltage to mains on the new fire rated products?
A: No
 
Q: Do all fittings in Bathroom have to be Low Voltage - eg 12V not 240V ?
A: No. However please refer to the IP Ratings information page or a qualified electrician.
 
Q: How much clearance space do I need around my downlight ?
A: All Aurora's downlights require at lease a 50mm clearance all around the fitting. If insulation is present, do not push it back to create the space - you must CUT it back, otherwise the insulation will creep back in time. If you are using a transformer, do not cover it.

Switches & Sockets
Lighting Circuits: This is the most common of all lighting circuitry, and the cables simply 'loop' in and out of each light fitting.
Two way switchting: This is a typical way of controlling lighting in stairwells.

FAQs Of Energy Saving Bulb
Questions
What's energy saving bulb?
Why should I buy energy saving light bulbs?
How long do energy saving bulbs last?
Will a energy saving light bulb work in my regular socket?
Aren't fluorescent lights always harsh, more glaring?
Don't energy saving light bulbs flicker when you turn them on?
Why are the wattage numbers on energy saving light bulbs different from regular bulbs?
What wattages are available in energy saving bulbs?
What effect will using energy saving light bulbs have on our environment?
Where can I use energy saving light bulbs?
Can the energy saving light bulb be dimmed?
Can energy saving light bulb be operated with direct voltage?
Does a frequent turning on of energy saving light bulb lead to a shortened life?
Is a substitution for energy saving bulb on the staircase possible and sensible?
Does a energy saving bulb consume more electricity when switched on than when in permanent operation?
Why does energy saving light bulb 20W appear much darker than a light bulb of 100W?
Is the mercury in the energy saving bulb ecologically reasonable?
Do energy saving light bulb contain radioactive constituents?
Is there a broadcast reception interference if energy saving light bulb are used?
What else should I keep in mind?
Answers
What's energy saving light bulb?
Energy saving bulb ( also called compact fluorescent bulb, energy saving lamp, compact fluorescent light bulb and compact fluorescent lamp) generates their light on the same principle as fluorescent lamps. An electrical charge is passed through mercury vapour between two electrodes. This electrical field causes the vapour to emit invisible UV radiation. Fluorescent material applied to the inside of the glass tube converts the UV radiation into visible light. Different fluorescent materials give the light different colour appearances.
By giving the lamps more than one tube and bending each tube back on itself, lamp designers have managed to reduce the overall length of energy saving light bulbs. They are now not much bigger than ordinary light bulbs.

Why should I buy energy saving bulbs?
Because they will save you money on your electric bill and they last longer than standard bulbs. They virtually pay for themselves! The energy saving light bulbs that replaces your old 75 watt incandescent bulb will save you $44.00 (on average) in energy costs.* Over the life of the energy saving light bulb, that's a 70%-75% savings vs. incandescents. Multiply that by the number of lamps in your home - and you've saved a lot.
*At $0.08 per kWH, national average energy rate, over life of energy saving light bulb.

How long do energy saving light bulbs last?
Energy saving light bulbs last at least 5,000 hours - that's five times longer than your old bulbs!
If you used a lamp in the evening from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. - every day of the year - the lamp would produce beautiful, warm light for more than four and one-half years!
Will a energy saving bulb work in my regular socket?
Yes. . . energy saving light bulbs fit perfectly in your standard incandescent sockets.

Aren't fluorescent lights always harsh, more glaring?
No. . energy saving light bulbs have been designed to produce warm, pleasing light. You'll find it similar to our soft white bulbs.

Don't energy saving light bulbs flicker when you turn them on?
No. . . Special technology eliminates this problem.

Why are the wattage numbers on energy saving bulbs different from regular bulbs?
Energy saving light bulb numbers are lower because the bulbs use less electricity. The technology makes the ultimate use of every watt. Although a energy saving light bulb burns about as brightly as an incandescent, it uses much less power, saving you money, and thus has a lower wattage rating.

What wattages are available in energy saving light bulbs?
Energy saving light bulbs are available to replace 25-, 40-, 60-, 75-, 100-, and 150-watt incandescents.
For example, a 15-watt compact fluorescent can replace a 75-watts incandescent bulb.
*Fluorescent light output that is equal to the incandescent it replaces. Fluorescent lamp lumens decline during its longer life.
What effect will using energy saving bulbs have on our environment?
If high efficiency lighting products were used by everyone, we could reduce the amount of electricity needed for lighting by 50%. *Also, recycling efforts would be helped since there would be five times less old bulbs to throw out.
* Environmental Protection Needed.
Where can I use energy saving light bulbs?
Energy saving light bulbs are great for table lamps, downlighting, wall sconces, corridor lighting and enclosed outdoor fixtures.
Can the energy saving bulb be dimmed?
A brightness control is not permissable and also not possible.
Reason :
1. The electronic pre-switch system of the lamp contains a rectifier with a post-switch smoothing condensor (Elko). The Elko is always charged to the highest value of the alternating current, the mains current flowing quickly towards and as far as the maximum mains voltage. This configuration prohibits the operation of dimmers available in the trade as phase on and off dimmers damage the Elko due to their steep voltage gradient.
2. Most dimmers need a minimal load many times so that - even with a fully turned-on dimmer - its switching element does not find sufficient stopping power and therefore it switches on and off constantly. This damages energy saving light bulb until it is destroyed and also endangers the dimmer.

