[ad47uk]

Originally Posted by simonoaks

I am concerned that proper lightbulbs are becoming harder to find, and I am also worried that some silly law might come out to take them all off the shelf. Therefore, I managed to source 200 60W proper lamps for just 14p each, bargain

where did you get them from? Pound stretchers are was doing 8 for 99p, with is just over 12p each, which is pretty good. Not working this weekend, so I will pop in there on Saturday or Monday and buy some more 100watt and another pack of 60watt, I think that should do it then and should last for years unless every single bulb goes in the house every month for the next couple of years.

[Nic Rhodes]

Originally Posted by ad47uk

who have a problem?

The planet

[ad47uk]

Originally Posted by Nic Rhodes

The planet

The planet will be fine, climate have changed since it came into existence and will keep changing until the day it dies.
It is not a problem, the problem is adapting.

[robh2002]

Originally Posted by ad47uk

The planet will be fine, climate have changed since it came into existence and will keep changing until the day it dies.
It is not a problem, the problem is adapting.

...as an expert in all the branches of science involved I am sure you are right...just a bit of sarcasm there.

HOWEVER. Perhaps we could get back to the real purpose of this forum and thread and discuss low energy lighting as a method of reducing our carbon footprint. The members who are not interested in contributing in a positive manner might consider 'meeting' elsewhere.

Just a thought...

Has anyone tried the 5W luxeon based halogen replacements yet - I want to rid myself of the last filament bulb in my house! Can anyone comment on the quantity of light output?

[simonoaks]

Originally Posted by robhowell

...not such a bargain when you consider the cost of the energy they use!

But when I have a stock of 2000 and they are no longer available in shops I will make a fortune on the re-sale price and thus pay all my energy bills

[simonoaks]

Originally Posted by andykn

The point I was trying to make is that the Laws of Physics rather than some "silly" law of the land are driving this, whether people who do not understand like it or not.

I am well versed in the Sciences, and particularly Physics, what point are you trying to make regarding the Laws of Physics, of which there are many?

All I am saying is that I have yet to find any energy efficient lamps that fit my need, I am not concerned about the energy it takes to light my house, I just want it lit the way I want.

In the name of Physics, and many other things, it would be better to just build enough nuclear power stations to provide the energy we need. Irrespective of whether you agree/ disagree with global warming, it will at least stop us having to rely on so many foreign nations for our core energy supplies.

[Sonic67]

Originally Posted by simonoaks

I am well versed in the Sciences, and particularly Physics, what point are you trying to make regarding the Laws of Physics, of which there are many?

How about the nonsense of producing a light that uses most of it's energy burning it up in heat instead?

I use energy saving bulbs as they last a long time and are efficient. If you want heat put the central heating on.

[simonoaks]

Originally Posted by Sonic67

How about the nonsense of producing a light that uses most of it's energy burning it up in heat instead?

I use energy saving bulbs as they last a long time and are efficient. If you want heat put the central heating on.

That is fine, but I would rather that than a lamp that uses all its energy to not produce the required light.

I have have an oil powered boiler as I have no gas mains, therefore, I figure if I use lightbulbs as both lighting and heating, I am drastically reducing my carbon footprint by using the boiler for just hotwater and not heating

[Nic Rhodes]

Originally Posted by robhowell

Has anyone tried the 5W luxeon based halogen replacements yet - I want to rid myself of the last filament bulb in my house! Can anyone comment on the quantity of light output?

Intend to buy a couple of the bright ones next week to try out Rob, will post thoughts here

[Nic Rhodes]

Originally Posted by ad47uk

The planet will be fine, climate have changed since it came into existence and will keep changing until the day it dies.
It is not a problem, the problem is adapting.

I don't think any of us professionals in this area doubt that the planet has constantly changed in it's life or that this process won't continue, what we fear for is the millions / billions that may well die as the rapid short term changes that have occured to the polutants we put into the atmosphere make changes too quick for humans to adapt. Luckily nowdays I meet no one in the 'energy sector' or the 'CO2' centres or the other 'interested parties' like the government that doesn't believe this to one state or another, even in the like of the big oil companies. We have to change one way or another, and using a 100w device to produce light is just plain daft when the same came be done for less than 10% of the power on devices that last much longer as well.

[robh2002]

Originally Posted by Nic Rhodes

Intend to buy a couple of the bright ones next week to try out Rob, will post thoughts here

Thanks Nic - I look forward to reading what you think.

[ad47uk]

Originally Posted by Nic Rhodes

I don't think any of us professionals in this area doubt that the planet has constantly changed in it's life or that this process won't continue, what we fear for is the millions / billions that may well die as the rapid short term changes that have occured to the polutants we put into the atmosphere make changes too quick for humans to adapt. Luckily nowdays I meet no one in the 'energy sector' or the 'CO2' centres or the other 'interested parties' like the government that doesn't believe this to one state or another, even in the like of the big oil companies. We have to change one way or another, and using a 100w device to produce light is just plain daft when the same came be done for less than 10% of the power on devices that last much longer as well.

