Warning to Compact Flourescent Users - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

ngdawg · 03-02-2009, 04:13 PM

Sylvania does not put warnings on the outside of their packaging about placing their compact flourescents in overhead fixtures. There is one on the inner side flap. No warning at all exists on their online catalog site.

If you have these in any overhead fixtures, please take them down.

uncle phil · 03-02-2009, 04:24 PM

is there any more information extant on this?

these things are saving us a lot of money, and we've never had any problems even close to what these are showing...

Cynthetiq · 03-02-2009, 04:29 PM

can you show us what kind of fixture this was on?

braisler · 03-02-2009, 04:42 PM

I know that the bases of those compact fluorescents can get hot, but this is the first one that I have seen with that kind of burning. I've bought ones that are made like reflector bulbs for my overhead fixtures. I'd assume that those are constructed differently so that this wouldn't be a problem.

ngdawg · 03-02-2009, 04:43 PM

This is the closest I can find, but the cover doesn't clip like that-the ring and glass are on a hinge together.

cj2112 · 03-02-2009, 04:49 PM

was the fixture on a dimmer?

ratbastid · 03-02-2009, 04:50 PM

Was it in contact on the side there in a way it shouldn't be? Or is it a function of the sealed environment of a recessed fixture like that?

I'm just trying to get my head around what HAPPENED to that bulb...

ngdawg · 03-02-2009, 04:57 PM

There's no dimmer.
No, no contact with the sides or anything. The socket is in the center of a six inch wide white coated metal cylinder.
It just got hot and blew. First it just went out and before we could get to it, a *pop* and smoke poured out.

I wrote to Sylvania about the fact that there is NO warnings at all on the outside of their packaging, only on an inside flap that states a few things not to do and "totally enclosed luminaires", which, actually these are not. They're enclosed as recessed cylinders but there's even a small space between the rim and the ceiling; they don't seal tight.

cj2112 · 03-02-2009, 05:05 PM

Weird...here's what I found:

Quote:

Bulbs burn out when the ballast overheats and an electronic component,
the Voltage Dependent Resister (VDR), opens up like a fuse in your
home's fuse box, shutting off the circuit and generating heat and
possibly a small amount of smoke. This might sound dangerous, but the
VDR is a cut-off switch that prevents any hazards. The melted plastic
you're seeing where the glass coil connects to the ballast is simply a
sign that the heat is escaping as intended in the design of the bulb LINK

I'm not totally convinced they're safe.

braisler · 03-02-2009, 05:07 PM

Yeah man... where there's smoke, there's fire. Not feeling great about those CFLs.

snowy · 03-02-2009, 05:10 PM

I've been using them for years without any problems. My family started switching over to CFLs in the late 90s, and we've been using them around our home for several years now without issue, so I wouldn't go jumping to conclusions that some smoke and a burnt out bulb is somehow a fire risk.

ngdawg · 03-02-2009, 05:26 PM

The spouse just informed me, when I read him that link, that there was a flame where that spot is when he opened the fixture. Since they aren't sealed tight, if we had left that on and not been in the room, it could very well have caused a fire.

shakran · 03-02-2009, 05:39 PM

the manufacturer recommends not putting CFL bulbs into fixtures that are enclosed in any way, whether they're overhead or not. They have to have ventilation to dissipate the heat.

/friend used to sell them.
/I think they suck.
/fark-style slashies!

ngdawg · 03-02-2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakran

the manufacturer recommends not putting CFL bulbs into fixtures that are enclosed in any way, whether they're overhead or not. They have to have ventilation to dissipate the heat.

/friend used to sell them.
/I think they suck.
/fark-style slashies!

Ironically, SYlvania does recommend enclosed fixtures if the bulb is to be outside.

Our electric bill has been cut in half between last year and this, for a couple of reasons and I thought using these was one of them(we also bought an energy star fridge and I shut all computers when not in use). I'm going to change to LEDs.

Willravel · 03-02-2009, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ngdawg

I'm going to change to LEDs.

