CFL Full Form- Compact Fluorescent Lamp

What is CFL? The full form of CFL is Compact Fluorescent Lamp. These are energy-saving lights and are often suitable replacements for incandescent light bulbs. CFLs depend on gas reactions within their tubes for generating light. The folded tubes of these light bulbs comprise mercury vapor and argon while the interior has a fluorescent paint coating.

CFL Key Features and Aspects

• The internal ballast system of CFLs sends current via the tube for stimulating the gasses to emit ultraviolet light. 
• The UV rays are then absorbed by the fluorescent coating and visible light is emitted as a result. 
• Color temperature indicates the light quality of the CFL in comparison to sources like natural light. It is measured through CRI (color rendering index) that rates light quality in relation to daylight (CRI of 100). Good-quality CFL light bulbs can generate white light with CRI between 80-90. 
• One CFL uses just a quarter of the power that is used by a rival incandescent bulb for generating the same amount of what is known as lumens. These are measures of the amount of visible light emissions by light bulbs. 
• There are various kinds of CFL bulbs available today, including those with plug-in bases and some with screw-in bases. The former usually require 2 or 4-pin bulbs while those with GU24 bases need bulbs with a couple of locking pins and shorter threads. Candelabra bases are also available for CFL light bulbs globally. 
• CFLs use just up to 1/5th to 1/3rd of overall electric power that is consumed by incandescent lamps while lasting 8-15 times longer as well. 
• While CFLs are costlier than incandescent lamps, they can help save up to five-six times of the cost price throughout their lifetime. 
• The average lifespan of a CFL bulb is approximately 10,000-15,000 hours.