Can energy saving light bulb be operated with direct voltage?
Usually, 5W to 11W E27 and 5W to 7W E14 can be operated on a direct voltage between 176V to 340V besides the usual alternating power usage. This means, for instance, energy saving light bulb may be operated with battery supplied 220/230V facilities in internal areas. At the lower limit of 176V the lamps will light perfectly in a environment with a temperature of 5?ムto 50?ヮ They are not sensitive to over-voltages of the direct current grid up to 340V. energy saving light bulb attains its relevant nominal data with direct voltage operation of 310V. The following typical deviations occur with other direct voltage values.

Table 1 : Electric and technical lighting data in direct voltage operation
 
Provision voltage Perfornance uptake Light power    
310V DC  100%  100%    
220V DC  70%  70%    
180V DC  55%  55%  
(*) = in percent

Sometime, 7W to 11W are also in principal suitable for emergency lighting facilities.

Does a frequent turning on of energy saving bulb lead to a shortened life?
A shortened life with frequent turning on of energy saving light bulbs only applies to the operation on conventional pre-switch systems.

LONGLIFE energy saving light bulb have in their base E27 an integrated EVG. Due to the optimally adjusted electronics with a precisely defined warm start, the LONGLIFE energy saving light bulb can be started especially gently. In this way they can be turned on just as frequently as light bulbs, provided that, before they are turned on again, there is an interval of 2 Minutes adhered to for the cold conductor to cool down.

LONGLIFE energy saving light bulb attained even more than 500,000 switch ons when tested. These lamps can be used everywhere in the household without suffering a reduction in the life.

Is a substitution of lamps for energy saving light bulb on the staircase possible and sensible?
A substitution for energy saving light bulbs is only sensible if the the switch intervals are not too short.
?? It takes, after all, ca. 2 minutes at room temperatue until a DULUX has attained its full lighting output = brightness and therefore a turning off should not take place before the passing of this time period.
?? With a switching rhythm of 30 seconds to switch ON and 150 seconds to switch OFFwith the DULUX EL LONGLIFE, the number of switchings during the lifespan to a level of more than 500,000 has been attained
?? A noteworthy shortening of the life span only occurs if the switch off time is less than 2 minutes, which with staircase illumination happens especially frequently in the early hours of 7.00 hrs and 9.00 hrs in the morning and with automatic timeswitches as well.
?? In such a case, one should switch over to permanent operation during this time period so that no shortening of life span is experienced.

Does an energy saving bulb consume more electricity when switched on than when in permanent operation?
The power consumption when turning on a energy saving light bulb is not higher than that during permanent operation.

When turning on, there is a higher current flow in- similar to light bulbs - but this is only for the duration of ca. 170ms and is not registered by the electricity meter.

A frequent turning on, therefore, has no negative influence on the power consumption.

Why does energy saving light bulb 20W appear much darker than a light bulb of 100W ?
Energy saving light bulb 20W is 1200lm, and the light power of a 100W bulb is 1380 lm. From it you can see that the energy saving light bulb 20W with in light power would be approximately equivalent to a "87W light bulb".

As bulbs of this performance level are not available on the market, it was decided to select for the pictogram on the outer packaging the nearest possible comparable output level in light power of conventional bulbs.

This enables the customer to assess this product.

It is to be observed that energy saving light bulbs will require 2 minutes burn-in time after having been turned on until the full light power is attained.

Upon turning on, the light power amounts to approximately 40%.

It must also be taken into consideration that the energy saving light bulb is a compact fluorescent lamp which has totally different deflection properties (i.e., distribution of light strength and light colour) if compared to a light bulb.

You may, of course, if you wish to receive more light, go to the next highest output level ( 23W) without any problems and you will still save a great amount of energy and money even with a higher lighting strength.

Is the mercury in the energy saving bulb ecologically reasonable?
The fluorescent lamp like all traditional fluorescent lamps contains low levels of mercury.

Do energy saving light bulb contain radioactive constituents?
Compact fluorescent lamps with integrated electronic pre-switch systems do not contain radioactive constituents. (such as, for example, Krypton 85), also do not contain radioactive substances. This also applies to the appropriate electronic pre-switch system.

Is there a broadcast reception interference if energy saving bulb are used?
These lamps are discharge lamps with an electronic pre-switch system which operates with an operating frequency between 30 und 45 kHz depending on type of lamp. With it also higher frequency upper wave lengths are produced that are being dampened by transmitter non-interference filters so that the issued legally prescribed border values and cable associated interferences are in no way exceeded.