I use something like

these

in my closets because they're not super bright. They're just about right for a closet, though. They were supposedly the best and brightest available at Fry's, so I don't really know if you'll be able to find something that can really bright enough.

ngdawg · 03-02-2009, 06:09 PM

Our very own Tecoyah sells a variety of LEDs and most are pretty expensive. We have 5 ceiling lights that are capable of taking up to 60watt regular bulbs; these CFLs were a bit dimmer, but still sufficient. However, what good is sufficient if they're gonna blow? I like the idea of LEDs because they supposedly stay cool.

Willravel · 03-02-2009, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ngdawg

Our very own Tecoyah sells a variety of LEDs and most are pretty expensive. We have 5 ceiling lights that are capable of taking up to 60watt regular bulbs; these CFLs were a bit dimmer, but still sufficient. However, what good is sufficient if they're gonna blow? I like the idea of LEDs because they supposedly stay cool.

I didn't know that about Tec! That's awesome.

You're absolutely right that sufficient doesn't count against danger of fire. My experience with LEDs is extremely limited. Tec could likely tell you a ton more then me.

ASU2003 · 03-02-2009, 07:29 PM

Even if there was a flame, shouldn't the metal housing protect it from coming into contact with any flamable materials?

Has anybody heard of any house fires caused by this issue?

amonkie · 03-02-2009, 07:39 PM

I have several of Tec's LED's in my apartment, and can testify to the coolness.

After leaving the bulb on for several hours, it is just as cool as when I turned it on - I've swapped out bulbs as I was experiment with the lighting, as I have far more fixtures than I do lightbulbs - currently 2 $40 LED bulbs in lamps and 2 more that I move around every couple days.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ngdawg

Our very own Tecoyah sells a variety of LEDs and most are pretty expensive. We have 5 ceiling lights that are capable of taking up to 60watt regular bulbs; these CFLs were a bit dimmer, but still sufficient. However, what good is sufficient if they're gonna blow? I like the idea of LEDs because they supposedly stay cool.

filtherton · 03-02-2009, 09:23 PM

Where the fuck is that Tecoyah anyways?

ngdawg · 03-02-2009, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASU2003

Even if there was a flame, shouldn't the metal housing protect it from coming into contact with any flamable materials?

Has anybody heard of any house fires caused by this issue?

Funny you should ask. I just got done reading this:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cumberland Times

CUMBERLAND - When Rick Jenkins began replacing the common, incandescent bulbs around his house with compact fluorescent lamps about 12 months ago, he didn't give much thought about saving the environment.

Instead, the Bel Air resident and Pitt-Ohio Express truck driver just wanted to stop buying light bulbs so often. Any environmental benefit, he figured, was a side effect.

That was then. A week has passed since a fire destroyed his split-level home on View Crest Drive. Rick Jenkins, wife Angie and 6-year-old daughter, Haley, lost everything but their family pooch, a 2-year-old goldendoodle. Fire investigators determined the fire was caused by a CFL connected to a dimmer switch. Packaging on many types of CFLs includes a warning not to connect them to dimmer switches.

Now, just the notion of twisting in the curlycue bulbs is a real-life nightmare.

"I wouldn't recommend them to anyone," Jenkins said Monday afternoon, bearing a strong odor of smoke after meeting with contractors at the site of the fire. "They aren't worth the cost."

Damage to the Jenkins home is estimated at $165,000. While friends and loved ones are aiding the family, Jenkins is a bit in awe about how the fire started in the first place.

Deputy State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray said CFL-related fires are "certainly not a trend."

"I had it unofficially reported to me that even nationally, very few of these incidents are known to have occurred," said Mowbray, adding he has more than a half dozen CFLs installed in his home. "Certainly there's a lot of variables and considerations that go into any of these types of situations."

Jenkins said he's since read about a handful of CFL-related fires across the country, but nothing to indicate there's something wrong with the product. The State Fire Marshal's Office issued a news release within a few days after the fire, encouraging consumers to read the warning labels on any product on the market.

"I don't read light bulbs," Jenkins said. "I wouldn't think I'd ever have to."

Many people are aware of the low levels of mercury CFLs contain. Certain steps need to be taken if a CFL is broken and particles fall on a tile floor or on a carpet. Detailed safety steps can be accessed at Home : ENERGY STAR. Energy Star is a joint venture between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.

Jenkins said many packages containing CFLs promote in large letters they can replace a "standard" light bulb. The fine print, however, includes some of the conditions in which they must be operated.

