Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Incandescent bulb’s future dims
MSN ^ | 11-11-2007 | MSN

Posted on 11/11/2007 7:20:25 PM PST by Westlander

If U.S. lawmakers have their way, the lights may soon go out on Thomas Edison's greatest invention -- the incandescent light bulb. The 19th-century inventor brought illumination to the world's fingertips, but according to Congress, his invention isn't efficient enough for an age anxious about energy supplies.

"Only 10% of the power used by today's incandescent bulbs is emitted as light, while the other 90% is released as heat," Rep. Jane Harman, D-Calif., said when she introduced her legislation to ban standard light bulbs.

To eliminate this waste, Harman has proposed legislation that would effectively eliminate incandescent light bulbs from store shelves nationwide as early as 2012.

(Excerpt) Read more at realestate.msn.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Government; US: California
KEYWORDS: 110th; bigbrother; bulb; edison; energy; envirowhackos; ida; incandescent; janeharman; light; lightbulbnazis; lightbulbs; lightpollution; nannystate; stalinisttactics
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 201-220221-240241-260 ... 361-377 next last
To: LukeL
Because of the quote of a light bubls energy being lost to heat. For the most part in order to generate light you need to heat up a materail to the point that it glows.

In an incandescent bulb, yes. In a florescent bulb, not so much. Pretty much by definition. There are many ways to use electrical current to excite particles so they emit light. Some of those means produce more heat than others.

I'm leaving LEDs aside, because I don't think they're relevant to the discussion until I start seeing them on the aisles at the local Home Depot. When I see them, I'll buy them, unless they're absurdly expensive.

221 posted on 11/12/2007 5:10:46 AM PST by ReignOfError
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 214 | View Replies]

To: rmh47

Yes, I know the difference, I made a mistake. Acknowledged three times now.


222 posted on 11/12/2007 5:10:56 AM PST by Graybeard58 ( Remember and pray for SSgt. Matt Maupin - MIA/POW- Iraq since 04/09/04)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 193 | View Replies]

To: Suzy Quzy

Mercury emissions by a CFL lamp from electricity consumption over its lifetime is about 2.4mg of mercury. Emissions from an incandescent light bulb is about 10mg for the same period through electricity consumption. Therefore a CFL bulb emits 76% less mercury over the same time period. However, mercury stored in CFL bulbs is perfectly safe unless the glass is in someway damaged, in which case the bulbs can then emit mercury vapour. If the mercury from a CFL was to escape it would total 6.4mg, a 36% reduction on emissions from an incandescent.

http://howtosaveenergy.blogspot.com/2007/05/cfl-mercury-myths.html


223 posted on 11/12/2007 5:11:51 AM PST by Westlander (Unleash the Neutron Bomb)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 219 | View Replies]

To: Westlander

I’m talking about BREAKAGE! We’ve all lived very long with regular bulbs. When these new bulbs break you have to go HAZMAT!!!


224 posted on 11/12/2007 5:14:23 AM PST by Suzy Quzy (Hillary '08...Her PHONINESS is REAL!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 223 | View Replies]

To: ReignOfError

We are already seeing, handcranked led flashlights, In a couple of years we could easily have these in the form of desk lamps, and reading lights. All we need to do is find a way to have them glow with a softer light instead of blue.


225 posted on 11/12/2007 5:18:07 AM PST by LukeL
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 221 | View Replies]

To: Westlander

I was picturing a modern double-walled stove, not a pot-bellied or Franklin stove. The one my Dad had was basically a two-foot by two-foot box, insulated, the exterior warm to the touch but it wouldn’t burn you.

I have all the oil lamps I need, but here’s the funny thing — my mom bought some of them as pieces of decor. They’re a nice homey touch, but they don’t do anything. I have lamps, I have fuel. What I lack is wick cord.

It’s always the small stuff that trips ya up.


226 posted on 11/12/2007 5:25:05 AM PST by ReignOfError
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 220 | View Replies]

To: Suzy Quzy

I guess you missed reading this-

mercury stored in CFL bulbs is perfectly safe unless the glass is in someway damaged, in which case the bulbs can then emit mercury vapour. If the mercury from a CFL was to escape it would total 6.4mg, a 36% reduction on emissions from an incandescent.

By the way, you have 50 milligrams of mercury in a conventional tooth filling for a cavity.


227 posted on 11/12/2007 5:27:12 AM PST by Westlander (Unleash the Neutron Bomb)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 224 | View Replies]

To: Westlander

Sorry....don’t want those light bulbs EVER!! Nanny state crap.


228 posted on 11/12/2007 5:28:15 AM PST by Suzy Quzy (Hillary '08...Her PHONINESS is REAL!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 227 | View Replies]

To: ReignOfError

I buy my wick cord in 30ft. rolls for my 50 or so lanterns from the 1800’s from Woody. Hobby of mine. Check out his site - he sells everything and that includes parts. Friendly to talk to also.
http://www.lanternnet.com

My Regency wood stove has proven to be outstanding the past 20 years. http://www.regency-fire.com/Wood/Stoves/


229 posted on 11/12/2007 5:43:23 AM PST by Westlander (Unleash the Neutron Bomb)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 226 | View Replies]

To: Suzy Quzy

Out of curiosity, do you have ionization type smoke detectors in your house?


230 posted on 11/12/2007 5:45:47 AM PST by Westlander (Unleash the Neutron Bomb)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 228 | View Replies]

To: LukeL

Some of the high-end — I’m talking $250 per — LED flashlights are considered non-lethal weapons. No joke. Cops are actually trained in how to use those flashlights to temporarily blind a suspect.

