Energy-saving lamps

Energy-saving lamps

With an energy efficiency class of A and B, screw-in compact fluorescent lamps with integrated electronic control equipment, also known as energy-saving lamps, are an excellent energy-saving alternative to the traditional incandescent lamp. Lasting up to 12 times longer and achieving around five times greater luminous efficacy than incandescent lamps, they provide impressive savings. At a comparable luminous flux, they consume approximately 80% less energy than incandescent lamps. The increased initial cost is therefore well worth paying. A significant disadvantage in comparison to halogen lamps and incandescent lamps is the reduced quality of the colour rendering of R_a=80. Halogen and incandescent lamps provide optimum colour rendering (R_a=100), which means that they achieve the same, natural colour rendering as sunlight.

 

Reduced light quality

This means that in respect to the energy-saving lamp, the lower energy consumption results in a compromise on light quality. Colours appear less brilliant. In addition to the deficiencies in light quality, energy-saving lamps are also often criticised due to potential health risks. This is based on the fact that such illuminants contain a small amount of toxic mercury which would be released when a lamp breaks.

We recommend using 12 V halogen lamps or 230 V halogen lamps, if you want to make impressive energy savings but still want to achieve a high light quality and effect. People who want to save money and are thinking in an environmentally conscious way, however, should opt for energy-saving lamps or compact fluorescent lamps. Energy-saving lamps are available in a variety of shapes and colour temperatures, meaning that they can be used to replace incandescent lamps in many cases.

 

Possible applications of energy-saving lamps

The new generation of energy-saving lamps has a high switching rate on account of its integrated electronic ballast. This means that frequent switching on and off has barely any impact on the service life. Energy-saving lamps are therefore particularly suited for secondary areas where you spend little time, but which require long periods of illumination, such as hallways. Premium-quality energy-saving lamps are also ideally suited for use in outdoor areas and can be easily controlled by means of a motion detector.