I am not against using less power for lighting, if I was I would not have got the low energy daylight bulb I got in my living room, it only uses 25watt compared to 150watt, I would have also ripped out the tube light in the kitchen. I have got rid of that horrid Fluorescent 2d comp[act thing that the landlord put in the bathroom and now got a normal light and bulb in that.

So I am not against energy saving light bulbs, but I need good light and so far apart from the daylight one I got inb my living room, I have not found any that is suitable. I already got a drawer full of low energy bulbs that I have tried over the last few years, I am not buying any more.

I also still think that low energy bulbs are only good in places where they are left on, because of their warm up time. On the stairs I need something that is quick to light the stairs up.

Millions of people dying may be the way to control the population, may sound harsh, but the world is over populated, or we could ban peple from having kids for a few years

[Sonic67]

Originally Posted by ad47uk

So I am not against energy saving light bulbs, but I need good light and so far apart from the daylight one I got inb my living room, I have not found any that is suitable.

Go brighter. The reason why a lampshade is quoted at 60w is because that's the maximum filament lamp it will take. Any brighter and the heat from the filament lamp becomes a fire risk. However you aren't using filament lamps. So don't bother with a 60w equivalent, use a 100w equivalent.

[robh2002]

Originally Posted by ad47uk

I am not against using less power for lighting, if I was I would not have got the low energy daylight bulb I got in my living room, it only uses 25watt compared to 150watt, I would have also ripped out the tube light in the kitchen. I have got rid of that horrid Fluorescent 2d comp[act thing that the landlord put in the bathroom and now got a normal light and bulb in that.

So I am not against energy saving light bulbs, but I need good light and so far apart from the daylight one I got inb my living room, I have not found any that is suitable. I already got a drawer full of low energy bulbs that I have tried over the last few years, I am not buying any more.

I also still think that low energy bulbs are only good in places where they are left on, because of their warm up time. On the stairs I need something that is quick to light the stairs up.

Millions of people dying may be the way to control the population, may sound harsh, but the world is over populated, or we could ban peple from having kids for a few years

WE KNOW! You post about it again and again and again!

[ad47uk]

Originally Posted by Sonic67

Go brighter. The reason why a lampshade is quoted at 60w is because that's the maximum filament lamp it will take. Any brighter and the heat from the filament lamp becomes a fire risk. However you aren't using filament lamps. So don't bother with a 60w equivalent, use a 100w equivalent.

It is not just the brightness, it is also the colour of the light they produce/ Why I went for a daylight one in my sitting room

[andykn]

Originally Posted by ad47uk

The upstairs comp is normally in use, even if I am not by it, the laptop is just useful to be left on and to be honest take very little power. The other stuff left on standby is because it is easier and less hassle.

I prefer having a remote control mains switch, zero hassle and lower energy bills, I really have so many better things to do with my money and life than leave the lounge illuminated with little red LEDs all day and night and going to work to pay for it.

[ad47uk]

Originally Posted by andykn

I prefer having a remote control mains switch, zero hassle and lower energy bills, I really have so many better things to do with my money and life than leave the lounge illuminated with little red LEDs all day and night and going to work to pay for it.

A mate of mine got one of these remote control switches, he uses it for his pond pump. It works well.

I was looking at them myself, but they are pretty expensive, the other problem is that not everything can be put onto these switches, the PVR and the DVd recorder for instance, the Hi-fi takes 1 watt on standby, so it is not worth sticking one on there, just like my T.v only takes one watt.

I may have a think about it, could be useful for the computer bits upstairs, like printer, scanner, and other stuff that uses power when not in use.

[andykn]

Originally Posted by ad47uk

A mate of mine got one of these remote control switches, he uses it for his pond pump. It works well.

I was looking at them myself, but they are pretty expensive, the other problem is that not everything can be put onto these switches, the PVR and the DVd recorder for instance, the Hi-fi takes 1 watt on standby, so it is not worth sticking one on there, just like my T.v only takes one watt.

I may have a think about it, could be useful for the computer bits upstairs, like printer, scanner, and other stuff that uses power when not in use.

I have a double socket behind the TV unit, one outlet for PVR, VCR and router, the other through the remote mains switch for TV, amp, XBox, CD player etc. I've never needed to check what mine use on standby, I'd make sure you're right with the 1 watt but I have heard that newer stuff is much better.

[ad47uk]

Originally Posted by andykn

I have a double socket behind the TV unit, one outlet for PVR, VCR and router, the other through the remote mains switch for TV, amp, XBox, CD player etc. I've never needed to check what mine use on standby, I'd make sure you're right with the 1 watt but I have heard that newer stuff is much better.

I think it would take a long time to pay for itself and if the T.V only takes 1watt or the hifi for that matter, I should think that these plugs will take the same amount. they have to take some power to work.

As I said could be useful for upstairs and all the bits for the computer.