Then they hit him on the head with the flashlight, but that’s another part of the training. I have a friend who’s a POST trainer, and ... well, never mind.

I have LED flashlights. One is charging in a wall socket in case the power goes out. Another is on my keychain. Another is in the center console of my car. And another is in the inside pocket of my favorite jacket. I like redundant backups, and I hate it when I can’t see,

The question is, when will I be able to buy an LED lamp that will screw into the socket of my home light fixtures? It’s a mature technology. We know it works. We know that it draws a tiny amount of power for the same amount of light relative to incandescent and even compact fluorescent bulbs. It’s environmentally responsible, cost-ffective, and long-lasting. So where the hell is it?

As far as the color goes, LEDs can emit any color. You can tweak the electronics, or you can just paint them. Spray dye on the diodes. seriously, that’s a non-issue. A few years ago, I threw a valentine’s day party where the whole house was lit in pink. How did I do that? I wrapped all the light shades in pink saran wrap (Brits call it “cling film”).


231 posted on 11/12/2007 5:46:55 AM PST by ReignOfError
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 225 | View Replies]

To: Red Badger

I DETEST fluorescent bulbs in any form.

I will hold out / hold on until LED bulbs are affordable. C.Crane Co. sells LED’s (equivalent to 75-100 watts) for about $60.00 ea.

When the price becomes more competitive, I’ll be near the front of the line.


232 posted on 11/12/2007 5:47:12 AM PST by Peter W. Kessler (Dirt is for racing... asphalt is for getting there.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Peter W. Kessler

http://www.todaystrucking.com/products.cfm?intDocID=18607


233 posted on 11/12/2007 5:57:15 AM PST by Red Badger ( We don't have science, but we do have consensus.......)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 232 | View Replies]

To: Westlander

Politicians are stupid. These bulbs don’t work in refrigerators or stoves. There are no “night light” compact fluorescent bulbs. They don’t fit in all old fixtures.
The cost of disposal is conveniently passed over, but we all know that the politicians will sooner or later have to impose a disposal tax.
I take it back. Politicians are not stupid. They are fascists.


234 posted on 11/12/2007 6:05:41 AM PST by Leftism is Mentally Deranged
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Westlander; The Iceman Cometh; Suzy Quzy; Peter W. Kessler; longtermmemmory; ansel12; Brucifer; ...

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/02/led_bulb_replac.php

235 posted on 11/12/2007 6:07:06 AM PST by Red Badger ( We don't have science, but we do have consensus.......)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Westlander

I live in a high rise apt with hard wired smoke detectors....hope that helps you.


236 posted on 11/12/2007 6:09:16 AM PST by Suzy Quzy (Hillary '08...Her PHONINESS is REAL!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 230 | View Replies]

To: Graybeard58

Sorry. I didn’t see the other replies until after I had posted.


237 posted on 11/12/2007 6:13:22 AM PST by rmh47 (Go Kats! - Got Seven? [NRA Life Member])
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 222 | View Replies]

To: Red Badger

Too pricey for $60. Rumor has it that by 2010 prices will dramatically drop for LED’s. In the meantime you can buy 48 CFL’s on eBay for $50 and that includes shipping.


238 posted on 11/12/2007 6:18:26 AM PST by Westlander (Unleash the Neutron Bomb)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 235 | View Replies]

To: RansomOttawa

CFL’s are OK for some applications.. say a porchlight where you will turn it on and leave it on for hours, and it doesn’t matter if it took 15-30 seconds to warm up and emit its full light output.

However in a situation where you want INSTANT ON like say a bathroom at night, or most indoor room applications they are a poor replacement for incandescence.

There is NO WAY I will replace ever bulb in my house with CFLs. I have tried them, and use them where they work for me, but they are not equivalent to an incandescent.

Make them illegal, and I’ll just become a criminal and get them on the black market.


239 posted on 11/12/2007 6:19:57 AM PST by HamiltonJay
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: Westlander
Ahem, the big 3 light bulb makers have already announced they will no longer be making incadescents so this proposed law is useless.

And who do you think is behind the scenes? Especially since there have/are other better alternatives - or would be if they were allowed to produce?

Someone should be ferreting out who owns stock that will bring some very big dividends on the new bulbs...

(BTW, I believe it's spelled "incandescents"? Gonna embrace 'em, aught spell 'em right, right?)

Also, BTW, I have some in my house, but not in all lamps. They dont' work in my lamps that run on the motion detector switches - they flicker like mad - and from reports - can be dangerous. I also find them uncomfortable to read by. So I have regular bulbs for those applications. Should be MY CHOICE - not dictated...(and for a product that requires hazmat 'rules of engagement' to clean up should one break, just how is this passing the CDC criteria for doing one of the FEW things big Gov's IS supposed to do - protect us from hazards that we can't ourselves. For months now, almost on a daily basis, we hear of new recalls of anything 'China' = and then we force these on everyone? (Doesn't pass the smell test.)

Meanwhile, I'm stocking up. That said, if the "proposed law is useless," why is it being implemented???

Ahem

How easily we are led to the edge of the cliff

240 posted on 11/12/2007 6:20:01 AM PST by maine-iac7 ("...but you can't fool all of the people all of the time" LINCOLN)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 186 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 201-220221-240241-260 ... 361-377 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson