CFLs or LEDs for domestic lights?

[terryc]

Don McKenzie wrote:

On 21-Nov-10 12:49 PM, Mr.T wrote:

Sounds like the expensive Phillips units I had 20 years ago. Didn't last
long at all for me however. I'm astounded that any lasted 22 years,
are they
ever actually turned on, or were they stored for 20 of those 22 years
perhaps?

Phillips, correct

My two big heavy Phillips are still going. yes, one was in the garage
and still is, but the other was in the office until I decided it was too
dim, then it went into the timed lights/stocks.

 

[kreed]

On Nov 20, 5:46 am, Don McKenzie <5...@2.5A> wrote:

A few months back, I was reading about a four foot PCB of LEDs that replaced a standard florescent tube. Two prongs on
each end, the same as a tube. All you needed to do, was remove the starter. Wiring out the ballast is optional.
But the cost ~$80AUD :-(

Like most people on this list -)), I reckon I was one of the first to use a CFL. A great big clunker built like a
tank, I reckon 20-25 years ago, and for about $27AUD each. Naturally, I like to try new technologies first. As always,
it costs me more money. Being a technology pioneer isn't cheap.

My very good friend Mick got some smaller LED fittings from Dealextreme in honkers, for his 12V down light system. He
was that pleased with them, he put me onto a few others that they have for more conventional domestic fittings.

I just ordered some of these, I wanted something that was physically equivalent to what I was replacing, so I could best
judge apples with apples:http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.42332
E27 3W 42-LED Energy Saving LED Light Bulb - White (220V)
Price: $7.92 free shipping
3W, but the review reckons they are equiv to 8 to 12w CFL.

Mick just ordered these to try:http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.47784
B22 3W 18-SMD 5050 LED White Light Bulb (220V)
Price: $5.80 free shipping

I may try a few of these:http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.34393
E27 2W 38-LED White Light Energy Saving Light Bulb (220V AC)
Price: $4.44 free shipping

WOW!http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.48872
7W 131-LED 6000K 1100-Lumen White LED Down Light (220V~240V)
Price: $19.40 free shipping

 From Mick:
I have these in the Kitchenhttp://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.30825
They are every bit as bright as the 50w halogens and a lot better... The light is WHITE Not yellow and are wide spread
not narrow beam like Halogen.
Best thing I did....  I replaced 6 x 50W halogen (300w) with 6 x 3.8W (23w) LED and much better result...
To power them I used a 12V 5A power supply
...Cant find  it on DX at moment but standard 12V 5a laptop type plug pack thingo...

Hunt around, there are quite a few different types.

BTW, if you order 3, you get a better price.

Are they any good?
Are they as bright?
Will they last as long or longer?
Will they use less power?
Can you use a dimmer?
Insert more questions here...

I know a lot of users are very disappointed with CFLs.

Please let me know how you get on.

Cheers Don...

====================
--
Don McKenzie

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Take a look at this one, shows user pics of a bulb cut open and what
is inside.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.27585

To me, that looks like a series capacitor type supply, and that
doesn't look like an X class capacitor being used.
The fact that it is advertised as 180 - 264 v only and that he had to
mod it to work on 120v adds weight to that theory.
Not good.

I also don't see a cover on it, looks as though the PCB's are simply
stacked around the edge against each other. Could collapse
when someone was turning it to insert or remove from socket ?

In this case, he claimed to be converting the bulb for use on 120v
AC. Looks like it is not worth the effort,
though he is probably like most of us on this group - do it to prove
that it can be done