It is always wise to compare technologies. We have too. The differences are staggering. For example:
• compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are a major hazard to dispose of especially when they break. They contain mercury and phosphor –in quantities sufficient to contaminate 30,000 litres of drinking water to below the EU recommended safety level
• halogen lamps waste 90% of the energy that they consume, by turning it into heat not light
• here is a table which briefly sets out the differences between halogens, CFLs and LEDs
| Lamp Equivalent Chart |
Lamp Equivalents |
Halogens |
CFLs |
LEDs |
Life Expectancy |
2,000 to 5,000 Hrs |
8,000 to 15,000 Hrs |
30,000 to 50,000 Hrs |
Kilowatt/hrs pa x 10 Lamps (kWh per year = 8560)
|
2,996.00 kWh |
77.04 kWh |
42.80 kWh |
Carbon Emissions *10 Lamps |
0.023 tonnes |
0.001 tonnes |
0.0003 tonnes |
Health Effects |
UV rays, IR effects, SAD Syndrome |
UV rays, IR effects |
No UV, No IR |
Disposal |
Via Landfill |
Compliance with WEEE Directive - Specialist Disposal |
Via Landfill |
Colour Rendition |
Restricted colour options
or Filters Required
|
Restricted colour options
or Filters Required |
Wide range of colours |
Dimmability |
Yes |
Restricted Possibility |
Yes |
Robustness |
Sensitive, Breakable |
Sensitive, Breakable |
Robust, Solid State |
Start-up Time |
Almost immediate |
Delayed |
Immediate |
Cost of Ownership |
High |
Low |
Lowest |
Recyclability |
Landfill |
Specialist Disposal |
Recyclable |
Contaminants |
Resonably Safe |
Mercury, Phosphor |
None = Safe |
Light Efficiency |
25 lumens / watt |
50 lumens / watt |
40 lumens / watt |
Energy Efficiency |
10% |
40% |
90% |
European Lamp Companies Federation (ELC)
On 5th June 2007 the ELC (the group representing the main lighting manufacturers such as GE, Havells Sylvania, Osram, Philips) published its strategy for domestic lighting in the form of a Frequently Asked Question & Answer paper on energy efficient lamps. Here are some of the tips and advice they specify:
"CFLs and Mercury"
27. "A big issue in the uptake of CFLis is their mercury content"
“When the lamps are in a cold state, mercury is present in the form of small mercury droplets or as a solid amalgam of mercury/iron pellets in the bulb. When the lamp is switched on, the mercury vaporizes as the temperature of the bulb rises and the mercury vapour needed for the discharge fills the entire bulb. MERCURY IS RELEASED IF THE LAMP BREAKS.”
29. "What do I do with a CFLi when it burns out? What is the proper procedure?
In Europe all CFLi lamps have to be disposed as special waste... under the WEEE Directive the European lighting industry has set up a European-wide recycling infrastructure for all CFLis.
Disposing of CFLis
Follow these guidelines to dispose of your CFLi properly:
"Like paint, batteries, thermostats, and other hazardous household items, CFLis should be disposed of properly.
If your local waste management agency offers no other disposal options except your household garbage, place the CFLi in a plastic bag and seal it before putting it in your trash
If your waste agency incinerates its garbage, you should search a wider geographic area for proper disposal options such as your local tip. Never send a CFL or other mercury containing products to an incinerator”.
30. What should I do if I break a CFLi lamp?
If you break a CFLi, do not panic and take the following steps:
- Ventilate the room for 20-30 minutes.
- Use gloves to remove all the bits
- All the items used in cleaning up the spill should be treated as "universal waste" or disposed at your local lamp recycling point.
- Remove all broken lamp components from the luminaire before reusing the liminaire.
- ALWAYS switch off the mains before removing the remaining lamp components!
32. Can LEDs be used as an energy saving alternative to inefficient domestic lamps?
"...LED technology is currently being used in some specific applications ... . and offers great potential for the future of lighting"
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