Is this common? Im going green and am replacing my light bulbs for the energy saving florescent bulbs,,,but?

Question

Every time i flip the switch,,there is a delay for the light coming on. Like a few secs. I am just wondering if its just me or if this is normal..ty

Answer 1

This is normal.

Incandescent bulbs (the old kind with a filament) come on right away, because the current going through the filament causes it to immediately heat up and glow.

A fluorescent light, however, works on a different principal. The base of the bulb has a transformer in it. A light fixture with fluorescent tubes has a ballast (transformer) attached to it. This is required to step up the voltage to the point where it can ionize the gas in the fluorescent bulb/tube.

When the gas has a voltage applied to it, this ionizes the electrons in the gas and they give off photons (light). But, it sometimes takes a couple of seconds for the voltage to come up and for the gas to ionize. And, that's why there's a bit of a delay in the light coming on.

Answer 2

Excellent question! In answer to your question though, I too have wondered if there is a trade-off. How damaging are the bulbs to the environment when they ARE finally disposed of? Just a point about choosing your energy saving lightbulbs. I noticed in the shop when buying my ones that the different brands offer bulbs that use the same 8W or 11W but there is a difference in the intensity of each brand/model. Look at the "Lumens" the bulb is rated at. The higher the Lumens, the more light you'll get for your Wattage and for your money. I have 11 of them in my apartment. I now pay 40 € for a two month electricity bill and that is with the microwave, washing machine, computer and TV. Most of my friends pay something like 100 € or 120 €. And since October, I haven't had to change any bulb yet. I think they're worth it (as long as your electricity supply is stable and you don't have to keep buying new ones.) What will Kenner do for their toy ovens that cook using the heat from an incandescent light bulb? They make such great Devil's Food Cake!

Answer 3

These bulbs are fluorescent, and all fluorescent bulbs use a ballast or starter to get them going.
There is mercury in the tube and the starter vaporizes the mercury. An electric current passes through the mercury vapor, and causes a reaction with the phosphorous coating on the inside of the tube. This is the light you get. The type of coating determines the type of light you get: black light, grow light, soft white, daylight, etc.

Answer 4

i too replaced every bulb in my house with the swirl lights and in some rooms i have noticed the same thing so i am guessing it is fairly common

Answer 5

You need the flicker free bulbs. They come on immediately but are full bright within 15 seconds.

Answer 6

i have those lights as well and they do the same thing. with them being florescent they do that. it is a very common thing and nothing to worry about.

Answer 7

Yes it is common ourdo it too. But they are so dull. Guess we must all do our bit.

Answer 8

Happens to mine, too. I think it's because they are flourescent and have to "warm up"

Answer 9

Happens to mine, too. Not sure why!

Answer 10

this is normal