[robh2002]

I put a switch (specifically a fan isolation switch) into an extension lead that fed all my hifi so it was very easy to completely turn off the whole setup. I was able to place the switch such that all I needed to do was tap it with my foot to turn on and off - couldn't be easier - I didn't even need to bend down!

[PJTX100]

Originally Posted by Bruce_

Just been to Homebase. They are selling Philips 11W Genie CFL for 49p each. All the other varieties of lamps were several quid, so presumably 49p is a loss-leader. Seems to be very good value.

As expected, the light output of the 11W isn't great. Supposed to be 60W-replacement, but I'm sure they're not even as good as a 40W. But it's good enough for general use.

For info I've replaced over 20 bulbs in the house with these.

The light is crisp and very bright, I think they are as bright as a 60w.

Stick out some shades slightly because of size, but to be honest it's not as big an issue as I thought.

For 49p (or 44p on 10% off days) each they are very good value.

I had to buy some twist fitting ones for a couple of fittings and they were nearly 10 times the price!

[ad47uk]

Originally Posted by robhowell

I put a switch (specifically a fan isolation switch) into an extension lead that fed all my hifi so it was very easy to completely turn off the whole setup. I was able to place the switch such that all I needed to do was tap it with my foot to turn on and off - couldn't be easier - I didn't even need to bend down!

The Hi-fi is easy enough to turn off, it is the PS3, Wii, T.V and 5.1 amp that is the problem, they are all plugged in behind the T.V and is impossible to get at unless I move the T.V.

[robh2002]

Originally Posted by ad47uk

The Hi-fi is easy enough to turn off, it is the PS3, Wii, T.V and 5.1 amp that is the problem, they are all plugged in behind the T.V and is impossible to get at unless I move the T.V.

Can you not still put an extension block between the socket and these items and put in a switch? You'd only have to move the TV once. I used to have everything (hifi, PS3, TV, tuner, pre-amp, power amp etc.!) plugged in this way - worked a treat.

[stevetrax]

Put a energy saving light bulb in my room and about 15 mins later it popped....so much for that. Even more bad news the breaker went and had to turn it back on as all of the upstairs lights went too. Now only my room can't get any light at all even though the rest of the upstairs lights work fine...grrr so annoying

[nvingo]

Originally Posted by stevetrax

Put a energy saving light bulb in my room and about 15 mins later it popped....so much for that. Even more bad news the breaker went and had to turn it back on as all of the upstairs lights went too. Now only my room can't get any light at all even though the rest of the upstairs lights work fine...grrr so annoying

Is the light-switch in your room a normal one or a dimmer ?
Can you get a refund on the bulb - they're supposed to be "guaranteed" for several years ?

[johntheexpat]

An interesting point was raised by a letter to the Telegraph last week. As most incandescent lights seem to blow when turned on, presumably due to the sudden power surge etc, if you use dimmer switches as a matter of course when turning them on they seem to last much longer. It would seem reasonable I suppose, because it avoids the sudden power surge.
That may be a better way ahead for all those who don't like energy efficient bulbs and possibly cheaper than filling your boots with incandescent bulbs - use a dimmer and keep a few bulbs going longer?

[whatsupdoc]

Certainly agree with that last - the two rooms where I fitted dimmers decades ago have never had to have a lightbulb changed.

Mind you, one of the dimmers failed!

[Sonic67]

Originally Posted by johntheexpat

An interesting point was raised by a letter to the Telegraph last week. As most incandescent lights seem to blow when turned on, presumably due to the sudden power surge etc, if you use dimmer switches as a matter of course when turning them on they seem to last much longer. It would seem reasonable I suppose, because it avoids the sudden power surge.
That may be a better way ahead for all those who don't like energy efficient bulbs and possibly cheaper than filling your boots with incandescent bulbs - use a dimmer and keep a few bulbs going longer?

It's true that a lower voltage makes the bulbs last longer. A slightly higher voltage will make them burn brighter and also last a shorter time. However the optimum life/brightness is what they were designed for. So if your bulb is too bright you are better off using a lower wattage bulb and the voltage they should be at.

[nvingo]

Originally Posted by Sonic67

It's true that a lower voltage makes the bulbs last longer. A slightly higher voltage will make them burn brighter and also last a shorter time. However the optimum life/brightness is what they were designed for. So if your bulb is too bright you are better off using a lower wattage bulb and the voltage they should be at.

I don't think you are appreciating the reason for using a dimmer switch. It is not to run the bulb at less than maximum brightness/optimum design power. Although that is what a dimmer switch is designed to do, the side effect of using one is to "gradually" apply power to the bulb and reducing failure due to the filament heating too fast.

[leedswillprevai]

I don't know if this has already been mentioned and I am all for saving energy but these energy saving light bulbs contain mercury. Now it's apparent what a potentially toxic situation you have if one breaks and for that matter on the disposal of them. In fact I find it yet another disgusting example of how the corporations and government really don't give a damn about the earth.