Great Value, a Wal-Mart brand, first lists on its packaging that the bulbs could cause interference to "radios, televisions and wireless devices."

Also, "do not install near maritime safety communications or other critical navigation or communication equipment operating between 0.45 and 30 megahertz."

Only after the maritime warning does the packaging warn that outdoor lights must be enclosed - Jenkins did have a globe over his outdoor CFL, where the fire originated - and not to use them with "emergency exit fixtures or lights, electronic timers, photocells or dimmers."

Philips brand CFLs also include warnings on the outside of the package while GE prints a warning on the bulb itself. On much of GE's packaging, the bulb can be seen without having to be opened.

Despite a very difficult week, Jenkins doesn't blame the light bulb for the fire. He said he's "not the type" to file a lawsuit over the issue but that people should be careful - and read the warning label - when buying anything that gets plugged in.

Haley Jenkins is just beginning to realize her father's newly discovered zeal for safety. She recently purchased a Nintendo Wii video game console with money given to her after the fire. Before she was allowed to take it out of the box, Jenkins said he was already reading the warning label.

SourceWhile Phillips and GE place their warnings visibly either on the outside of the package or on the bulb itself, I have a problem with Sylvania sticking it on an inside flap out of sight until you get home and rip it open. And I do mean "rip"-it's not anywhere where you could readily notice it-it's on the top of an inside side panel.

SSJTWIZTA · 03-02-2009, 10:41 PM

whoa, thanks for bringing this to my attention. it looks like im going to be making sure all my lights are off before i leave (as they should be anyway.)

hopefully with time this problem will be fixed.

ngdawg · 03-02-2009, 11:02 PM

That black is where the flame hit.

I found a .gov site for anything EnergyStar related and it has an email just for CFLs and saying if anyone encounters a problem, to send them photos, explain what happened, etc. Sounds to me like these things are not the great item they were touted to be and the government knows it. Of course, I sent these images.

SSJTWIZTA · 03-02-2009, 11:30 PM

hm, thats no good.

i hope this doesnt turn into a ford pinto situation. you know, no one fixes the problem because its just cheaper to pay off whoever.

the place im staying at, at the moment doesnt have overheads. hopefully, i wont be seeing a problem like this. hopefully.

Destrox · 03-03-2009, 06:39 AM

At my last job we used these fluorescent bulbs for our entry way.

I had probably 5-6 of them "burn up" in the base unit. Literally charred, super hot. (Remember these puppies ran 24/7, not household standard but not safe at all.)

Far from safe, and they contain mercury as well. Horrible for the environment.

Personally I avoid them as well, and this just helps my decision.

mrklixx · 03-03-2009, 09:07 AM

Normally if I have something electric fail once, even in a dangerous way, I chalk it up to a faulty unit. I accept the fact that anything mass produced is subject to errors. However, If my lightbulbs start exploding exploding in massive fireballs, and plumes of smoke, it might give me pause.

Also, when any "official" makes a statement like this :

Quote:

Deputy State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray said CFL-related fires are "certainly not a trend."

"I had it unofficially reported to me that even nationally, very few of these incidents are known to have occurred," said Mowbray, adding he has more than a half dozen CFLs installed in his home. "Certainly there's a lot of variables and considerations that go into any of these types of situations."

it usually means they are hiding something. I wouldn't be surprised if the recent surge in airplane crashes isn't somehow related to this.

genuinegirly · 03-03-2009, 10:37 AM

Wow. Crap. Talk about a major design defect. We have these all over our apartment. Not in closed-in spaces.

shakran · 03-03-2009, 11:55 AM

As with many government sponsored or mandated "environmental" programs, such as ethanol, IMO CFL's suck. Their light is lousy, dimmer, harsher, and flickery, they have mercury and other crap that you don't want to touch or to get into the environment, and they don't last nearly as long as advertised.

MSD · 03-03-2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Destrox

At my last job we used these fluorescent bulbs for our entry way.

I had probably 5-6 of them "burn up" in the base unit. Literally charred, super hot. (Remember these puppies ran 24/7, not household standard but not safe at all.)

Far from safe, and they contain mercury as well. Horrible for the environment.

Personally I avoid them as well, and this just helps my decision.

