On Mon, 2007-09-03 at 12:05 -0700, Bob Axtell wrote:
> I have had spotty results with CFL bulbs. I have several fans with 
> fixtures for 3 40w standard bulbs
> which hang down at 30degree angles from the horizontal. I have tried CFL 
> bulbs there several times;
> most are not working after 30 days. I don't know why. But elsewhere in 
> the house, they are fine, and
> work perfectly. Maybe its the angle...?
> 
> They also work perfectly in solar-power inverter systems, too.
> 
> Go figure.

Actually it's no mystery. Read the warnings for the bulbs in question.

>From what I've seen, many CFL bulbs have warnings with regards to
orientation. Some are designed to only be installed "upright". I believe
this has something to do with heat dissipation. Many also have very
strict warnings regarding enclosed fixures (i.e. pot light type
fixtures).

I find the "better" bulbs either aren't as restrictive with orientation,
or just seem to be more tolerant. To date, I've only had one CFL fail,
and that was outdoors, in an enclosed fixture, made by a manufacturer I
wouldn't have rated highly before the bulb went.

Another big annoyance to me is turn on time. Unfortunately this doesn't
appear to ever be mentioned. As a result I shy away from the cheapest
bulbs. I find Phillips Marathon bulbs to be superb. They last a long
time, are quick to reach max brightness, turn on pretty much as fast as
a regular bulb, and have a good colour temp (to my eyes). That said, my
utility gave me two free CFLs. They are no name, and certainly the
cheapest they could find, but they also turn on instantly.

TTYL

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