Other than being twisted, what makes these bulbs different than the straight tube fluorescent bulbs?
> Other than being twisted, what makes these bulbs different than the straight tube fluorescent bulbs?
Not much. It’s almost identical technology to that used in the fluorescent bulbs we all have known and used for five decades, in our homes, offices, shops, etc. The only significant difference is that CFLs use a higher frequency of electrical stimulation of the ionized gas, to reduce the “flicker” of the classic straight tube and circular tube types. And that is an improvement.
All fluorescent tubes have mercury. All fluorescent tubes are potentially dangerous for the identical reasons. And always have been. How many people do you know who we’re killed by classic fluorescent bulbs?
The legitimate objection to CFLs is that they’re being forced on us. But this talk of how they’re some new kind of Evil Tech Device is just silly.
Energy efficency and cost for sure, and maybe the tendency to leak UVA and UVC light, the latter possibly due to its unique shape.
CFL bulbs are self contained units. They contain the ballast and some electronics. A "standard straight (homophobic term!) bulb" needs a balast that is built into the lighting unit.