Even if it only lasts the same amount of time as an incandescent, the amount of mercury put into the environment from burning coal to light the incandescent is larger than the amount in a CFL.

Cynthetiq · 03-03-2009, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakran

As with many government sponsored or mandated "environmental" programs, such as ethanol, IMO CFL's suck. Their light is lousy, dimmer, harsher, and flickery, they have mercury and other crap that you don't want to touch or to get into the environment, and they don't last nearly as long as advertised.

I don't like the colors they emit. I've tried the "warmer" styles but they don't seem to work all that well for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSD

Even if it only lasts the same amount of time as an incandescent, the amount of mercury put into the environment from burning coal to light the incandescent is larger than the amount in a CFL.

So then isn't it a matter of spreading the mercury? Or also there's double mercury? I'm not sure what the measurement is...

*Nikki* · 03-03-2009, 01:33 PM

I have them in all fixtures.

The overhead ones are not enclosed though. Never had an issue.

Everyone who uses CFL should know how to recycle them also. Don't throw them in the trash.

kemal · 03-03-2009, 02:00 PM

Incandescent bulbs can blow up, and start fires as well. I'm just sayin..

ASU2003 · 03-03-2009, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cynthetiq

I don't like the colors they emit. I've tried the "warmer" styles but they don't seem to work all that well for me.

There are different colors. I had bought a 'blue/white' light at first for my house, but after about ten minutes, I exchanged them for a lower yellow type color. I still have the white/blue ones in my garage though.

Reese · 03-03-2009, 05:37 PM

The Ballast needs room to breath. Any enclosed, sealed or not should be avoided. Dimmer switches are also a big problem and you should definitely avoid them when using CFLs. I thought for sure the bulbs I bought had a pretty plain warning on the back of the package. I guess I had read that information elsewhere. I haven't had any problems from my CFLs yet other than when they do blow, they don't go out with a bang, they just kinda flicker and annoy the crap out of my until I climb up there and unscrew it. A while ago, when using incandescent light bulbs, I was setting on my couch and heard a pop and a hot, broken bulb landed in my lap.

filtherton · 03-03-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cynthetiq

So then isn't it a matter of spreading the mercury? Or also there's double mercury? I'm not sure what the measurement is...

If you took every CFL sold last year (or maybe 2005 or 2006), lit it for the duration of its predicted life span and then broke it on the street, you'd still be putting less mercury into the environment than if there were no CFLs being used.

Incandescent light bulbs are ridiculously inefficient. Coal power plants produce much of the electricity in the United States. BAM!

Psycho Dad · 03-03-2009, 07:18 PM

I'll have to look at the ones I put in the cieling fixture in my den tomorrow. I did have one that I put in my brew closet go out within 4 months leaving me less than impressed with the longevity.

MSD · 03-04-2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cynthetiq

So then isn't it a matter of spreading the mercury? Or also there's double mercury? I'm not sure what the measurement is...

For a 60w and equivalent 13w CFL, powering the CFL will release 1.2mg of mercury as opposed to 5.8mg for the incandescent. Landfilling the CFL will release .6mg of mercury. The net savings if you recycle are over 4.6mg and 4.0mg if you don't.

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partner...et_Mercury.pdf

ngdawg · 03-04-2009, 12:35 PM

So I get a reply from EnergyStar.gov:

Quote:

Originally Posted by email

Thank you for sending us your information on your experience with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL. We apologize for your unsatisfactory experience with an ENERGY STAR qualified product. We are committed to continue to do our best to document and attempt to resolve these issues with manufacturers to reduce instances of defects in the future.

