With the switch off? This is a question that interests many users of modern LED lighting. Is it dangerous or not? What are the reasons for this phenomenon? What are the best lamps to use at home? We will try to answer these and other questions in the article.
What is this
It is an ordinary lamp, which consists of many semiconductor crystals and optical system. This is a semiconductor device that converts electrical voltage into lighting. The spectrum of emitted light depends on the chemical composition of the semiconductor. The first such device appeared in 1968 and was very expensive, and mass production of lamps was launched only in the 21st century. Their design resembles a mini-computer and includes a case, LED, diffuser, radiator, driver, and base. If the LED lamp glows when the switch is off, do not panic. There are several logical explanations for this phenomenon.
Peculiarities
With the switch off? It should be noted that the LED bulb is economical. It reduces electricity costs by almost six times. Long service life is one of the features of the device: the lamp retains its ability to illuminate for fifty thousand hours. It turns on immediately, without delay, like regular incandescent lamps. The LED does not contain hazardous elements, such as mercury and other heavy metals, which would have a negative impact on human health. In addition, the device practically does not heat up during operation, since it does not emit heat. White light does not irritate the human eye, even so bright.
pros
What should I do if the LED lamp glows when the switch is off? This is not dangerous ? The mysterious afterglow does not pose a danger to humans. LED devices have many advantages:
- Compared to conventional lighting, they consume a small amount of energy (10 volts) to evenly illuminate even a large room;
- do not emit ultraviolet light and do not damage human eye tissue;
- do not heat the air;
- long service life allows for significant savings (if the light bulb shines for five hours every day, it will last for ten years);
- environmentally friendly compared to energy-saving devices;
- their body is durable and protected from strong blows and damage;
- weigh little;
- warms up in one second.
One of the reasons why an LED lamp glows when the switch is off is because there is such a function in the switch.
Minuses
If the LED light glows when the light switch is off, there may be a problem with the wiring. Despite their innovation, functionality and technical characteristics, such lamps still have disadvantages:
- the main disadvantage is the high price of the device compared to energy-saving and incandescent lamps;
- many users are annoyed by the light spectrum of LEDs; they are not used for reading books or hard work;
- Due to the massive use of LED lighting, electricity prices may rise.
These small disadvantages do not cover the significant advantages, which include energy savings, quality and safety.
Causes
What should I do if the LED lamp glows when the switch is off? "RadioKot" - a forum dedicated to electronics, contains a lot useful information about this theme. According to forum members, there may be several reasons for the weak light after switching off.
- Incorrect electrical wiring connection.
- The switch has neon lighting.
- The LED lamp turned out to be of poor quality.
- The LED lamp has additional options(slowly extinguishing lamp).
LED lamps are designed in such a way that their main work is constant voltage. There is a rectifier inside the device, which receives current. Sometimes it happens that after turning off the lamp burns dimly or flickers. Wiring problems low quality LEDs used are the main reasons for this phenomenon. If the device uses a resistor, it keeps the diodes glowing. Electricity accumulates in them, so even after turning off the lamps emit a weak light.
This happens when the backlit switch is open. In this case, the current to the lamp comes from the switch itself. It does not affect the network load. The current performs the function of charging the capacitor. When charging reaches a certain level, it flashes and turns off. Thus, the process proceeds in a circle, and short blinks occur in the lamp or LED strips.
If you don't want to experience flickering lights during or after a shutdown, choose the right lamp. Conscientious manufacturers always indicate instructions on the packaging, which indicate the operating principle of LED lighting devices and recommendations for correct operation. It is not advisable to use LED lamps together with backlit key switches, photocells, brightness controls, and timers. All this interferes with the operation of the product and causes periodic blinking.
Unfortunately, lighting fixtures are often counterfeited. When purchasing, try to carefully study the packaging in which the lamp is located. The cause of burning after switching off, as well as blinking, is sometimes incorrect installation. If this problem bothers you, try to fix it yourself. Check that the light bulb is screwed in securely (with the power off). Remember that the simultaneous use of switches with neon lights (they are needed to recognize their location) and LEDs is not recommended.
Environmental friendliness
Are LEDs safe or not? Many people believe that these lamps are dangerous to human health. If we compare them with energy-saving ones, which contain mercury, we can say with confidence: LED lighting is the future. They are not only economical, but also environmentally friendly. Lamps are kept intact environment, since after disposal they do not release heavy metals. Their design is such that the devices operate without dangerous, harmful, toxic substances in their composition. Why does the LED lamp light up when the switch is turned off on the car? The cause may be incorrect wiring connections or an incorrectly selected light bulb.
Dangerous or not
Why does the LED lamp light up when the switch is off? There are different reasons, one of which is a malfunction of the device or its poor quality. If we compare LED lamps and traditional ones (fluorescent, mercury, metal halide, sodium) - the first are completely safe. Traditional modern lighting devices contain up to 100 mg of mercury vapor. If they are damaged during transportation or after they have served their useful life, toxic substances are released into the atmosphere. Mercury is dangerous not only for the environment, but also for humans in any of its states - liquid or gaseous.
