Energy-efficient lamps/bulbs

Energy-efficient bulbs are known as Compact Fluorescent Lamps, or CFLs for short.

As well as being energy-efficient, these bulbs have a long life, come on within one second, and will quickly reach full brightness. They can have a bayonet or screw fitting, or a pin base (used by light fittings designed for use with fluorescent bulbs). They are also available in many shapes, sizes and wattages:

• twin-tube
• triple-loop
• spiral
• candle
• traditional bulb shape

The Lampholder lighting range takes CFLs with a 4-pin base in either 10, 13 or 18 watts. 10 and 13 watt bulbs are interchangeable, but 18 watt bulbs are not.

All our decorative lighting comes supplied with a free CFL bulb in warm white (colour 827). While our pendants can be ordered without CFL, it saves time and trouble to order them with a CFL bulb.

For more information on low-energy light bulbs, typical running costs and advice on which wattage to use, download our free Fact-sheet or visit the Energy Saving Trust website at: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

• Where can I get a spare CFL bulb?

It can still be difficult to find the right spare bulbs for energy-efficient light fittings in the shops. Users of Lampholder pendants and decorative light fittings can order spare bulbs quickly by following this link.

Alternatively, specialist lighting retailers or electrical wholesalers will usually stock CFLs. Or for a full range of CFLs by mail order, visit the Energy Saving World website at: www.energysavingworld.com or call them on (01323) 478 073.

• Disposing of CFLs

Under normal conditions a CFL bulb in regular use will last ten times longer than a traditional tungsten bulb, so bulb changing almost becomes a thing of the past. Nonetheless, CFLs should not be disposed of as general waste because they contain tiny amounts of mercury. They should be taken to a household waste recycling centre for appropriate disposal. Electrical wholesalers also offer a disposal facility, but will charge you for using it.

• Order Service for spare CFL bulbs

Users of Lampholder 2000 pendants and decorative light fittings should make a note of the CFL bulb required: either twin-tube or triple-turn (see images below) and then Contact Us to place an order.

Wattage	Manufacturer/ bulb reference	Lampholder price (incl. UK p&p)
TWIN-TUBE 10, 13 or 18 watts	Philips PL-C Osram Dulux D/E GE Biax D/E Sylvania Lynx DE	£3.99
TRIPLE-TURN 13 or 18 watts	Philips PL-T Osram Dulux T/E GE Biax T/E Sylvania Lynx TE	£4.99
Note: CFL bulbs are designed to last for 10,000 hours – ten times longer than an ordinary tungsten bulb, which means 5 years or more at average household usage.