These prescriptions are laid down in DIN VDE 0875 Part 2 resp. CISPR 15.

The low residual transmission can, however, bring about interferences, if the reception aerial is in the proximity of the lamp (for example, with a distance of less than 1 to 3 metres for long wave). Similar interferences will occur, for example, with computers and other gadgets used in households and offices that have switching components.

Possibilities of restricting interferences:
?? larger distances between lamp and reception aerial
?? with ferrite aerials: keep turning for minimum interference
?? by using external aerials (the best solution, however, often not possible to implement)
If cable associated interferences prove to be incompatible with neighbouring gadgets, then this must be blamed on the insufficient filter expenditure for the de-coupling of mains interferences via the broadcasting receiver and is not due to energy saving light bulb, as lamps as already mentioned, comply with the regulation for broadcasting interference and interference protection and, therefore, carry the CE labelling of the European Union.

What else should I keep in mind?
Energy saving light bulbs are perfect for hard-to-reach places where changing a bulb is difficult. They fit most fixtures around your house but are not designed for fixtures with dimmers, photocells or those with shades that clip onto the bulb.

Workspace Lighting FAQ
Halogen Lights
While I can not clarify the cancer rumor I do know that these lights are dangerous, especially around fabric, paper, etc... The ones I've seen are self standing and are very heavy. The unit is very top heavy with all that glass and metal. They get REAL hot and if they tumble over the can start a fire. We had one that set dust on fire! I had cleaned the top of a bookcase that was next to one and later on turned on the light. We smelled smoke and hair burning. It was the dust that landed on it from my cleaning spree. *needles to say that I don't clean anymore!* ];} We trashed it immediately.

Halogen. there's the rub.
It's bright, it's white (not yellow, or blue, or green....). The lamps have been coming down in price. You do have to watch dust - the lamps burn hot. And the oils on your hands will cause them to break - so you must be wary changing the bulb. But bulbs last a very long time. I still think it's a good idea.

Halogen Hazzards
After reading through the medical literature (sparse)on Halogen lamps, it appears that 1) they do emit a strong amount of UV radiation, more than fluorescent light. 2) They cause mutations in Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichi coli and can contribute to keratitis in human eyes under the right conditions.
THE GOOD NEWS IS: all the articles agreed that, as long as the lamps have appropriate glass or plastic covers over the bulbs, the mutagenic effects were prevented. One article in the journal Carcinogenesis suggested that "This emphasizes the urgent need for a compulsory shielding of halogen and fluorescent lamps in order to prevent unneccessary exposures to genotoxic and potentially carcinogenic UV radiations" So, if your halogen bulbs are bare --beware! If they are protected by a glass or plastic shield, you can use them safely.

Work space lighting
My husband and I had our house built and of course is has the mandatory sewing room. Unfortunately the room is only 9'x 9' which I thought was adequate until I read aout Melissa's sewing wing! :-) For lighting I had a four bulb incandescent ceiling fixture installed in the middle of the room. Four bulbs really lights up the space quite nicely. What I find annoying however is the shadow that I sometimes get on my workspace caused by the light coming from my back. As the saying goes "if I had it to do over again"...I would install lighting directly over my workspace instead of in the middle of the room. I might even consider using flourescent bulbs. I am not a fan of the harsh white light given off by flourescent bulbs but I'm told that there are softer flourescent bulbs (that give off more of a pink tone). Has any one used these? Tina

Halogen warning
Ooh, don't get me started! I'm on a crusade to warn people about Halogen lights! Here's the story:
I left a halogen light on one morning; it had been dimmer than I remembered for a couple of days. When I walked back into the room later, the apartment was on fire! Turned out the bulb had exploded, sending melted glass up to ten feet away, starting fires everywhere. It was a fairly major fire, and we lost a lot of our bedroom. Not only that, but when we told our friends about it, we found out that something similar had happened to another friend. To be fair, I know a bunch of other people with halogen lights that haven't had any problems; I just think it's worth having all the information.

Workspace lighting
I have two fluorscent workshop style hanging lights...two tubes in each. I use the daylight bulbs in them and really like the color of the lighting. I would prefer NOT to be in the basement......