Exploitation
Does the LED lamp glow when the switch is off? It is recommended to replace the device with a new one if there are no problems with the electrical wiring. Try not to neglect the operating rules LED lamps, then they will work properly.
- Dismantling and installation of the device is carried out with the electricity turned off.
- Do not allow the LED lamp to come into contact with water.
- It is not recommended to use the lamp unless it is protected from water and dust.
- Lamps cannot be used in devices with a brightness control.
- If the LED is used in a circuit with a switch that has a neon backlight, the light will glow faintly when turned off.
- Connecting the lamp to a voltage different from the rated voltage leads to a reduction in service life.
- Temperature changes in the operation of the lamp lead to its failure.
- LEDs do not need to be recycled as they contain no hazardous substances.
- The lamps are guaranteed for three years from the date of purchase.
LED lighting can completely replace traditional lighting. Such light bulbs are used in any lighting fixtures and interiors, depending on a person’s preferences.
Price
In the course of the article, we found out why the LED lamp glows when the switch is off. But whether to use it or not is up to everyone to decide for themselves. The objective disadvantage of LEDs is their high cost. average price for lamps is two hundred rubles. The cost depends on the design of the device, its size and manufacturer. Over time, LEDs will become more accessible to the public.
In connection with the popularization of energy-saving lamps, the need to debunk myths about this device is increasing. Some sources say it is harmless and economical of this device, while others talk about health hazards and the ineffectiveness of energy conservation. In this article we will try to understand how energy-saving lamps work and the advisability of purchasing so-called “housekeepers”.
Design and principle of operation of energy-saving lamps
The operating principle of a conventional energy-saving lamp is similar to a fluorescent lamp. The main components of an energy-saving lamp:
- ballast;
- luminescent bulb.
An ordinary energy saving lamp is different from fluorescent lamp the presence of an electric ballast.
Luminescent bulbs come in U-shaped or spiral shapes. The inner walls of the flask have a phosphor coating and consist of two spirals, which are sealed at the end of the tube. When the ESL heats up, electrons escape to the surface of the spiral. A large voltage arises between the spirals and ultraviolet radiation is released in the mercury vapor, which provides the lighting process. The amount of mercury in the phosphor determines the color of the lamp. The service life of ESL ranges from 6000 to 15000 hours.
Diagram of an 11 W energy saving lamp:
- interference choke;
- fuse;
- diode bridge;
- filter capacitor.
Types of energy-saving lamps
Some sources call only fluorescent lamps energy-saving lamps, but this is incorrect. After all, any device that has good light output, but at the same time consumes a small amount of electricity, has the right to be called an energy-saving lamp.
Therefore, energy-saving lamps include:
- compact fluorescent lamps;
- linear fluorescent lamps;
- some types of LED lamps.
The latter option has more advantages than conventional fluorescent lamps. LED lamps do not contain mercury or other substances hazardous to human life. The level of light output of LED lamps is much higher, and mechanical strength ensures long and uninterrupted operation of such a device.
The composition determines the temperature of energy-saving lamps, and, accordingly, the color that a conventional ESL emits. To obtain a soft white color, choose a 2700 K lamp (measured on the Kelvin scale), a 4200 K lamp has a soft white color, and a 6400 K lamp emits a cool white tint.
Types of fluorescent energy-saving lamps
Fluorescent lamps are classified according to the type of device:
- with electromagnetic choke;
- with electric throttle.
The second option is quiet and best quality work.
Based on the size of the base there are:
- E14 has a 1.4 cm threaded hole and is installed in smaller household sockets;
- E27-2.7 cm is suitable for installation in standard cartridges;
- E40-4.0 cm are distinguished by built-in electronic ballast.
Energy-saving lamps have an international marking that characterizes the brightness of the light emitted by the lamp. To find out the color rendering index, multiply the first digit of the marking by 10. The index interval is from 60 to 100.
The second and third digits of the marking are the temperature on the Kelvin scale, divided by 100. For example, when buying a lamp with a marking index of 827, you need 8 * 10, and 27 * 100. The result is a color rendering index of 80, and temperature and color - 2700.
For lighting subways, shops, and public spaces, energy-saving lamps marked from 2700 to 3500 K are used.
The best option for lighting a living space is provided by ESL marked 830, 840.
To increase the service life of energy-saving lamps, you must adhere to some rules:
- avoid voltage fluctuations, install voltage stabilizers if possible;
- limit the number of times the lamp is turned on and off.
Troubleshooting basic energy-saving lamps
Reasons for malfunctions in the operation of an energy-saving lamp:
- the use of low-quality components in the manufacture or repair of a lamp;
- use of parts that are not suitable for the existing voltage;
- Constant operation of the lamp leads to overheating of the housing and failure of the lamp, since there is no ventilation in the bulb, all parts heat up quickly.
