Timetable set to phase out high-energy light bulbs

[adam2]

LED lamps with a 200 lumens per watt output are now becoming more generally available, here is an example from Crompton lamps
https://www.lightbulbs-direct.com/cromp ... -60w-eqv-/

3.8 watts, 806 lumens, over 200 lumens per watt.

[clv101]

That is very impressive... but over £10 a bulb!

[adam2]

I expect prices to fall significantly as more manufacturers make similar products.
By historical standards these lamps are not expensive ! In the early days of electric lighting a 32 candle power carbon filament lamp cost a shilling or two shillings, or about an hours wages.
Today one of these high efficiency lamps costs about an hours wages, for a far superior product, It gives more light, for longer and consumes 3.8 watts instead of 120 watts.
"Roberstson" carbon lamps were arguably the peak of carbon filament lamps and were manufactured until surprisingly recently. They achieved about 3.5 lumens per watt up to about 5 lumens per watt.

[adam2]

Costs vary a lot so no great accuracy can be claimed, but here are some approximations of costs for a total of 10,000 hours use for a 60 watt or equivalent lamp.

60 watt incandescent lamp.
10 replacement lamps at 50 pence each-------------£5
600KWH of electricity at 30 pence a unit------------£180
Total cost per 10,000 hours-----------------------------£185

15 watt CFL.(increasingly obsolete, but many remain remain in use or in the supply chain)
One replacement lamp---------------------------------£5
150KWH of electricity at 30 pence a unit-----------£ 45
Total cost per 10,000 hours-----------------------------£50
(note that I have assumed a 15 watt CFL, this will give slightly MORE light than a 60 watt incandescent, a greater saving would result from use of an 11 watt CFL, but that will be a bit dimmer. I have also assumed a purchase cost of £5 for a reputable branded lamp such as Phillips or Osram. Cheaper alternatives exist but may not last as long)

10 watt LED.
One replacement lamp at---------------------------- £6
100KWH of electricity at 30 pence a unit-----------£30
Total cost per 10,000 hours----------------------------£36



(note that I have assumed a purchase price of £6, for a good quality lamp from a reputable maker, much cheaper alternatives exist but may have a shorter life or lower light output than claimed)

3.8 watt LED, Latest type from Crompton lamps.
One lamp at £10------------------------------------------£10
38 kwh of electricity at 30 pence a unit -------------£11-40
Total cost for 10,000 hours light------------------------£21.40

Both CFL and LED lamps from premium manufacturers should last longer than 10,000 hours, giving even greater savings.
Electricity prices vary a bit.

General features of incandescent lamps
Very cheap, so the best option if theft or accidental breakage is likely.
Are inherently suitable for DC supplies, or for AC of any reasonable frequency.
Suitable for high temperatures.
Will light, very dimly, on a much reduced voltage.
Drawbacks, energy waste, short life.
Also VERY sensitive to supply voltage variations, at 220 volts will be significantly dimmer, at 250 volts life will be significantly reduced. Both voltages are well within the permitted range in the UK.

General features of CFLs
Reduced running cost
Long life
Higher initial cost of lamp.
Don't tolerate extreme temperatures.
Some types are AC only, those that accept DC may need a higher voltage.
Most types go out at a much reduced voltage.

General features of LEDs
Lowest running cost
Extreme long life, if of good quality.
Higher initial cost.
Don't tolerate heat, but are fine in cold.
Some types are multi voltage.
Many are suitable for DC supplies.
Highly efficient coloured lamps are available.
Constant light on varying supply voltage, within reason.
Some types are dimmable.

I last did this exercise a few years ago, but have repeated it allowing for the increased price of electricity and including the latest type of 200 lumens per watt LED lamp.
Note these are lamps are worth use, despite a purchase cost of about £10 each.

[adam2]

The manufacture or import of most types of compact fluorescent lamp is now prohibited.
This was due to come into force in February 2023, but an extra year was allowed, so the ban came into force this February.
This affects not only "domestic" CFLs with standard caps, but also PLC, PLT, and DD types. In many cases LED alternatives are available, but not always.
The prohibition is on manufacture or import, existing stocks may be used without concern.

[mr brightside]

What would be a premium manufacturer for LED lamps? The crap ones last less than a year.

[adam2]

What would be a premium manufacturer for LED lamps? The crap ones last less than a year.

Philips, Osram, Crompton, Sylvania, and other well known EUROPEAN manufactures. Avoid obscure or unknown brands.

[mr brightside]

What would be a premium manufacturer for LED lamps? The crap ones last less than a year.

Philips, Osram, Crompton, Sylvania, and other well known EUROPEAN manufactures. Avoid obscure or unknown brands.

Avoid Status and Maxim perhaps then. I always buy my lamps from the hardware shop, as well as supporting a small business he knows what brands get bad feedback. I think the leds I got there last time are made by Ever-Ready; he assured me they get good reports back, but i don't know who actually makes them.