Other ideas
I am truly blessed to have 2 sewing areas: an upstairs "design area/quilt library/stash closet/pinning table" a 1st floor laundry room with built in cabinets and countertops with knee holes for sewing and serging. I just had track lighting put in the upstairs room with 2 canisters pointed at the fabric closet and 4 pointed at the work table. So far I haven't encountered a problem with shadows but the lights are movable so I'm not worried. The laundry room had 5 recessed lights that used standard bulbs with a glass filter flush with the ceiling -- it was kind of dingy so I had them changed to new recessed fixtures with flood lights. Yo baby its bright in there now! But I can now sew well into the night which my tired old eyes wouldn't allow in the old lighting. In talking to the electrician he did mention the possiblity of flourescent lights using "full spectrum bulbs"

Q: What are the advantages of low voltage lighting?
A: There are three distinct advantages to using low voltage lighting.
?? Safety - Low voltage lighting uses a 12 volt system instead of the normal domestic voltage of 110 volts. It's much safer to have outside because there's no shock hazard from damaged fixtures or slices cables if you should happen to come in contact with them.
?? Fixture Selection - There is a wide variety of sizes, shapes and applications that are smaller and more compact, yet produce stunning results.
?? Installation Practices - People who have installed these systems, professional or "do-it-yourselfers" say a big benefit is the cleaner installation that it provides. The low-voltage systems use less hardware to distract from the grounds and offers less disruption to gardens.
hat does "Candela", "Lumen", etc. mean?
The formal definition can be found in many handbooks, so here are informal and, hopefully more useful, definitions:
Luminous intensity (or candlepower) is the light density within a very small solid angle, in a specified direction. In other words, this is the total number of lumens from a surface emitted in a given direction. The unit of measure is candela. In modern standards, the candela is the basic of all measurements of light and all other units are derived from it. Candlepower measurements are often taken at various angles around the source and the results plotted to give a candlepower distribution curve. Such a curve shows luminous intensity (how "bright" the source seems) in any direction.
Luminous flux is the time rate of flow of light. The unit of measure is the Lumen. One lumen may be defined as the light flux emitted in one unit solid angle by a one-candela uniform-point source. The lumen differs from the candela in that it is a measure of light flux irrespective of direction. The lumen is used to express a quantity of light flux: total output of a source, output within a specific angular zone, amount of absorbed light, etc.
However, if you need to calculate something which is not related to the human eye, for example temperature increase due to absorbed light, do not use luminous flux, instead we need to use the correct unit of power, the Watt (see below).
Illumination is the density of luminous flux on a surface This parameter shows how "bright" the surface point appears to the human eye. The appropriate units of measure are Footcandle and Lux. One footcandle is the illumination produced by one lumen uniformly distributed over one square foot of a surface, or conversely this is the illumination at the point of a surface which is one foot from, and perpendicular to, a uniform point source of one candela. So, footcandles incident on a surface=Lumens/Area(sq.feet). Lux is used in the International System. Both have a similar objective, but meters are used for Lux and feet are used for Candelas. Therefore, one lux=0.0929 footcandles. Or, approximately, 1 Fc=10 Lux.
Luminance or Brightness is a luminous intensity of a surface in a given direction per unit of projected area of the surface. Luminance can be expressed in two ways: in candelas per unit area or in lumens per unit area. I don't want do go too into this subject, because it is so seldom used. There are many different standard units of measurement. For example: Candela per square inch (cd/in²) , Footlambert (luminance of a surface emitting one lumen per square foot), Lambert (similar, but per square cm).
1 cd/in.² =452 Footlamberts
1 Lambert=929 Footlamberts=2.054 cd/in².
Actually, our eye sees brightness, not illumination. Every visible object has brightness. Usually, brightness is proportional to the object's illumination, so a well illuminated object seems brighter. For a perfectly diffusing reflecting surface:
Footlamberts = Footcandles * Surface Reflectance
Footcandle to Lux Conversion
One footcandle is the illumination produced by one lumen uniformly distributed over one square foot of surface, and lux is the illumination over one square meter of surface. Therefore, one lux=0.0929 footcandles. Or, approximately, 1 Fc=10 Lux.

What does "inverse square law"
 
The inverse square law tells is that the illumination is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the point source and the surface, i.e.:
 If you have a fixture (which can be treated as a point source if the distance from the surface is large) and you measure the illumination at 20 feet as 2000 Fc at the beam center, then at 40 feet the illumination is 500 Fc at the beam center.
What does "cosine law" mean
Effective illumination is proportional to the cosine of the angle of incidence of the light on the surface (angle between the direction of the light and the perpendicular to the surface)
 
Illumination at the O point on surfaces 1 and 2:
 
Here are a few cases:
When the surface is tilted by an angle of 30º, the illumination is reduced by a factor of 0.87
45º - 0.71
60º - 0.5
What is the difference between Lumen and Watt
Lumen is a unit of the photometric system and Watt belongs to the radiometry system.
Both characterize a power of light flow. However, lumen is power "related" to the human eye sensitivity. Therefore, lights with the same power in watts, but different colors have different luminous fluxes, because the human eye has different sensitivity at different wavelengths. At a wavelength of 555 nm (maximum eye sensitivity) 1 Watt equals 683 Lm.
Very powerful sources of infrared radiation produce no lumen output, because the human eye can??t see it. However, if you need to calculate total power absorbed by a surface (to estimate temperature increase, for example), you have to transfer lumen flux to watt. This can be done by using a spectral luminous efficiency curve, which can be found in many photometry handbooks.
How to calculate beam angle
This is easy. If you know the distance from a fixture to the screen (much larger than fixture length) and the image diameter, then:
 