When an energy-saving lamp stops working, first check the integrity of the lamp filaments. Darkening of the glass of an energy-saving lamp is the main sign that the filament has broken. To restore such a lamp, use a 10 Ohm 0.25 W resistor, remove the diode that bypasses this spiral. After this procedure, when you start the lamp, flickering will be observed for 10 seconds.
As a result of thermal disturbances, transistors fail. To replace transistors, first unsolder these elements and then install new ones. When choosing transistors, focus on the 13003 series.
Name of transistors depending on the power of energy-saving lamps:
- from 1 to 9 W - 13001 TO-92;
- 9 W - 13002 TO-92;
- from 15 W to 20 W - 13003 TO-126;
- from 25 W to 40 W - 13005 TO-220;
- from 40 W to 65 W - 13007 TO-200;
- 85 W - 13009 TO-220;
To eliminate the flickering of an energy-saving lamp, you need to check the capacitor. Because of high voltage a breakdown occurs. In this case, replace the capacitor.
If energy-saving lamps burn out quickly, it means there is no ventilation, for example, in spotlights, or there are sudden voltage surges. To do this, you need to install a stabilizer.
Energy saving lamps - impact on human health
Before examining the issue of the impact of energy-saving lamps on human health, let’s consider the main advantages and disadvantages of this device.
Advantages of ESL:
- long period of use;
- using a small amount of electricity;
- a guarantee that allows you to replace the lamp;
- the presence of a stable luminous flux;
- use under high temperature limits;
- ability to choose the type of lighting.
Disadvantages of ESL:
- high cost compared to conventional light bulbs;
- in case of mechanical damage, mercury may penetrate into the environment;
- a rather large base part that does not fit into all the lamps;
- scientifically proven harm of energy-saving lamps on human health.
When conducting research on energy-saving lamps, it was revealed that these devices have a high level of electromagnetic and ultraviolet radiation, therefore it is recommended to install energy-saving lamps at a distance of 300 cm from a person. It is not recommended to install such lamps in lamps or devices near which people are constantly located. Consequences of electromagnetic radiation:
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- influence on the nervous and cardiovascular system;
- accelerating the consumption of the body's resource forces.
A large number of switched on energy-saving lamps harms not only human health, but also negatively affects electrical safety.
The mercury content in one light bulb can easily poison a large number of people, so it is recommended to take these devices for disposal to special institutions. Long-term exposure to minimal mercury vapor also negatively affects human health and leads to micromercury poisoning, accompanied by increased fatigue, drowsiness, apathy and other symptoms.
For people sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, such lamps pose a great danger. After all, a small amount of ultraviolet radiation comes out through the flask, which causes skin mutations. Ultraviolet light from energy-saving lamps poses the greatest danger to the eyes, so do not use energy-saving lamps at a distance that exceeds 200-300 cm.
Energy saving lamps characteristics and overview of manufacturers
Energy-saving lamps can be purchased at any electronics store or construction market. Among the diversity brands manufacturers of ESL, it’s hard not to get confused, so let’s look at the main manufacturers of energy-saving lamps:
1. OSRAM (Germany) - energy-saving lamps that have various shapes: spiral, ball, circle, candle, base and more complex combinations.
Types of OSRAM energy-saving lamps:
- integrated type;
- non-integrated type.
The first option starts automatically, and the second requires a special starting device in the lamp socket.
This manufacturer of energy-saving lamps has only positive reviews. The lamps do not burn out and perform their functions for a long time.
Price from 2 to 6 $.
2. UNIEL (Russia) - presents three series of energy-saving lamps:
- Premium - ESL have improved characteristics and long service life;
- Promo - have a high luminous flux and first class energy consumption;
- Standard - lamps have the shape of an open spiral, saving 80% of electricity.
A variety of shapes: spiral, pear, semi-spiral, spot lamps, reflectors, candles, linear lamps, modular, floodlight and ultraviolet lamps.
Price: from 3 to 5 $.
3. Philips (Holland) - presents big choice energy-saving lamps, which are distinguished by a variety of shapes, colors and areas of application.
Peculiarities:
- high energy efficiency;
- variety of color temperatures;
- no heating of the flask.
Price from 4 to 7 $.
4. Camelion (Hong Kong) - energy-saving lamps that have a number of advantages:
- service life is eight times higher than that of a conventional light bulb;
- use in both open and closed luminaires;
- there is no flickering when the lamp is turned on;
- emission of soft light that does not dazzle the eyes;
- heat resistance from -25 to +50 degrees;
- wide selection of lamp wattages and models;
- three series: Classic, PRO and Eco.
Price from 2 to 5 $.
5. Cosmos (Russia) - represents energy-saving lamps that emit maximum light with minimal dimensions.
Usage:
- bedroom or living room to create a romantic atmosphere;
- lamps are made in an unusual decorative form, which allows them to be used without a lamp;
- residential or industrial premises;
- lighting for decorative ceilings or exhibition centers.
Price from 2 to 4 $.