Unfortunately, there have been some instances of CFLs smoking or smoldering. While this usually occurs when the product is defective, or installed improperly it is nonetheless a concern to consumers, EPA and DOE. Currently, the Department of Energy (DOE) is working with industry to make sure this phenomenon is eliminated by requiring all ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs to incorporate end-of-life requirements and higher safety standards. ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs meet UL safety standards, which require the materials to be self-extinguishing. So, although the base or glass tubing may darken, an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL should never catch on fire.1
CFL manufacturers recommend that you install and remove CFLs by grasping the plastic portions of the base only. If the CFL is screwed into a light socket by twisting the tube rather than the plastic base, it can cause the vacuum seal or glass tubing in the CFL to break. Once certain parts are exposed to oxygen, they are more liable to become defective and/or overheat.2
In some cases, when a CFL reaches it end of useful life, the arc contained in the tube may elevate the temperature of the housing plastic near one end of the tube. This elevated temperature, although it is short lived, may produce some limited smoke and odor from the electronics and fire-retardant cover. In some cases a flashing arc internal to the fluorescent tube or ballast may occur and in some extreme cases, a deformation, significant distortion, or small breach of the plastic material may happen. Again, the materials and evaluation tests are designed to prevent subsequent safety hazard. The plastic housing is designed to self-extinguish, and it is the nature of fire retardant materials to exhibit some deformation or discoloration when acting in protective mode. However, it is understandable that you may be concerned and disappointed that the bulb did not perform to your expectations.3
Manufacturers producing ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs are required to offer at least a 2 year limited warranty (covering manufacturer defects) for residential applications4. In some cases, the manufacturer may request the failed product to be shipped to them so they can determine why the smoking happened, so make sure to keep the product until you speak to the manufacturer. The manufacturer will most likely provide a replacement product or a refund.

I will catalogue this incident in our database. We hope your experience with the other ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs you are currently using is a positive one. Any time you are using a CFL over an incandescent, you are saving energy. So, even though some of the products you used failed prematurely, you were saving energy and money every time you used them.5
Another thing to keep in mind is that though you may experience problems with one type of CFL you may have a positive experience with another. We hope that you do not disregard all ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs based on a negative experience with one product or brand.

UL tests products for consumer safety, you can read what their spokesperson said about this type of failure here UL | Newsroom - UL Sets the Record Straight on Safety and Compact Fluorescent Lamps

For the most up-to-date information on CFL care and disposal go to www.energystar.gov/CFLsandMercury. This document also provides the EPA's new website www.epa.gov\bulbrecycling with local recycling options. More retailers and interested parties are working on developing easier solutions to the issue, The Home Depot, IKEA and select Ace Hardware stores now collect CFLs for recycling. You can also visit Recycle A Bulb - Veolia Environmental Services to see if other recycling options are available near you.

Thank you for contacting ENERGY STAR regarding this instance and thank you for your interest in ENERGY STAR.

1) Well, fire occured, so take that for what it's worth...
2)So, let me get this straight. They're not supposed to be enclosed, but they're not supposed to come in contact with oxygen. That would leave...what?
3)That'd be correct. I didn't install them thinking they'd pop, catch fire and stink up my house.
4) Two years? It didn't even last 4 months!
5) Yes and risking death by fire, but hey, look at my electric bill go down!

Gotta love those government types....

shakran · 03-04-2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ngdawg

1) Well, fire occured, so take that for what it's worth...

Anything will burn if you get it hot enough.

Quote:

2)So, let me get this straight. They're not supposed to be enclosed, but they're not supposed to come in contact with oxygen. That would leave...what?

The interior of the bulb - the glass part - is not supposed to come in contact with oxygen. That's why they create a partial vacuum in there. They do not mean that the exterior of the bulb must be installed in a vacuum.

Quote:

4) Two years? It didn't even last 4 months!

And remember, we are informed that CFL's last 7-10 years, which is pretty much bullshit in practice. I personally prefer halogen bulbs. A mild energy savings (a 60 watt halogen puts out as much light as a standard 100w bulb), they last much longer (the halogen environment allows for a process called filament regeneration. In a regular bulb, the filament degrades and bits of it break off and stick to the wall of the bulb. In a halogen bulb, the bits break off and then land on the filament again, helping it last longer).

william · 03-06-2009, 07:21 PM

A lightbulb won't get hot - really?

03-02-2009, 04:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
ngdawg peekaboo Location: on the back, bitch	Warning to Compact Flourescent Users Sylvania does not put warnings on the outside of their packaging about placing their compact flourescents in overhead fixtures. There is one on the inner side flap. No warning at all exists on their online catalog site. If you have these in any overhead fixtures, please take them down. __________________ Don't blame me. I didn't vote for either of'em.

