I have fluorescent strip lighting in the kitchen. The unit holds two 58 Watt tubes and produces a very high standard of lighting. Can anyone advise if there is a modern low energy equivalent with equal or superior lighting capability?
Robert Hunter
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As far as I know fluorescent strip lighting is still the most energy efficient lighting for domestic use. The low energy lamps (CFLs) are just a miniaturised fluorescent tube complete with starter/ballast in a convenient bayonet or screw fitting so that they can directly replace a standard GLS light bulb.
The table of relative efficiencies are:
(Amount of light produced for the energy input) lumen/watt
Low pressure sodium 100-190
High pressure sodium 65-140
H/pressure metal halide 70-100
Tubular fluorescent 65-100
CFL (Compact fluorescent)50- 85
Incandescent (halogen) 12- 24
Incandescent GLS 8- 12
Low and high pressure sodium and high pressure metal halide are not suitable for domestic use - mainly for street or car park lighting.
Improvements have been made in the light spectrum produced by fluorescent tubes and are sold under names such as GE Polylux, but if you are happy with the standard of lighting you have you are probably using the most efficient currently available. LED lighting may change this in the future, but it is a long way from this yet.
Barry Jerome
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