6. Wolta (Germany) - used for lighting workplaces or residential premises.
Peculiarities:
- compact models;
- wide range of applications;
- efficiency;
- high reliability and durability.
Price from 4 to 9 $.
7. Vito (Turkey) - energy-saving lamps, which are represented by the Spiral and Vito T8 series.
Characteristic:
- operation for 8000 hours;
- spiral shape of lamps;
- colors: from warm white to cool blue;
- robust housing to prevent mechanical damage.
Price from 5 to 7 $.
8. General Electric (USA) - presents a variety of ESL models.
Peculiarities:
- Link line of energy-saving lamps are “smart lamps” that are controlled using a smartphone. The cost of such devices ranges from $25 to $60;
- the company created vacuum incandescent lamps, which have been relevant for more than 30 years.
Price from 5 to 9 $.
An innovative product was presented in Dubai energy saving light bulb, which lights up if you put its base in a glass of water or even put it in your mouth. Well, it is going to hit the shelves of UAE stores at the end of this month.
According to its creator, 31-year-old Dr. Noble Inasu, the highly efficient Flamber lamp (power consumption 9 W), made from 18 LEDs with a luminous flux of 900 Lumens, will be sold for $16 each in all supermarkets countries starting June 21st.
According to the manufacturer, a notable feature of this universal lamp is also the ability battery life up to 25 hours without power. This is provided by a built-in 2000 mA lithium-ion battery.
An additional advantage is the innovative solution that allows LED lamps to be ignited by contact with moisture, which could change the way homes are lit in Africa, rural India and other regions without centralized networks, as well as improve relief work in disaster zones.
Autonomous light source
“In situations such as those recently experienced in Nepal, this can be surprisingly beneficial for those working in extreme conditions, often without electricity,” added Dr Inasu, a one-time London-trained internal medicine specialist who on this moment heads the research and development department at Britelite, makers of the ultra-efficient LED light bulb.
“We think we are the first to come up with this type of emergency lighting on this scale. The best thing about this approach is that the bulb can also serve as a camping light, act as an inverter, and of course be a standard LED light bulb for homes,” says Dr. Inasu from Kerala, India, who was born and raised in UAE.
“If you look at the installation costs, they are just over $1 per year. In turn, energy costs are even lower - they are reduced to almost a tenth of what is associated with conventional lighting. For the same price, the cost indicator and 1 W of energy consumption are much less than most competitors on the market,” notes the creator of the product.
Flamber, which apparently gets its name from a combination of the words flame and amber, is the most cost-effective in the long term, he says.
“Amber burns for a really long time, which is symbolic, since our light bulbs are guaranteed to last up to 12 years,” adds Inasu. - Our light charges fully in three hours, after which it can provide three to four nights of continuous light. In India and other countries where power outages are common, this could just be a big blessing.”
The company has already applied for an international patent for the design and manufacturing technology of an LED lamp with a built-in battery. We can only wait for Flamber to “change our understanding” of lighting.
A burnt-out light bulb always has a choice: buy a replacement with an incandescent filament or give preference to fluorescent analogues. The article will tell you whether current energy-saving technologies are so economical, whether there is a threat to health or nature, and many other aspects of the use of advertised lighting.
Technical progress does not stand still, but with each stage of its development the load on the energy industry is growing more and more. You don't need to be an expert to see this. Entering the apartment of the average USSR citizen, one could see several light bulbs, a refrigerator and a TV among the energy-consuming appliances. And even then, this entire set was not typical for every family. Today, a person’s home contains an order of magnitude more energy consumers: an electric kettle, a computer, a washing machine and a dishwasher, microwaves and many other common things. And the number of televisions alone is often equated not even with the number of residents, but rather with the number of rooms, including corridors, bathrooms and kitchens.
Currently, decisions are being made at the state level calling on everyone to save energy resources. The simplest and most affordable measure on the energy saving list is replacing conventional filament lamps with low efficiency with economical analogues. The most popular of these is the compact fluorescent lamp.
The operating principle of such a lamp can be learned from our other article, and in this material we will try to reveal its unpopular sides. For example, are they so economical? Often, when choosing one or another light bulb for a lamp, you feel insecure: one is old and cheap, the other is expensive and advertised, and which one is better is not so easy to understand. A lamp with an incandescent filament, tested over the years, has an efficiency of no more than 50%, a new one is an order of magnitude higher, but its cost also differs significantly.
Myth No. 1. Energy-saving fluorescent lamps save us money
Calling for the purchase of fluorescent lamps from billboards and TV screens, many sellers are silent that saving money for common man will be negligible, if at all. Electricity consumption, as the manufacturers claim, will be approximately 5 times less than that of a conventional light bulb. But as for the cost, it is 10-40 times higher than the price of a conventional incandescent lamp.
