catalogue > compact fluorescent FAQs

HOW TO ORDER COMPACT FLUORESCENT (CFL) FIXTURES

FROM METRO LIGHTING

We try to make this easy.

We know, or can find out, what bulbs will fit into which assemblies.

1. Please let us know which items interest you and we can give you their energy efficient options.

Just call, fax or email your inquiry including the note "CFL."

If you live in California and you know if Title 24 applies or not, or if you have any further specifications, that can only help.

See FAQ's below.

2. We will get back to you with options or questions ASAP.

HERE ARE A FEW FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOUT ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING

Bulb equivalency chart, approximations

Fluorescent vs. Incandescent

13w CFL = about 60w incandescent

18w CFL = about 75w incandescent

26w CFL = about 100w incandescent

Are CFL's dimmable?

We are yet to test a CFL that dims satisfactorily. Mostly, they flicker when dimmed. Hopefully this technology will be available in the near future. No promises.

What about LED's?

Light Emitting Diodes are highly efficient and last a very long time. They are directional, so not yet well suited to illuminate our beautiful glass shades.

Some LED recessed can lights and under-cabinet lights are good options, but we do not sell any currently.

See PermLight.com, theGreenHomeCenter.net

What is Title 24?

Title 24 is a CALIFORNIA energy code that requires 50% of the lighting WATTAGE in new kitchens to be energy efficient.

In new bathrooms, lighting needs to be energy efficient or controlled by an occupancy sensor.

Other new rooms are to be energy efficient or controlled by an occupancy sensor or dimmer.

Outdoor lighting is to be energy efficient or controlled by a light sensor/motion sensor combination.

[We will soon supply another link with more information about Title 24]

What do you mean by "hard-wired?"

A "hard-wired" fixture can only accept CFL bulbs. Screw-in bulbs are not an option.

What are "pin-style" bulbs?

To illuminate a "pin-style" bulb, its pins get inserted into a socket with corresponding holes.

We use two "pin-style" bulb types.

1. 4-Pin: The ballast is separate from the bulb. The bulb inserts straight into the socket.

2. GU-24: This spiral lamp/ballast combination inserts into two key slots in the socket and gets twisted to lock into place. The socket is very compact, so this will fit into most fixtures. [We will soon supply another link with CFL bulb and socket specifications]

What is "elective efficiency?"

If Title 24 does not apply to your project, but you want to be energy efficient, this is what we call "elective efficiency." You can use pin-style bulbs if you like, or you can choose standard incandescent sockets with screw-in CFL bulbs.

What is "color temperature?"

Color temperature is a technical measure of visible light along a spectrum from red to blue. It is measured in degrees, Kelvin. Incandescent bulbs burn at about 2300 to 2800 degrees Kelvin. Our own shorthand would be 23K. Fluorescent bulbs come in an array of color choices, mostly 27K, 30K, etc, up to 50K. The standard bulbs we use are 27K but we fill in with 30K bulbs if 27K is not available in a particular size or wattage.

What is the "color rendition index?"

The CRI is a rating scale comparing a given light source to "perfect" light. Perfect light would be make colors look 100% accurate. Incandescent bulbs tend to be in the high 80's. Good CFL bulbs are in the mid to high 80's. Our standard CFL bulbs are rated about CRI 84.

What is "full spectrum" lighting.

Full spectrum light simulates daylight. They tend to have a CRI of 90 or higher and a color temperature of 5000 Kelvin or higher. We can special-order these, but we currently only stock the warmer 27K and 30K bulbs.