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To reduce the chance of interference, avoid placing compact fluorescent bulbs near these kinds of electronic devices. If interference occurs, move the bulb away from the electronic device, or plug either the light fixture or the electronic device into a different outlet

Many electronic devices, such as radios, televisions, wireless telephones, and remote controls, use infrared light to transmit signals. Infrequently, these types of electronic devices accidentally interpret the infrared light coming from a compact fluorescent bulb as a signal, causing the electronic device to temporarily malfunction or stop working. (For example, your television might suddenly change channels.) Fortunately, this only happens when light is produced at the same wavelength as the electronic device signals, which is rare

Top Can compact fluorescent bulbs create interference with electronic equipment, such

as radios?

as radios

Can I use a CFL bulb outside?Many CFL bulbs can be used outdoors if used in an enclosed fixture. To be certain, look for the package or bulb to say that it

being used

can be used outdoors and verify the lowest operating temperature for the area where the product is

Can I use a CFL in applications involving vibration such as a ceiling fan or garage door opener?Generally it is not recommended to use CFLs in vibrating environments. Vibration can cause the electronics in the CFL to fail. There is one CFL bulb (FLE11) that is available for use in a ceiling fan. Check the package for this application

> Return to Top Can I use a compact fluorescent light bulb with an electronic timer or photocell (AKA electric eye)?Some electronic timers and photocells contain parts that are incompatible with compact fluorescent light bulbs; using these bulbs in incompatible products will result in a shorter light bulb life. To find out if an electronic timer or photocell is compatible with compact fluorescent bulbs, check with the manufacturer of the timer or photocell

small number of cases where this might occur, it can produce a very pungent smell that is certainly not pleasant. If this situation occurs, the easiest way to eliminate any odor is to follow the same approach that one would use to eliminate any other unpleasant odor or smell. Briefly leave the immediate area if it is very irritating. Next, after waiting 10 or 15 minutes, air out the room by opening any doors or a window if there is one. This will quickly dissipate the remaining fumes or smell. If available, a normal portable household fan or ceiling fan will accelerate the process. Properly dispose of the lamp.

Any smoke or odor produced is in a low concentration, which will not result in a hazard. However, in the relatively

ny electrical or electronic products, can sometimes fail in a way where one

The vast majority of CFLs do not

the electrical components or plastic materials will briefly produce a very irritating odor and possibly some smoke.

produce either an odor or smoke when the CFL either fails or reaches its normal

I have a CFL that has produced a very unpleasant odor and some smoke when it failed. Is this common? Hazardous? What should I do if this happens in the future

that has produced a very unpleasant odor and some smoke when it failed. Is this common? Hazardous? What should I do if this happens in the

smoke

it failed. Is this common? Hazardous? What should I do if this happens in the future?

> Return to Top I have a CFL that has produced a very unpleasant odor and some smoke when it failed. Is this common? Hazardous? What should I do if this happens in the future?

end of life. However, CFLs, like ma

light bulbs (such as compact fluorescent bulbs) give off hazardous amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light?Regular fluorescent light bulbs used in your home and office do not produce a hazardous amount of ultraviolet light (UV). Most light sources, including fluorescent bulbs, emit a small amount of UV, but the UV produced by fluorescent light bulbs is far less than the amount produced by natural daylight. (Ultraviolet light rays are the light wavelengths that can cause sunburn and skin damage.)

What compact fluorescent light bulb do I buy to replace an incandescent (regular) bulb?While a regular (incandescent) light bulb uses heat to produce light, a fluorescent bulb creates light using an entirely different method that is far more energy-efficient — in fact, 4-6 times more efficient. This means that you can buy a 15-watt compact fluorescent bulb that produces the same amount of light as a 60-watt regular incandescent bulb.

Don't worry about the math, though — we make it easy for you to figure out which compact fluorescent bulb to buy by displaying the equivalent regular watts you're used to prominently on the package. Just look for the wattage you would normally buy in a regular bulb. In case you're curious, here are the watts needed by regular incandescent bulbs and compact fluorescent bulbs to produce the same amount

of light

Can I use a compact fluorescent light bulb with a dimmer switch?To use a compact fluorescent bulb on a dimmer switch, you must buy a bulb that's specifically made to work with dimmers (check the package). GE makes a dimming compact fluorescent light bulb (called the Energy Smart Dimming Spirals®) that is specially designed for use with dimming switches. We don't recommend using regular compact fluorescent bulbs with dimming switches, since this can shorten bulb life. (Using a regular compact fluorescent bulb with a dimmer will also nullify the bulb's warranty.)

> Return to Top Can I use a compact fluorescent light bulb on my 3-way lamp?GE does make CFL bulbs for use in 3-way lamps. Check the package for this application. If a regular CFL is use in a 3-way switch, it will work on the middle (medium) setting and it should not damage the bulb. The 3-way switch does not alter the performance of the bulb