[ Last Updated 18 August 2008 ]
Short Description
Energy Safety said today that it has no concerns over the safety of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).
CFLs are subject to a New Zealand Standard that includes fire safety performance requirements that exceed international guidelines.
There are around 13 million bulbs in use in New Zealand and to date Energy Safety has received no significant complaints.
The Fire Service's Manager of Fire Investigation and Arson Reduction, Peter Wilding, says while they are aware of some issues surrounding CFL's, to date there have been no confirmed structure fires involving them.
"We've added CFLs to our incident reporting system simply to get a better understanding of any issues around them."
Blackening of the bulb had been raised as an issue, but the Lighting Council Chief Executive Richard Pointing says discolouration in any type of fluorescent lamp is normal at the end of its life, and should not usually be a cause for concern.
"The plastic at the base of a CFL also contains fire-retardant plastic so if it does char for any reason, it may produce smoke but should not burn."
Mr Ponting says people need to take care not to over-tighten the bulbs when they’re putting them in, as it’s a common cause of bulb failure.
"CFLs are no more fragile than any other light bulb, but like any other light bulb it's going to crack if it's over-tightened. Make sure it's the right shape and size so you are not forcing the bulb into the fitting,"
Terry Collins, Manager Products at the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) says that many of the concerns around CFLs have stemmed from the misconception that people will be forced to use them as inefficient lighting is phased out from November next year.
"CFLs are certainly about the most efficient lighting option on the market at moment, but they’re not the only one – people will still be able to choose what they use from a range of lighting options."
CFLs are being used around the world in increasing numbers and are a simple and effective way to reduce energy use, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.