 | | | |  Lamps | FLUORESCENT LAMPS |
Tubular shaped fluorescent lamps come in a range of sizes:
- The T12 is an inefficient technology that is being replaced by the T8.
- The T8 uses 20% less energy, yet provides the same level of illumination and lasts as long as the T12. The T12 is 1 and 1/2 times the diameter of the T8 lamp. T8 lamps are becoming the standard for new construction and retrofits.
- The T5 is one of the newer fluorescent lamps on the market. Smaller, brighter and using less energy than the T8, it is becoming popular in Europe and finding increasing use in the U. S. for new construction. Due to their dimensions -- 5/8" diameter and 45" long -- T5s may fit where others do not, and are popular for cove lighting and display cases as well as general lighting. They require different mounting brackets than other fluorescent lamps and, therefore, are not a retrofit option.
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are now being used to replace common incandescent light bulbs. They use less wattage than incandescent lamps and last longer.
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| HID LAMPS (High intensity discharge) | - Mercury vapor is an inefficient lamp that is being replaced by metal halide and high-pressure sodium.
- Metal halide lamps are the newest HID technology, providing the most energy-efficient source of white light available today. They offer high efficacy, long life and good lumen maintenance.
- High-pressure sodium lamps produce a yellow/orange light that renders color poorly. Their uses are limited to outdoor applications.
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| Proper Disposal of Energy-Efficient Lighting |
Compact fluorescent lights contain a small amount (approx. 4 mg.) of mercury. When you use compact fluorescent lights, you actually reduce mercury pollution, by lowering the demand for electricity from power plants that emit mercury. A power plant will emit 10 mg. of mercury to produce the electricity to run an incandescent bulb compared to only 2.4 mg. to run a compact fluorescent light for the same time*
 Find out more about Mercury and Energy Efficient Lighting (PDF)
Mercury is released into our environment when products containing mercury, such as compact fluorescent lights, are broken, disposed of improperly or incinerated.
The State of Vermont requires, by law, that lamps with the mercury symbol (Hg) be separated from trash and disposed of in a safe manner. When you replace energy-efficient lights, contact your local solid waste district or the State Mercury Education and Reduction Campaign. Call (800) 974-9559 or visit www.mercvt.org for proper disposal information.
* U.S. EPA Fact Sheet: Mercury in Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) |
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