03-02-2009, 04:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
uncle phil comfortably numb... Super Moderator Location: upstate	is there any more information extant on this? these things are saving us a lot of money, and we've never had any problems even close to what these are showing... __________________ "We were wrong, terribly wrong. (We) should not have tried to fight a guerrilla war with conventional military tactics against a foe willing to absorb enormous casualties...in a country lacking the fundamental political stability necessary to conduct effective military and pacification operations. It could not be done and it was not done." - Robert S. McNamara ----------------------------------------- "We will take our napalm and flame throwers out of the land that scarcely knows the use of matches... We will leave you your small joys and smaller troubles." - Eugene McCarthy in "Vietnam Message" ----------------------------------------- never wrestle with a pig. you both get dirty; the pig likes it.

03-02-2009, 04:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	can you show us what kind of fixture this was on? __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

03-02-2009, 04:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
ngdawg peekaboo Location: on the back, bitch	This is the closest I can find, but the cover doesn't clip like that-the ring and glass are on a hinge together. __________________ Don't blame me. I didn't vote for either of'em.

03-02-2009, 04:57 PM	#8 (permalink)
ngdawg peekaboo Location: on the back, bitch	There's no dimmer. No, no contact with the sides or anything. The socket is in the center of a six inch wide white coated metal cylinder. It just got hot and blew. First it just went out and before we could get to it, a pop and smoke poured out. I wrote to Sylvania about the fact that there is NO warnings at all on the outside of their packaging, only on an inside flap that states a few things not to do and "totally enclosed luminaires", which, actually these are not. They're enclosed as recessed cylinders but there's even a small space between the rim and the ceiling; they don't seal tight. __________________ Don't blame me. I didn't vote for either of'em.

03-02-2009, 04:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
braisler Addict Location: Midway, KY	I know that the bases of those compact fluorescents can get hot, but this is the first one that I have seen with that kind of burning. I've bought ones that are made like reflector bulbs for my overhead fixtures. I'd assume that those are constructed differently so that this wouldn't be a problem.

03-02-2009, 04:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
cj2112 Unbelievable Location: Grants Pass OR	was the fixture on a dimmer?

03-02-2009, 04:50 PM	#7 (permalink)
ratbastid Darth Papa Location: Yonder	Was it in contact on the side there in a way it shouldn't be? Or is it a function of the sealed environment of a recessed fixture like that? I'm just trying to get my head around what HAPPENED to that bulb...

03-02-2009, 05:07 PM	#10 (permalink)
braisler Addict Location: Midway, KY	Yeah man... where there's smoke, there's fire. Not feeling great about those CFLs.

03-02-2009, 05:10 PM	#11 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	I've been using them for years without any problems. My family started switching over to CFLs in the late 90s, and we've been using them around our home for several years now without issue, so I wouldn't go jumping to conclusions that some smoke and a burnt out bulb is somehow a fire risk. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

03-02-2009, 05:26 PM	#12 (permalink)
ngdawg peekaboo Location: on the back, bitch	The spouse just informed me, when I read him that link, that there was a flame where that spot is when he opened the fixture. Since they aren't sealed tight, if we had left that on and not been in the room, it could very well have caused a fire. __________________ Don't blame me. I didn't vote for either of'em.

03-02-2009, 05:39 PM	#13 (permalink)
shakran Tone.	the manufacturer recommends not putting CFL bulbs into fixtures that are enclosed in any way, whether they're overhead or not. They have to have ventilation to dissipate the heat. /friend used to sell them. /I think they suck. /fark-style slashies!

03-02-2009, 06:09 PM	#16 (permalink)
ngdawg peekaboo Location: on the back, bitch	Our very own Tecoyah sells a variety of LEDs and most are pretty expensive. We have 5 ceiling lights that are capable of taking up to 60watt regular bulbs; these CFLs were a bit dimmer, but still sufficient. However, what good is sufficient if they're gonna blow? I like the idea of LEDs because they supposedly stay cool. __________________ Don't blame me. I didn't vote for either of'em.

03-02-2009, 07:29 PM	#18 (permalink)
ASU2003 immoral minority Location: Back in Ohio	Even if there was a flame, shouldn't the metal housing protect it from coming into contact with any flamable materials? Has anybody heard of any house fires caused by this issue?

03-02-2009, 09:23 PM	#20 (permalink)
filtherton Junkie Location: In the land of ice and snow.	Where the fuck is that Tecoyah anyways?