Using an online calculator that calculates the benefits of using energy-saving lamps, let's try to find out how much you can actually save on one such light bulb per year. For clarity, let’s take the cost of both light bulbs to be equal to one ruble. Depending on the service, the program and tariffs, the result on the calculator is rarely more than 100 rubles per year. But if we take into account the difference in the cost of lamps, the amount of money saved by the consumer is rapidly approaching zero. However, the calculator calculates this parameter differently. Even if you enter the cost of a fluorescent lamp at about 300 rubles, and an old one - 1 ruble, the calculated savings still stubbornly exceed zero. The reason for this “inaccuracy” in the calculation is simple: it is believed that the service life of an energy-saving lamp is from 8,000 to 12,000 hours, and that of a regular lamp is only 1,000 hours. This is what is corrected for in many calculations. It was with this reasoning that we came to the next myth.
Myth No. 2. Fluorescent lamps last a very long time.
The minimum declared service life of an energy-saving lamp is usually 8,000 hours. In a city apartment with owners constantly missing at work, using lighting for 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the evening, this is quite a lot:
- 1 hour in the morning + 1 hour in the evening = 2 hours a day
- 2 hours a day x 30 days a month = 60 hours a month
- 60 hours x 12 months = 720 hours per year
Let's add another 80 hours for the increased need for lighting during weekends and vacations:
- 720 + 80 = 800 hours per year adjusted
- 800 x 10 = 8,000 hours...
Consequently, the service life of such a lamp in an ordinary apartment should be about 10 years and, having bought it once, you should remember about this problem, but it’s not that simple. Frequently turning lamps on/off reduces their service life to a minimum. In practice, a lamp screwed into a bathroom rarely survives to the end of the one-year warranty period. There are, of course, lamp manufacturers who have solved this problem, but the cost of their products is not affordable for everyone.
Let's consider the second option, when the lamp is turned on continuously. There are no factors that reduce its durability, but 8,000 hours does not seem that long. About 11 months. By the way, working in this mode, the light bulb really saves not only energy, but also citizens’ money. But let's get back to durability. How long will a lamp with an incandescent filament last in the same mode? If it is of high quality, it will last for quite a long time. Perhaps even longer than the energy-saving one, since the reason lamps fail in more than half of the cases is frequent switching on or power surges.
Due to their dubious durability, enterprising Russians have already come up with their own version of saving on energy-saving light bulbs, not very High Quality. When purchased in a store, such lamps are given a one-year warranty stated by the manufacturer. Therefore, if it burns out earlier, it can be replaced with a new light bulb. The replacement will have its own one-year warranty and after some time has passed, you can do the same with it. This is provided for in Article 22 (its 2nd part) of the Law of the Russian Federation “On the Protection of Consumer Rights”. If the light bulb suddenly turns out to be too “tenacious”, there are even several popular ways to “finish off” the latter. The three leaders of the popular rating can be cited as an example:
- Almost no fluorescent lamp can withstand use in conjunction with a dimmer (a device for adjusting the brightness of lighting). True, we should warn you about a rare, but still happening fact: some particularly resistant specimens damage the regulator itself, after which they continue to function successfully for some time.
- Use at very low or very high temperatures. Usually it is enough to screw a lamp into a street lighting lamp in winter and let it work normally for a couple of days. Initially, it will lose a significant percentage of the light, and then it will stop turning on altogether.
- Frequent on/off. It is for this reason that the use of energy-saving lamps is difficult in New Year's flashing illumination, light alarms, and with many motion sensors that turn on the lights automatically.
It should be noted that all of the above methods do not work 100%. But this is not the main problem when using this unique method of saving money. Today, no less enterprising sellers pose a great threat to enterprising citizens. The most common trick is an unfilled warranty card, without which it will be somewhat difficult to accept a non-working lamp. The second most popular trick is to reduce the manufacturer's annual warranty to 2 weeks from the seller. But this is not the last option. Even if you were vigilant and kept the packaging, receipt and completed warranty card, an enterprising seller may simply intimidate you with the impending expensive examination and improper operation. Let's say right away that all of the above actions do not get along very well with the law. For example, if you follow the norms of Part 5 of Article 18 of the Law “On Protection of Consumer Rights”, then in order to return or replace a low-quality product, it is not at all necessary to have a cash receipt or any other document.
Myth No. 3. All these lamps contain mercury vapor
It is believed that the main problem with fluorescent lamps is the presence of mercury. It poisons the air if you break a light bulb, requires additional disposal, and so on. But according to manufacturers, not all fluorescent lamps use mercury, or more precisely liquid mercury. There are many options on sale where the box contains the inscription “no mercury vapor” or a corresponding icon with a crossed out drop. There is truth in this, but only half.
If a lamp breaks in an apartment when it is turned off (dropped, thrown against a wall or from a balcony, stepped on, etc.), then your actions will not have a detrimental effect on the environment. The reason for this is simple: instead of free mercury, the lamp uses “amalgam”, that is, a metal alloy containing mercury. Under normal conditions, it does not allow the latter to evaporate freely and have a negative effect on humans.
