The big compactor massacre

[Eric H]

Originally Posted by fsjonsey

Chinese companies are putting an unauthorized UL label on their cheap CFL lamps and selling them to bottom barrel discount stores, Dollar general, Biglots, etc. Some of these lamps have even been sold to name brands like sylvania, who were not aware of the questionable pedigree. They are known to melt, the thin glass envelopes explode, and have even caught fire.

Oh joy, all my CFL's came from Big Lots...
No problems yet other than a couple burned out, still I don't leave them on when I'm out.

Come to think of it the CFL's are the ONLY electronic item I've gotten from Big Lots that have actually worked.

[bgadow]

I have mostly stayed away from CFL's after seeing one catch fire at my mother's house. I suspect it would have self-extinguished, but I don't know. I did finally break down and buy one to try but it wouldn't fit most of the fixtures in the house.

Does anyone make CFL's in the US?

[ChrisW6ATV]

I converted to 100% fluorescent about five years ago or so, a total of 21 bulbs including two outdoor flood lights that I can think of. After five years, I have replaced maybe half of the bulbs one time and the others are still going fine, and I have saved 75% of the power cost to use incandescent bulbs through my house. None of my bulbs has burned up or anything similar. What is nice is, when they do burn out, they just go dark. None of that scary, shocking bright flash you see when an incandescent burns out. I also use fluorescent bulbs in my work lights, where I do not have to worry about burning my hand or fingers when I touch the lit bulb.

[peverett]

I am replacing updating mine as the incandescent ones burn out. I still need to find a place to recycle the fluorescent ones. So far none of the fluorescent ones have gone out.

I have to disagree with ChrisW6ATV about the heat. I had to remove one of the fluorescent ones after it had been on awhile. It was warm enough as to be hard to handle.

[YamahaFreak]

I try to avoid the trash truck at all costs, so I don't see something like this. I can't watch.