 
In most practical cases the following approximation is true:
 
Of course, both measurements must be in the same units (meters, feet, inches, etc.)
(Example: distance = 20 feet, image diameter=5 feet. Exact formula gives 14.25 º, second ?C 14.32º)
In the case of "soft edge" light image diameter, usually, is measured at point where illumination is 50% (beam angle) or 10% (field angle) of the center illumination.
How to calculate lumens output
The best way is to use a photometric sphere, however the number of people who have one is much less than the number of people who want to know total lumen output (luminous flux) of a fixture.
Another way is to measure illumination (which is the density of luminous flux on a surface) at a number of points and then integrate the resulting values.
Assuming that the beam has axial symmetry (if not ?C you??re in trouble. You have to measure many points all over the beam) and fixture beam angle is small (we can neglect cosine-cube coefficient from cosine-law and inverse-square-law, that is less than 5% for the 20º beam and 1% for the 10º beam), we have the following formula:
 
Beam radius is divided into n equal part (radiuses and illumination reading values are indexed from 0, at the beam center, to n-1, at the beam edge).
2 points (center and edge readings only):
 
3 points (center, middle, and edge):
 
4 points:
 
5 points:
 
8 points:
 
Here:
P - total lumens
R - beam radius
E - illumination
There is nothing magical about these equations. They are obtained by using integrating rules over the beam.
In the case of "soft edge" fixture, where the image size is taken at 10% of the center illumination (field angle), the first formula becomes very simple:
 
To get the result in lumens, you should use proper units. If you use footcandles, then the radius must be in feet. If you use lux, then the radius must be in meters.
And last, it doesn't make any sense to calculate luminous flux with 2-3 digits after the decimal point by this method. Assumptions which were made (illumination distribution is perfectly symmetrical, etc.) inevitably result in some error in the final calculation, so instead of 14231.41 Lm it is more practical to use 14KLm.
Lamps
Q: Are lamps included with fittings? 
A: No lamps are included with fittings unless clearly indicated that they are included.
Q: Do the Square Lamps give out the same amount of Light as a Standard MR16 Lamp ?
A: No, due to the design of the reflector, the light output may be reduced.

Transformers
Q: Do all spotlights need transformers?
A: No, only low voltage spotlights require low voltage transformers.

Q: How many 50W lamps can I use with a 150VA Transformer?
A: The calculation for any question like this is to divide 150VA by 50W, the whole number that you get is the most lamps you can fit on that transformer. In this case the answer is 3. 

Q: How many 50W lamps can I use with a 60VA Transformer?
A: The calculation for any question like this is to divide 60VA by 50W, the whole number that you get is the most lamps you can fit on that transformer. In this case the answer is 1.
 
Q: I have a transformer with 3 pairs of output terminals but I have 4 light fittings. Can I connect these 4 fittings onto the one transformer or do I have to get another transformer ?
A: You can connect all 4 onto one transformer providing the total wattage does not exceed the transformer rating & you can connect more than one fitting to a single pair of terminals providing the total load does not exceed 105W/VA on that pair of terminals.

Q: Are your transformers approved to be used with Lutron dimming systems?
A: Many do - Lutron offer a compatibility listing of transformers for their different dimming systems. Please refer to Lutron.
 
Q: What is the maximum distance I can put my low voltage downlight from the transformer?
A: 2 meters. When we say 2 meters - that refers to the cable length from the transformer to the lamp. 
 
Q: Are Aurora transformers leading and trailing edge?
A: All our transformers are leading edge design but have the ability to work on most trailing edge dimming systems

Fire Rated
Q: Can I fit accessories to fire rated downlights?
A: Yes, but not the recess baffle accessory.

Q: Do all spotlights have to have a firehood?
A: Only if the surface you are installing your downlights into is deemed to be a fire barrier, and you have space above which is occupied by people, then yes, you either need to install a firehood, or install a fire rated downlight.

Q: Where am I required to use fire rated downlights?
A: Only if the surface you are installing your downlights into is deemed to be a fire barrier, and you have space above which is occupied by people, then yes, you either need to install a firehood, or install a fire rated downlight. For further clarification please refer to your local building control authority

Light Fittings
Q: Can you change from Low Voltage to mains on the new fire rated products?
A: No
 
Q: Do all fittings in Bathroom have to be Low Voltage - eg 12V not 240V ?
A: No. However please refer to the IP Ratings information page or a qualified electrician.
 
Q: How much clearance space do I need around my downlight ?
A: All Aurora's downlights require at lease a 50mm clearance all around the fitting. If insulation is present, do not push it back to create the space - you must CUT it back, otherwise the insulation will creep back in time. If you are using a transformer, do not cover it.