But this is under normal conditions, namely when the light is off. In a working state, the same mercury vapor makes it glow. Consequently, breaking the lamp while it is on will cause equal damage to the room and requires mandatory long-term ventilation.
There are other factory methods to protect potential consumers from exposure to mercury vapor when a lamp breaks. One of them is applying a silicone coating to the flask. Even if the glass layer is broken, mercury vapor in such a product will be retained by the silicone. True, the price for such additional protection is not at all adjusted to save your budget. But here the choice is entirely up to the consumer: expensive, but relatively safe, or cheap, but with additional caution.
It should also be noted that if the light bulb does not contain a symbol indicating the absence of mercury, this does not mean that the manufacturer will leave a mention on the packaging that it contains it. Most manufacturing plants, and not only Chinese ones, happily keep silent about this. However, as well as the fact that the light bulb is subject to specialized disposal and should not simply be thrown into the garbage chute.
Myth No. 4. These lamps are safe for humans
This statement does not always work. It is not so easy to find comprehensive studies on this issue, but the opinions of some doctors who spoke on this topic may fundamentally differ. However, the most frequently pronounced options can be identified.
Fluorescent lamps make it difficult to work with small details, for example, it is not so easy to thread a needle. Doctors justify this by saying that the glow of mercury vapor is blue spectrum light, which suggests a narrowing of the pupil. As a result, additional lighting is required for more comfortable work.
Flicker. Despite the assurances of many manufacturers that flickering is not typical for compact fluorescent lamps, this factor should not be discounted. Many Chinese analogues or simply fakes may not completely correspond to such statements. A capacitor must be responsible for the absence of flicker in such lamps, which in some instances may not be present at all.
Stroboscopic effect. This notorious characteristic of "flickering" lamps prevents their use in factories. In order to understand how this happens, we can give a clear example. Due to the fact that the periodicity of the change of light and darkness during flickering, completely imperceptible to the eye, may coincide with the frequency of operation of some devices, they may appear to be inoperative, while in fact they will be activated. As a result, there are many accidents at the enterprise due to workers’ misperception of the picture.
Ultraviolet radiation. Although such a statement regarding energy-saving lamps has some convincing grounds, it should not be considered as a real threat. In summer sunlight, exposure to ultraviolet radiation is many times greater. However, if you have skin problems, you should not place the lamp in close proximity.
Unusual cold light. According to some doctors, it, as it is especially close to daytime, can cause sleep disorders. True, there is not much evidence for this statement.
Mercury vapor poisoning due to careless use. When fluorescent lamps began to be promoted at the legislative level, almost everyone found it necessary to worry about the fact that they were dangerous and quite harmful. However, listening to this kind of statements, you should first of all remove from sale all mercury thermometers that contain an order of magnitude more mercury as such. The whole of Europe began its struggle for security with this very thing. Even in neighboring Latvia you will not find a single pharmacy where they are available for free sale.
However, the last statement is in fact an indisputable fact, and some caution should still be observed. For example, screw in and unscrew such light bulbs without holding the glass bulb, since the risk of damaging it is high. And also carry out additional measures to clean the room if the flask breaks. I think we should dwell on this in more detail.
So, let's start with why mercury is so dangerous for our body. According to the degree of danger, three main degrees of exposure can be distinguished: acute poisoning, chronic poisoning and mercurialism (minor). And if for the first case a broken thermometer with a couple of grams of mercury is not always enough (although such cases do occur), then the latter is possible even with a one-time broken energy-saving lamp without taking appropriate measures.
Many defenders of the safety theory of fluorescent lamps argue that the amount of mercury contained in it is not enough to cause poisoning, since in an ordinary thermometer there is 2 g, but here the count is in the tens of milligrams. According to doctors, mercury vapor with a concentration of 0.25 mg/m 3 is retained in the body when inhaled, but above this figure it penetrates even through intact skin. The situation with lamps is aggravated by the fact that if it was damaged while it was working, then there is no time for the liquid mercury to evaporate - in the flask it is already in a heated gaseous state. While a broken thermometer makes it possible to collect metal balls and safely remove them from the apartment.
Contact with low concentration vapors, of course, will not lead to death, but in general there is nothing pleasant. Minor mercury poisoning is characterized by the following:
- drowsiness;
- fast fatiguability;
- weakness and dizziness;
- headache;
- depressed mood;
- slight trembling of fingers with outstretched arms (mercury tremor) and much more.
With prolonged contact with mercury vapor, even the most simple options poisonings become chronic. The most dangerous thing in this situation is that symptoms do not appear within a couple of minutes. Even in the case of acute poisoning, it should take at least a few hours. And if it comes to easy option, then several months or years may pass before the first symptom appears.
