Compact fluorescent are the small coiled lamps you see used in almost any type
of light fixture that used to use an incandescent light bulb. But many people
have had an occasion when they need these in a candelabra base, the kind which
you use in things like chandeliers or other types of small base fixtures.
No matter what the base is, compact fluorescent bulbs are often chosen more
often than other types of bulbs. They are chosen most often because of the great
light output and good color along with energy efficiency as well. When compared
to incandescent lighting, these are longer lasting, using much less energy
making them a perfect choice for almost any type of lighting.
You can get these in almost any color you want but most of them come in a
warmer color. Candelabra base compact fluorescent bulbs, like all types can come in many other colors as well and
are identified by their Kelvin temperature. By definition, virtually all are
full spectrum in that they contain some of all colors in their spectral range.
However, the term full spectrum is primarily used when referring to those lamps
that fall into the white to blue/white color temperature range. Color
temperature is measured by a term called Kelvin. 3000 Kelvin would be a warm
tone color, 5000 Kelvin would be a white color and 6500 Kelvin would be a
blue/white color. You'll find a great variety of these for your home in
the candelabra base, so you don't have to change out fixtures or table
lamps, simply screw it in.
As with all fluorescent bulbs, they rely on ballasts inside of the fixtures
or units to make them work. Most of the time
though the ballast in the lamp
are matched electrically and so it's good to make sure the ballast you have is
the right one for the lamp you choose. Many of you are probably familiar with
the screw base that you would use a candelabra light socket. On
these, the ballast is an integral part of the lamp itself. Usually they
are a one-piece unit and when you're done with it, you throw it away. This
is good for home users because you don't have to determine what has gone bad
when it finally does get to the end of its life. You simply replace it
with a complete new bulb that you have.
Remember that there are a few types of candelabra base compact fluorescent light bulbs, we describe some
of the most common used in home and commercial lighting here. Whatever type you choose,
you will be saving energy in fixtures you probably didn't think you could
possibly fit. We have a
large inventory of fluorescent bulbs for nearly every type of light fixture in
the field. If you need help identifying a bulb, our customer
service representatives can help you find out which one you have.