Switches & Sockets
Lighting Circuits: This is the most common of all lighting circuitry, and the cables simply 'loop' in and out of each light fitting.
Two way switchting: This is a typical way of controlling lighting in stairwells

 

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) FAQs for Households
What is mercury?

Mercury is an element found naturally in the environment. Although it has some very useful properties, it is a toxic heavy metal with potential health effects, and must be handled properly. Human activities, such as burning coal for electricity and using mercury in manufacturing, increase the amount of mercury cycling through the air, water, and soil. According to the EPA, the main sources of mercury pollution are coal-burning power plants. American power plants pump 96,000 pounds of mercury into the air annually.

Why is mercury in compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)?

Mercury is a necessary part of a CFL. The ballast, mercury, and phosphor coating inside the bulb work together to efficiently convert electrical energy into visible light.

How much mercury is in a CFL?

On average, newer CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury (about 4 to 5 milligrams of mercury) sealed in the glass tubing, which is about enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. Older CFLs tend to contain higher amounts of mercury.

Is there a difference in mercury content between ENERGY STAR® and non-ENERGY STAR® CFLs?

All ENERGY STAR® qualified CFLs have less than 5 milligrams of mercury (some manufacturers are able to produce CFLs that have only about 1 milligram of mercury). Avoid purchasing non-ENERGY STAR® CFLs, as they may have much higher levels of mercury in them.

How can I tell how much mercury is in a CFL before I purchase one?

As of September 2008, all ENERGY STAR® qualified CFLs are required to list their mercury content on the packaging. This information is not required on non-ENERGY STAR® CFL packaging.

Does mercury escape into the environment when I use a CFL?

A CFL is a sealed unit, and no mercury is released when it is in use or as long as it is intact. Some mercury is released when a bulb breaks, and appropriate clean-up guidance should be followed.

Does the use of a regular incandescent light bulb really create more mercury emissions through the generation of electricity than a CFL?

Yes, in fact a recent study by the Environmental Protection Agency shows that when using an incandescent light bulb, more mercury emissions are released into the air due to increased energy usage. A power plant emits about 10mg of mercury to produce the electricity to run an incandescent bulb over a 5-year period. A power plant will emit only 2.4mg of mercury to run a CFL for the same time period.

CFLs present an opportunity to prevent mercury from entering our air, where it most affects our health. The highest source of mercury in our air comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal, the most common fuel used in the U.S. to produce electricity. A CFL uses 75% less energy than an incandescent light bulb and lasts at least 6 times longer.

Can I throw my burned out CFL in the trash?

As of now, New York State households are exempt from the ordinary hazardous waste regulations of businesses, so CFLs may legally be disposed as normal household trash, although NYSDEC does not recommend this practice. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the NYSDEC are strongly encouraging New Yorkers to use and recycle them safely. Careful recycling of CFLs prevents the release of mercury into the environment and allows for the reuse of glass, metals and other materials that make up CFLs. NYSERDA and the NYSDEC recommend that consumers take advantage of available local recycling options for CFLs, such as household hazardous waste collection events and the new CFL Collection Program operated by participating ENERGY STAR® retailers. The agencies are also working with CFL manufacturers and major U.S. retailers to expand recycling and proper disposal options.

Why should I recycle my old burned out or broken CFLs?

CFLs need to be managed properly at the end of their useful lives in order to keep harmful mercury from entering the environment. Last year alone, Americans purchased 400 million CFLs! It is important to begin proper recycling of CFLs today so there is not a problem in the future when these bulbs need to be replaced, since they typically last up to 10 years.

What happens when my CFL is recycled?

A CFL is like a small computer containing many electronic components in an internal ballast. When a CFL reaches a recycler, all the components are separated, including glass and mercury which in many cases are resold to manufacturers.

How do I currently recycle my CFL?

There are several ways to recycle your CFL:

Check out NYSERDA's resource map for a participating CFL Collection Center near you (available on the right side of this page under "Offsite Links"). The retail stores listed are trained to accept and manage CFLs for recycling.
Take advantage of local recycling options through your municipal landfill or transfer station. Many towns or counties also have household hazardous waste collection days where CFLs can be dropped off for recycling. A listing of municipal household hazardous waste collection programs in your area is available on DEC's website.
What do I do if a CFL breaks in my house?

It is important to minimize the exposure, by contact or inhalation, of humans and pets to mercury. These simple clean-up instructions will help to ensure safe handling of broken CFLs:

Before clean-up make sure you ventilate the room. Make sure that people and pets leave the room, and don't let anyone walk through the breakage area for 15 minutes. Be sure to open a window and shut off the forced-air heating or air conditioning system.
Clean-up on hard surfaces. Using stiff paper or cardboard, carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder and place them in a container, preferably a glass jar with a metal lid (such as a canning jar). Use sticky tape (such as duct tape) to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the container. DO NOT use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces, since this will spread the particles around the room.
Clean-up on carpets or rugs. Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a container, preferably a glass jar with a metal lid (such as a canning jar). Use sticky tape (such as duct tape) to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum only the area where the bulb was broken. Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag or vacuum debris in two sealed plastic bags. It is important to discard the bag and wipe out the canister with a damp cloth before using the machine again.
Disposal of clean-up materials. Immediately place all clean-up materials outside the building in a trash container or outdoor protected area for the next normal trash disposal day. Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials.