03-02-2009, 10:41 PM	#22 (permalink)
SSJTWIZTA Master Thief. Master Criminal. Masturbator. Location: Windiwana	whoa, thanks for bringing this to my attention. it looks like im going to be making sure all my lights are off before i leave (as they should be anyway.) hopefully with time this problem will be fixed. __________________ First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the communists and I did not speak out because I was not a communist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist Then they came for me And there was no one left to speak out for me. -Pastor Martin Niemoller

03-02-2009, 11:02 PM	#23 (permalink)
ngdawg peekaboo Location: on the back, bitch	That black is where the flame hit. I found a .gov site for anything EnergyStar related and it has an email just for CFLs and saying if anyone encounters a problem, to send them photos, explain what happened, etc. Sounds to me like these things are not the great item they were touted to be and the government knows it. Of course, I sent these images. __________________ Don't blame me. I didn't vote for either of'em.

03-02-2009, 11:30 PM	#24 (permalink)
SSJTWIZTA Master Thief. Master Criminal. Masturbator. Location: Windiwana	hm, thats no good. i hope this doesnt turn into a ford pinto situation. you know, no one fixes the problem because its just cheaper to pay off whoever. the place im staying at, at the moment doesnt have overheads. hopefully, i wont be seeing a problem like this. hopefully. __________________ First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for the communists and I did not speak out because I was not a communist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist Then they came for me And there was no one left to speak out for me. -Pastor Martin Niemoller

03-03-2009, 06:39 AM	#25 (permalink)
Destrox Metal and Rock 4 Life Location: Phoenix	At my last job we used these fluorescent bulbs for our entry way. I had probably 5-6 of them "burn up" in the base unit. Literally charred, super hot. (Remember these puppies ran 24/7, not household standard but not safe at all.) Far from safe, and they contain mercury as well. Horrible for the environment. Personally I avoid them as well, and this just helps my decision. __________________ You bore me.... next. Last edited by Destrox; 03-03-2009 at 06:41 AM..

03-03-2009, 10:37 AM	#27 (permalink)
genuinegirly Eat your vegetables Super Moderator Location: Arabidopsis-ville	Wow. Crap. Talk about a major design defect. We have these all over our apartment. Not in closed-in spaces. __________________ "Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy

03-03-2009, 11:55 AM	#28 (permalink)
shakran Tone.	As with many government sponsored or mandated "environmental" programs, such as ethanol, IMO CFL's suck. Their light is lousy, dimmer, harsher, and flickery, they have mercury and other crap that you don't want to touch or to get into the environment, and they don't last nearly as long as advertised.

03-03-2009, 01:33 PM	#31 (permalink)
Nikki ~~~~~~~ Location: Charleston, SC	I have them in all fixtures. The overhead ones are not enclosed though. Never had an issue. Everyone who uses CFL should know how to recycle them also. Don't throw them in the trash.

03-03-2009, 02:00 PM	#32 (permalink)
kemal Upright Location: San Diego, CA	Incandescent bulbs can blow up, and start fires as well. I'm just sayin..

03-03-2009, 05:37 PM	#34 (permalink)
Reese Delicious	The Ballast needs room to breath. Any enclosed, sealed or not should be avoided. Dimmer switches are also a big problem and you should definitely avoid them when using CFLs. I thought for sure the bulbs I bought had a pretty plain warning on the back of the package. I guess I had read that information elsewhere. I haven't had any problems from my CFLs yet other than when they do blow, they don't go out with a bang, they just kinda flicker and annoy the crap out of my until I climb up there and unscrew it. A while ago, when using incandescent light bulbs, I was setting on my couch and heard a pop and a hot, broken bulb landed in my lap. __________________ “It is better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick” - Dave Barry

03-03-2009, 07:18 PM	#36 (permalink)
Psycho Dad Mulletproof Location: Some nucking fut house.	I'll have to look at the ones I put in the cieling fixture in my den tomorrow. I did have one that I put in my brew closet go out within 4 months leaving me less than impressed with the longevity. __________________ Don't always trust the opinions of experts.

03-06-2009, 07:21 PM	#40 (permalink)
william Psycho	A lightbulb won't get hot - really?