If the lamp was accidentally broken in the house, then the following should be done:
- remove people from the premises, especially children, since their bodies react especially quickly and acutely to contact with mercury vapor;
- ventilate the room for several hours (as long as possible) to reduce the level of vapor concentration;
- remove fragments and scattered powder (simple adhesive tape makes cleaning up small fragments much easier);
- if the surface is not so easy to clean (for example, a carpet), it is recommended to treat this place with a specialized solution, you can experiment and use a solution of “potassium permanganate” for this (suitable only for very dark things, where the stains simply will not be visible) or clean with a product containing contains chlorine (for opponents of home-made methods, there are special products on sale for neutralizing mercury).
Myth No. 5. Ecology and energy saving together
Proponents of the use of energy-saving lamps insist on improving the environmental situation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But this development of events looks more like a utopia, since for every energy-saving light bulb in the apartment there is an additional plasma panel on the floor of the wall, which will negate all urges to save.
You can also consider the situation with the appearance of mercury pollution in landfills. All the same supporters of fluorescent lamps say in unison that there are many plants for processing mercury-containing waste. Yes, that's true. After all, before the advent of compact energy-saving lamps, mercury was widely used in street lighting devices and fluorescent lamps, so typical for hospitals and other institutions. They were successfully recycled and Russia did not reach the point of global pollution.
But there is still a problem with collection points for such waste from the population and its disposal. Firstly, there are not many such points and sometimes even the most avid environmentalists cannot travel to the other end of the city for the sake of one light bulb to hand it over for recycling. Secondly, the majority simply lack the desire to do any unnecessary actions: the easiest way is to throw them away with regular garbage. The same problem occurs with used batteries. Despite the fact that you can hand them over at almost any hardware store, an increasing number of these elements are quietly sent to landfills.
Finally
According to the law “On Energy Saving and Increasing Energy Efficiency...” quite soon (planned from January 1, 2014), not only high-power filament lamps, but also their low-power counterparts will begin to disappear from the shelves. This law is intended to make a gradual transition to energy saving in homes along European lines. On the websites of supporters of such a transition, many arguments in favor are given. In contrast to the spread of mercury from landfills, they even put a reduction in similar emissions when reducing energy production from coal-fired power plants. Moreover, this reduction is not only calculated, but according to some data, it will exceed by an order of magnitude the distribution of non-recycled mercury from lamps. Such a statement does not reflect the real situation. For every kilowatt of electricity saved by an energy-saving lamp, there will be a commercial consumer, and the actual load on the source will not decrease.
By looking at the problem from the other side and assessing the energy costs of the industrial sector, you can easily identify that by re-equipping or retrofitting enterprises, you can save much more energy. By installing a frequency-controlled electric drive on all pumps of city utility networks, you can save up to 80% of the energy they consume. However, such measures are not very popular in our country.
However, there is a way out of the situation with home energy saving. In Europe, LED light sources are increasingly being used for these purposes. They do not require disposal costs, and the actual energy consumption is really low. There is hope for a bright future. The development of nanotechnology already offers a safe substitute for fluorescent lamps, which does not require either disposal or abandonment of the usual light at night. All that remains is to wait until the new product is brought to the possibility of industrial production and its cost is made acceptable.
Olga Ustimkina, rmnt.ru
Around compact fluorescent, so-called. Lately, many rumors and myths have arisen. In this article we will try to dispel some of the most common myths.
I would like to note right away that the article will focus specifically on. Other energy-saving light sources used in home lighting are LED and (if compared from the point of view of energy saving with incandescent lamps, then they can also be called energy-saving) will not be considered.
Myth one. Energy-saving lamps emit harmful ultraviolet radiation that is harmful to health.
It is known that light has an impact on the human body’s metabolism, physical development and human health. The most useful in this regard is daylight (light from the sun). IN artificial lighting when used (thermal light sources) is completely absent ultraviolet radiation.
Ultraviolet radiation in the amount that we receive from energy-saving lamps is not only not harmful, but even very beneficial for the human body. It relieves fatigue, eliminates depression, improves mood and performance, and has a beneficial effect on health.
Ultraviolet light from energy-saving lamps can significantly reduce the problem of “light starvation,” which is typical for people who spend most of their lives indoors under incandescent lamps and with a lack of natural light. It has been scientifically proven that with a lack of ultraviolet radiation, the body's protective functions decrease and metabolism deteriorates.
For example, for agriculture, back in Soviet times, special ultraviolet irradiation installations were used, which compensated for the lack of natural ultraviolet radiation in winter and when animals were kept indoors.
Only excess ultraviolet radiation can lead to health problems (skin and eye diseases). Ultraviolet light irradiation from energy-saving lamps has been studied and proven that even when using fluorescent lamps to create very high levels illumination (1000 lux) and working in this room for eight hours, the dose of ultraviolet radiation in this case is equal to just one hour a day at outdoors at noon.
Conclusion: talking about the dangers of ultraviolet radiation from conventional energy-saving lamps, taking into account all of the above, is not serious, this is a myth and the benefits are that such lamps have ultraviolet radiation in their spectrum for the health and mental state of a person.
Myth two. Energy-saving lamps are bad for your eyesight.