Hazardous Waste Lamp Management
Many waste fluorescent lamps are hazardous wastes due to their mercury content. Other examples of lamps that, when spent, are commonly classified as hazardous waste include: high-intensity discharge (HID), neon, mercury vapor, high pressure sodium, and metal halide lamps. Low-mercury or green end cap lamps that pass the TCLP are not as regulated hazardous wastes but still contain mercury and are subject to the Mercury-Added Consumer Products Law, described above.

The accumulation of mercury in the environment and the food chain is a serious environmental and health hazard. On July 6, 1999, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) published a final rule in the Federal Register that added hazardous waste lamps to the Universal Waste Rule (64 FR 36465 - 36490). The rule was adopted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Prior to adoption into regulations, the use of the universal waste rule for hazardous waste lamps in New York state was allowed from January 6, 2000 through the use of an Enforcement Directive.

Generators of hazardous waste lamps may choose between handling their lamps under the traditional regulatory scheme or as universal wastes. To facilitate compliance with New York State's Mercury Added Consumer Products Law, low mercury lamps may also be handled under the universal waste rule. However, once lamps are declared to be universal wastes, they must continue to be handled as universal wastes. (Jumping back and forth between the traditional RCRA approach and the universal waste rule to avoid any requirements is prohibited.) A handler of hazardous waste lamps who fails to comply with the New York state universal waste rule may be considered to be in violation of hazardous waste laws and regulations. Under New York state's Universal Waste Rule, 6 NYCRR Part 364 Waste Transporter requirements are still applicable, requiring a waste transporter permit for transporters carrying more than 500 pounds of universal wastes.

Traditional RCRA Approach
The ordinary hazardous waste regulations require generators of potential hazardous wastes to determine if their wastes are hazardous waste and to manage their hazardous waste commensurate with their level of hazardous waste activity. In New York State, the hazardous waste regulations are found in 6 NYCRR Parts 370 through 374-3 and 376.

A helpful guidance manual for small quantity hazardous waste generators, "Environmental Compliance and Pollution Prevention Guide for Small Quantity Generators" (1.4 MB PDF file) is available for download.

Universal Waste Rule
To streamline environmental regulations for wastes generated by numerous sources in relatively small quantities, USEPA issued the Universal Waste Rule in 1995. This rule is designed to reduce the amount of hazardous waste in the municipal solid waste stream, to encourage the recycling and proper disposal of some common hazardous wastes and to reduce the regulatory burden on generators. For hazardous waste lamps, this rule has been available for use in New York state since January 6, 2000.

Universal wastes include such items as hazardous batteries, hazardous mercury-containing thermostats, certain pesticides, and hazardous lamps. Universal wastes are generated not only in the industrial settings usually associated with hazardous wastes, but also in a wide variety of other settings, including households, schools, office buildings, and medical facilities. Although handlers of universal wastes must meet less stringent standards for storing, transporting, and collecting wastes, the wastes must comply with full hazardous waste requirements for final recycling, treatment, or disposal. This approach helps to remove these wastes from municipal landfills and incinerators, providing stronger safeguards for public health and the environment.

Small Quantity Handlers of Universal Waste (less than 5,000 kg or 11,000 lbs of total universal wastes, including hazardous batteries, certain hazardous pesticides, hazardous thermostats, or hazardous lamps, calculated collectively, on site at any time): Requirements include packaging in a way to minimize breakage; immediately cleaning up any leaks or spills; and properly labeling containers.

Large Quantity Handlers of Universal Waste (5,000 kg or 11,000 lbs or more of total universal wastes on site at any time): Requirements include EPA notification; packaging in a way to minimize breakage; immediately cleaning up any leaks or spills; properly labeling containers; and complying with record keeping and reporting requirements.

Universal Waste Transporters: Requirements include meeting applicable DOT standards; complying with record keeping and reporting requirements; and complying with applicable requirements of 6 NYCRR Part 364 if transporting more than 500 lbs of total universal waste in any shipment. Common carriers can transport up to 500 lbs of universal waste in any shipment.

Destination Facilities: Comply with all applicable requirements of 6 NYCRR Parts 370 through 374-3 and 376, including notification of hazardous waste activity and obtaining a Part 373 (hazardous waste) permit, if applicable.

