Feit Electric: It's the Bright Thing To Do.®

COMPACT FLUORESCENT FAQs

If you don’t see the answer to your question below, please feel free to contact our customer service department.

How are compact fluorescent light bulbs different than incandescent bulbs?

First, they use about 75% less electricity to produce the same amount of light. This saves money in energy costs while also preventing greenhouse gases from being released into the atmosphere. Second, they are rated to last for many years in recommended applications with normal use – often up to 10 years or more – so they also save money by eliminating the need to replace bulbs as often.

How do I know what compact fluorescent bulb wattage to use?

All of our packaging clearly indicates the CFL wattage and equivalent incandescent wattage, making it easy to compare. Generally speaking, compact fluorescent bulbs produce the same amount of light by using about a quarter of the energy. To save energy costs, find the bulbs with the light output you need, then choose the ones with the lowest watts.

Where can I use compact fluorescent bulbs? What are my choices?

Compact fluorescent bulbs can be used in most household fixtures. They are most commonly used in table lamps, floor lamps, decorative fixtures, wall sconces, outdoor lanterns, security light fixtures, indoor recessed fixtures, track lighting systems and more. CFLs are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Most popular CFL bulbs include twists, mini-twists, 3-way twists, covered A-shape bulbs, indoor and outdoor high heat rated reflectors and dimmable twists.

What is the difference between a Soft White, Bright White and Daylight compact fluorescent bulb? How do I know which color temperature to choose?

Shades of white light are measured in degrees Kelvin, where lower degrees indicate yellower light and higher degrees indicate whiter or bluish white light. Soft White (2700° Kelvin) is the warmest option that most closely approximates a standard incandescent bulb. It is most often used in areas like living rooms. Bright White (3500° - 4100° Kelvin) is a whiter light than soft white and is most often selected for kitchens and bathrooms or work spaces. Daylight (6000° - 6500° Kelvin) is recommended for reading areas or for use in craft rooms and is a more bluish white that most closely approximates an outdoor overcast sky.

When should compact fluorescent bulbs not be used?

Applications vary from one bulb to the next, so cautions appear on our packaging. There are specific compact fluorescent lamps designed for nearly all applications. Generally speaking, compact fluorescent bulbs are not recommended for fully enclosed recessed fixtures, timers, motion detectors, dusk to dawn fixtures or emergency light fixtures. They are also not recommended in fixtures that are typically turned on for less than 15 minutes at a time. For specific questions about CFL usage, feel free to contact our customer service department at 866-326-BULB (2852) Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm PST.

Can I use compact fluorescent bulbs outside?

Provided the bulb is kept dry and protected from the elements, most compact fluorescent bulbs will work outside. Their performance and lifespan can be affected by humidity or extremely cold weather, so for exposed fixtures, we make special indoor/outdoor weatherproof bulbs.

Can I use compact fluorescent bulbs in 3-way fixtures?

We make special CFLs that work in 3-way fixtures. A non-3-way CFL will only operate on the second setting of a 3-way socket.

Can I use compact fluorescent bulbs with a dimmer?

We make specially designed dimmable compact fluorescent bulbs that operate normally with most dimmers used in residential applications. Standard CFLs are not dimmable and are not recommended for use with dimmable circuits.

Can I use compact fluorescent bulbs in damp environments?

Indoor compact fluorescent bulbs operate best in dry locations. Their performance and lifespan may be affected by humidity. Indoor/outdoor CFLs are specifically designed to withstand exposure to moisture.

Can I use compact fluorescent bulbs in fully enclosed or recessed fixtures?

Though not all CFLs can be used in these applications, we do offer an assortment of CFLs for use in totally enclosed fixtures and high-heat rated indoor/outdoor reflectors for use in recessed fixtures.

Can I use compact fluorescent bulbs with timers, motion detectors, dusk to dawn fixtures or emergency light fixtures?

Compact fluorescents bulbs are not generally recommended for these applications. Using them with such devices can affect their performance and lifespan. New products, such as dusk to dawn fixtures designed for fluorescent use, are being introduced for these kinds of specialized applications.

What is the rated life for a CFL based on?

The life ratings assume continuous use for 3 hours per day every day under recommended conditions. The actual performance of any individual bulb will depend on the unique application in which it is used.

What if a bulb burns out prematurely?

In residential applications, ENERGY STAR® compliant CFL bulbs have a two year warranty and commercially used CFLs have a one year warranty. If a bulb fails prematurely, please contact our customer service department at 866-326-BULB (2852) Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm PST.

Is there any special handling I should be aware of prior to or during installation?

Compact fluorescent bulbs have glass tubes and should be handled with care. When installing the bulb, always hold it by the base to prevent breakage, and never force a CFL into a socket.

Is there mercury in compact fluorescent bulbs? Should I be concerned?

All fluorescent light bulbs require mercury to operate. Compact fluorescent bulbs contain a very small amount of mercury. Unless a bulb is broken, compact fluorescent bulbs do not release mercury and are as safe to use as standard incandescent bulbs. Feit Electric is at the forefront of reducing the amount of mercury in its bulbs. ECObulb PLUS CFLs voluntarily surpass strict RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) European environmental standards.

What if I break a bulb?

Because the bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, ENERGY STAR® (a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy) recommends taking several steps to ensure proper clean-up. The basic steps are as follows and full steps are available at www.energystar.gov:

Clear the room of people and pets;
Open a window to air out the room and turn off central air systems;
Scoop up glass with a stiff piece of paper or cardboard and put the shards in a glass jar with a metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag;
Use sticky tape to pick up small pieces and powder;
Wipe hard surfaces with a damp paper towel – do not use a vacuum on hard surfaces – and place the towel in the glass jar or plastic bag;
If a vacuum is used on carpet, make sure to remove the vacuum bag and throw it away;
Clothing or bedding that comes in direct contact with the broken glass or powder from inside the bulb should be thrown away;
After cleaning up, wash hands thoroughly.

How do I dispose of a compact fluorescent bulb after it burns out?

Compact fluorescent bulbs should be disposed of in accordance with local, state or federal disposal laws. They can be dropped off at most recycling centers, and you may find a recycling center by visiting www.earth911.org or www.epa.gov, or by calling 1-800-CLEANUP. Our RECYCLEPAK program offers several consumer and commercial recycling options, which include a pack that will fill up with about 8-12 burned out bulbs. Just attach the prepaid shipping label and your retired fluorescent bulbs will be responsibly recycled. Consumers click here, and commercial businesses click here for ordering instructions.