This myth was born from the experience of using ordinary fluorescent lamps. The fact is that linear fluorescent lamps of the old type are connected to the power supply using a special device - electromagnetic ballast, which includes a choke, starter and capacitors.
After turning on such a lamp, the luminous flux of such a lamp during operation changes in time (pulsates) 100 times per second. Such pulsation, although not directly detected by the eye, nevertheless, during prolonged work, has a negative effect on a person, causing fatigue and decreased performance.
Modern energy saving lamps used for ignition and operation, which increase the frequency of the supply voltage to the lamp. All energy-saving lamps with E14 and E27 sockets have a built-in electronic ballast in the lamp socket, which completely eliminates the negative impact of light flux pulsation on vision.
Here you need to be careful with the use pin energy saving lamps. Most often, such lamps are used in everyday life. For such luminaires, the ballast is built into the luminaire itself. 2-pin lamps operate only from electromagnetic ballasts, 4-pin lamps can operate from both electromagnetic and electronic ones. Just when buying you need to be interested in the package and technical characteristics lamp and the types of lamps that can be used in it.
The fact that energy-saving lamps create less contrast lighting, according to ophthalmologists, even has a beneficial effect on vision, since diffused light reduces eye fatigue and makes the light in the room more comfortable.
Myth three. Energy-saving lamps take a long time to light.
All modern energy-saving lamps light up almost instantly, since such lamps are started using electronic ballast. True to full power Such a lamp comes out of radiation in a few seconds, but, nevertheless, this process is practically invisible to human perception.
This myth also came to us from the experience of using old linear fluorescent lamps, since they are turned on using conventional electromagnetic ballasts, and the process of turning them on takes certain time. It happens that such lamps, for a number of reasons, do not light up the first time, but a second or even third attempt is required, while the lamps constantly blink.
Pin-type energy-saving lamps that receive power through electromagnetic ballasts can behave similarly, but it is not the lamp that is to blame, but a technically imperfect starting and regulating device.
Myth four. Energy saving lamps flash when turned off
This myth was created by people who, before replacing incandescent lamps with energy-saving ones, used illuminated switches, usually an LED or neon bulb built into the switch body. When the key of such a switch is turned off, the LED bypasses the contact of the switch and at the same time a small current flows through the energy-saving lamp.
When using conventional switches without backlighting, energy-saving lamps do not blink when turned off. After the lamp is turned off, the phosphor may remain slightly glowing for some time, then this glow subsides.
If you find yourself in a situation with a backlit switch, then in this case you can either refuse the backlight (getting rid of the LED in the switch), or connect another resistor in parallel with the lamp.
You can experiment with different lamps. For example, my 15 W energy saving lamps flickered, but when I installed a 13 W lamp, the flickering stopped. The simplest option is not to change all the lamps, but to leave one incandescent lamp in the chandelier, then the lamps will not blink.
Myth fifth. Energy-saving lamps are not suitable for lighting living rooms, since in the light of such lamps everything around looks deathly white.
This myth is formed among people who clearly associate linear “daylight” lamps with the name “fluorescent lamp”. Such lamps are widely used in administrative buildings and industrial enterprises. In fact, the color of modern energy-saving lamps does not have to be only “dead white”.
Various energy-saving lamps can emit light with different emission spectra, which makes the use of energy-saving lamps instead of incandescent lamps even more comfortable, as the color palette of home lighting is enriched.
The parameters of color and color rendering quality are indicated on the lamp packaging (the quality of light depends on these two parameters). The color of a lamp is determined by its color temperature and lies in the range from 2700 to 6500 K.
Determines how well a given lamp reproduces different colors. The color rendering index of compact fluorescent lamps ranges from 60 to 98. The higher the number, the better the color rendering.
For residential premises, it is necessary to choose lamps with a color temperature of 2700 - 3100 K and with a color rendering index greater than 80. Cold light lamps should be used mainly in office premises (3300 - 6500 K).
The color rendering index and color temperature of energy-saving lamps can be determined by their markings on the lamp itself or packaging.
For example, on the base of an energy-saving lamp from a photograph the number 827 is written. This means that the lamp has a color rendering index of 80 and a color temperature of 2700 K (like conventional incandescent lamps).
Unfortunately, when buying energy-saving lamps, most people focus primarily on price, and most inexpensive lamps are produced with cheap phosphors emitting white light (4000 K). Inexpensive energy-saving lamps are also available warm light, but have mediocre color rendering.
Conclusion: When purchasing energy-saving lamps, pay attention to their color temperature and color rendering index.
In places that we visit for a short time (storage rooms, bathrooms, attics, etc.) it is not economically profitable to use energy-saving lamps. It is primarily necessary to replace incandescent lamps with energy-saving lamps in living rooms, i.e. exactly where the lamp will work. In this case, an energy-saving lamp (in my opinion, in our time, this is the most optimal light source for the home) will bring the greatest benefit and replacing incandescent lamps with energy-saving lamps will be most beneficial.
What do you think about this?
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