Answers To Common Questions
1. How do I know if my lamps are hazardous?
Because of their mercury content, most fluorescent lamps in current use are considered hazardous wastes when taken out of service for disposal. Other lamps that are commonly classified as hazardous waste due to the presence of mercury or lead include high-intensity discharge (HID), neon, mercury vapor, high pressure sodium, and metal halide lamps. If you want to know for sure, you can have them analyzed by a laboratory test called the "Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP)." Most major manufacturers are now producing a line of fluorescent lamps which they claim are non-hazardous low-mercury or "green end cap" lamps. When these bulbs are taken out of service, manufacturer's data may be used to help determine if they are a hazardous waste.

2. How do I handle low-mercury fluorescent lamps?
Under Chapter 145, Laws of 2004, "Mercury-Added Consumer Products Law," even low-mercury (green end cap) lamps are subject to certain management standards, . Under this law, defined Small Businesses may discard of up to fifteen low-mercury lamps per calendar month. If the non-hazardous lamps are commingled with universal waste lamps, all of the waste is regulated as universal waste. The Department strongly encourages the recycling of any lamps containing mercury.

3. Now that the Universal Waste Rule is available for hazardous waste lamps, must I use it?
No, handlers of hazardous waste lamps may choose between traditional hazardous waste regulations and Universal Waste Rule standards. However, flip-flopping between the two sets to avoid meeting requirements of one or both regulations is not allowed. For example, both management scenarios include storage time limits. Flip-flopping between regulations will not extend storage time.

4. Do hazardous waste lamps count in determining my generator category? Must hazardous waste lamps be indicated on my annual hazardous waste report?
Under traditional hazardous waste regulations, hazardous waste lamps must be counted in determining whether you are a conditionally exempt small quantity generator, a small quantity generator or a large quantity generator; they must also be reported on the generator annual report if you are required to file an annual report. Lamps managed under the Universal Waste Rule are not counted for the purpose of determining generator category, and need not be reported on your hazardous waste report. However, they are counted for regulatory fee purposes.

5. Lamp crushers - I am considering the purchase of a lamp crusher to minimize my waste volume. How is crushing of hazardous waste lamps regulated?
Lamps being managed under the Universal Waste Rule may not be crushed. If you wish to crush your lamps, you will need to manage the lamps under the traditional hazardous waste regulations. This will require that you count the weight of the lamps toward determining hazardous waste generator category, and meet applicable generator, transporter and transfer facility standards. Crushing is considered a form of hazardous waste treatment, and under ordinary hazardous waste generator regulations, hazardous waste lamps may be crushed only if the process is exempt from hazardous waste treatment regulations (6 NYCRR 373-1.1(d)(1)).

Common exemptions that might apply to crushing lamps are: on-site treatment by a conditionally exempt small quantity generator; the first step of a recycling process, if the lamps will be directed to a mercury recycler, or treatment in the tank or container in which the lamps are stored. Generators wishing to use one of the latter two exemptions should seek specific guidance from the Waste Determination & Analysis Section. The crushed lamps are usually considered hazardous waste for mercury, and sometimes for lead, and must be handled and disposed of in accordance with normal hazardous waste requirements.

6. Transportation - Can I put my lamps in the trash dumpster?
Lamps handled under the Universal Waste Rule cannot be put in the trash dumpster because they would not be handled in a way to minimize breakage. Generators of universal waste lamps can self-transport up to 500 lbs of lamps per shipment to an authorized universal waste handler, or treatment or disposal facility under the provisions of 6 NYCRR Part 364. Conditionally exempt, small or large quantity hazardous waste generators cannot put hazardous waste lamps in the trash dumpster.

7. Under the Universal Waste Rule, do my lamps have to be directed to a recycler?
No, lamps may be directed to a treatment or disposal facility if the receiving facility is authorized to accept hazardous waste lamps. However, NYSDEC strongly recommends recycling of hazardous waste lamps to reduce the accumulation of mercury in the environment. A list of fluorescent and HID lamp recyclers is available on this website at the link given at the bottom of this page.

8. How do I get rid of waste lamps from my household?
Households are exempt from the ordinary hazardous waste regulations. Lamps discarded by households are also exempt from New York State's Mercury-Added Consumer Products Law. Lamps may legally be disposed as normal household trash if allowed by the municipality, the trash collector and the disposal facility. However, households are encouraged to contact the town or county solid waste management authority to determine whether there are any household hazardous waste collection facilities or events in their community at which hazardous waste lamps are collected, or to contact local lamp recyclers to see if they accept lamps from households.

9. What do I do if I break a compact fluorescent lamp/bulb (CFL) in my home?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy provide guidance on how the general public can clean up a broken CFL. "FAQ - Information on Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and Mercury" (70 Kb pdf) is available for download.

More about Fluorescent and HID Lamps:
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) FAQs for Households - Answers to frequently asked questions regarding the management of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) by households in New York State.
Disposal Options for Fluorescent and HID Lamps in New York State - Facts on Fluorescent Lamp Disposal in New York State.
Fluorescent Or HID Lamp Recyclers - Recyclers of Fluorescent and HID Lamps