Yes, only if the fluorescent light is using a dimmable ballast. Any time a dimmable ballast is used, a compatible dimming switch needs to be installed. The ballast manufacturer can provide a list of compatible switches.

To use a compact fluorescent bulb on a dimmer switch, you must buy a bulb that's specifically made to work with dimmers (check the package). GE makes a dimming compact fluorescent light bulb (called the Energy Smart Dimming Spirals®) that is specially designed for use with dimming switches. We don't recommend using regular compact fluorescent bulbs with dimming switches, since this can shorten bulb life.

Please refer to our state disposal policies page. In most states, fluorescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs used at home can be disposed of in the same way as regular light bulbs. While all fluorescent bulbs contain a trace amount of mercury, the quantity is so minute that household disposal is not regulated by federal standards (established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).

Ballasts are used to regulate the current in the lamp. Current needs to be regulated in order to supply the right amount of power needed to make the arc, and thus the light, in a fluorescent lamp. Fortunately, the current is lower than that needed for a typical incandescent. This is the reason why the fluorescent lamps can provide the same light output for less energy than typical incandescents.

You can use a dimmer with a halogen lamps but some low voltage halogen lamps require a special dimmer. Particles from the filament in a halogen bulb will cycle from the filament to the inside of the quartz envelope and back while in operation. Halogen bulbs used on a dimmer will last longer if they are set to full "ON" for two minutes before being turned off — this helps the particles from the filament complete their cycle.

There is no danger in doing this, but you will get light only in the middle one of the three "on" positions.

Lamp manufacturers generally strive to minimize ultraviolet light (UV) radiation in all lamps used in general lighting applications. The amount of UV produced by standard fluorescent lamps, such as those in your office, home, or school, is not hazardous and does not pose a major health concern. In fact, a paper by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) explores this subject in more detail.

Regular incandescent lamps produce light by passing an electric current through a filament in a vacuum or gas filled bulb. They provide low initial cost, good color rendition and excellent optical control. Halogen lamps also use a filament; but since it is sealed in a pressurized capsule containing halogen gas , the lamp provides brighter, whiter light and improved energy efficiency.

When a 2.6mm diameter CCFL is operated at the specified drive current of 6mArms, the ends near the electrodes will be approximately 50° C above the ambient temperature. The body will be approximately 25° to 30° C above ambient.

Color temperature depends upon the phosphor used to manufacture the lamps. The most common industry lamp phosphors produce the following color temperatures.

The lamps are rated for 30,000 hours, but dimming the lamps shortens life. Color temperature remains relatively consistent for 10,000 hours. Astron recommends you change all lamps once every two years, at a total cost to user of about $450.00.

A - Yes, fluorescent lamps do flicker, but the newer technologies that utilize electronic ballasts operate at levels where the flicker is beyond human perception. The older magnetic ballasts operate on 60 cycles per second (60 Hz), and the lamps actually flicker on and off 120 times per second. Many people feel they can see them flicker, especially in presence of computer or TV displays.

Unfortunately color meters available to cinematographers are far from being scientifically accurate when reading fluorescents. They act as a great comparative tool to determine differences between two given light sources but are inadequate in providing definitive data. You will rarely find two color meters, even if they are the same make and model, that provide equal data. Results between meters may be similar but not identical.

Compact fluorescent lamps, also known as CFLs, are a type of fluorescent lighting; fluorescent lighting has been around since the 1940s. Tube-shaped “linear fluorescent” lamps have long been popular in business and commercial settings, as well as for household uses such as in garages, kitchens, and recreation rooms. Smaller, compact versions of fluorescent lamps, CFLs, first appeared in the 1980s.

A - Yes. With the cost of electricity going up dramatically, all incandescent lamps that operate for more than three hours a day should be replaced with CFLs. Fortunately, the prices of CFLs have been coming down dramatically. CFLs equipped with electronic ballasts can now be purchased for less than $10.00 in many locations. CFLs are three to four times more efficient than incandescent sources and last many times longer.

Recycling facilities that specialize in fluorescent lamps have machinery that is used to break down the fluorescent lamps in a safe way. The lamps will be separated into end caps, glass, phosphor powder, and elemental mercury in the following steps: Whole lamps enter the recycling process and undergo the initial glass breakage (argon gas is vacuumed out).

There are not any significant similarities other than the fact that both need to be heated to work properly. A fluorescent light bulb uses electrical current to heat mercury vapors inside the fluorescent tube. A lava lamp uses a light bulb (it might be a fluorescent bulb) to heat the liquid and make is swirl around. To find out more about lava lamps click here: http://www.howstuffworks.com/question36.htm.