Compact Fluorescent

Updated
13-XI-2022
During the energy crisis of the 1970s, the first real efforts were initiated to begin developing a more efficient light source which could replace the traditional incandescent lamp. It was recognised that the relatively small improvements that had taken place in incandescent lamps during the previous four decades were not enough, and there was potential for replacing it with one of the other newer lamp technologies.

The main focus in Europe was on miniaturising fluorescent lamps and equipping them with compact integrated ballasts, while the Americans initially focussed on miniature self-ballasted metal halide sources. Additional efforts were directed by both continents towards miniaturised electrodeless induction lamps.

Ultimately it was the compact fluorescent approach that won, thanks to the timely development of a new series of phosphors that could endure the higher thermal loadings in small lamps, and the parallel development of miniaturised ballasts. The advantages of the resulting lamps were so significant that they also led to the introduction of the large family of non-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps, intended directly for use in new luminaires having remote control gear.

Non-Retrofit Lamps

Thorn

16W

2D compact fluorescent
1983

Thorn

16W

2D compact fluorescent with half coated tube
1984

Philips

9W

PL*9 twin-tube
1982

Osram

7W

Dulux S twin-tube
1983

Sylvania

5W

F5TT/27K CF-S twin-tube
1987

GE

13W

Mod-U-Line twin-tube
1986

Tungsram

7W

FD*9 twin-tube
1989

Tesla

9W

DZ*9 twin-tube
1989

Narva

9W

LD:9 twin-tube
1989

Osram

24W

Dulux L twin-tube high power prototype cap
1985

Thorn

24W

2L twin-tube high power with cooling heat sink
1989

Sylvania

18W

Lynx-L twin-tube high power with clear ends
2001

Sylvania

13W

Sy-Lynx D with two discharge tubes
1984

Philips

10W

PLC*10 double-tube
1986

Osram

13W

Double Dulux Low Voltage F13DTT/35K
1991

Osram

13W

Dulux D/E double tube 4-pin Electronic
1991

Osram

18W

Dulux F double tube planar design
1993

Philips

18W

PL-T triple tube Amalgam
1996

GE

13W

Biax T/E triple tube
1994

Osram

32W

Dulux TE triple tube
1995

GE

57W

Biax Q/E quadruple tube
2006

Philips

3-13W

T1 Cold Cathode Meander
1999
       

Retrofit Lamps - Magnetically Ballasted

Philips

18W

SL*1000 first prototype compact fluorescent
1976

Philips

18W

SL*18 demonstration half coated
1980

Philips

18W

SL*18 first generation compact fluorescent
1982

Westinghouse

25W

Econ-Nova first USA compact fluorescent
1983

Philips

18W

SL*18R spherical lamp with reflector coating
1987

Mazda

14W

2D Low Energy - with same length as GLS
1990

Retrofit Lamps - Electronically Ballasted

Philips

7W

PLCE*7 with the first electronic ballast
1988

Wotan

18W

Circolux Electronica for pendant luminaires
1988

Sylvania

15W

Mini-Lynx with rose coloured phosphor
1995

Philips

11W

Ambiance GLS-shaped compact fluorescent
1998

Osram

5W

Dulux EL Classic, first true GLS sized retrofit
1999

Philips

9½W

Nightlight LED feature integrated in CFL
2003

Philips

11W

"Genie" Asian low-cost compact fluorescent
2003

Philips

23W

"Tornado" Helical shape compact fluorescent
2004

GE

42W

"Heliax" Spiral shape FLE42HLX-VT-827
2005

Sylvania

8W

MicroLynx 'F' Low-profile disc shaped lamp
2001

Xiangshan

5W

Nova-Lux Self-ballasted Cold Cathode
1998