CFL or LED

[JohnBoyII]

I've got a kitchen light fitting that originally came with 50W GU10 halogen bulbs. For the last couple of years I've been using 11W GU10 compact fluorescent lamps (CED branded) that I used to buy from Toolstation. All my spares have finished but Toolstation don't sell them anymore and a lot of places now say that CFL bulbs are on the way out, being replaced by LEDs.

Is that true?

 

[JohnW2]

All my spares have finished but Toolstation don't sell them anymore and a lot of places now say that CFL bulbs are on the way out, being replaced by LEDs. Is that true?

Yes, I would say that's roughly true. I don't doubt that CFLs will continue to be available, from at least some sources, for a good time to come, but LEDs are certainly gradually 'taking over'.

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnBoyII]

Thanks. Would you happen to know why that is?

I've always used CFLs because they give a 100 degrees spread of light, LEDs tend to be around 36 degrees.

 

[flameport]

CFLs are gone, there is no reason why anyone would buy them now.
To see why, go to Toolstation and buy one of these: http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p80549
Put it in the light fitting next to one of your 11W CFLs and you will see the difference immediately.

 

[boringoldcodger]

There are some LEDs which give 100 degrees (or more) of light, such as:
http://www.alarmsandlightbulbs.co.uk/gu10-light-bulb-24-smd-340-lumen-x-1-bulb-282-p.asp
I'm sure plenty more are available but I do understand JohnBoy's point that they're not always too easy to find.

 

[JohnBoyII]

That might be worth a try. I was in Toolstation today and the bloke said they didn't have anything with a CFL like spread. He suggest I try B&Q. At B&Q they showed me a LED which claimed a 100 degree spread but the lady there said it was still basically a spot light and I wouldn't get the kind of spread as with a CFL. She suggested I try on-line.

 

[JohnW2]

Thanks. Would you happen to know why that is?

I presume a combination of factors - greater efficiency (lower running costs + "trees saved"), longer life, less environmental impact (on disposal), less heat production, instant start-up, potentially easier dimming .... etc. etc.

I've always used CFLs because they give a 100 degrees spread of light, LEDs tend to be around 36 degrees.

You are presumably thinking of downlight types (although even they can be had with 90 or even 120 degree beam angles). However, if you want something approaching "360°", you can have ones like ...

... or ...

Indeed, if you actually like the appearance of CFLs, you can even get LEDs which look just like them! ...

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnD]

Edit

I think you have some kind of small spotlight? Show us the bulb you use.

 

[Iamchamps]

Just replaced every bulb in my whole house with led from g9s to gu10s to strip lights to standard light fittings. Cost a small fortune but already can see the electric saving about 10-20p a day less.

All the bulbs came with at least a year guarantee but most saying about 30k hour life span. I am hopeful I won't need to change any for a long time.

 

[JohnBoyII]

The bulbs I've got are from CED, similar to these ones

https://ced-elec.co.uk/cms/cms.jsp?menu_id=8962&prodref=CFLGU1011WDL&category=CFLGU10GX53
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11W-GU10-...986219?hash=item5d47a57cab:g:FpQAAOxyRhBSvsTt

The one on eBay is a better picture, but basically the same. Mine are the daylight (6400K) rating, which a lot of places don't have anymore, most are warm white or cool white.

 

[JohnD]

I used to use something similar, but SES, in the kitchen.

I've now gone over to LED, very happy with them. Why don't you like them?

 

[JohnW2]

The bulbs I've got are from CED, similar to these ones ... Mine are the daylight (6400K) rating, which a lot of places don't have anymore, most are warm white or cool white.

Fair enough. TLC offer a Daylight (6400K) 5W GU10 LED with a 110° beam angle ... (Click Here)

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnBoyII]

Oh nothing against LEDs. Just the last time I tried ( a couple of years ago now) I bought a box of half a dozen to replace all the GU10 halogens, but ended up binning the lot because the spread was really poor. I think I might give the Toolstation bulb a go, even though it's only has a 60 degree spread. If it doesn't work at at least I can take it back.

John - your reply just popped up. Thanks, that TLC bulb looks just perfect.

 

[JohnBoyII]

Thanks!

 

[flameport]

a couple of years ago now

LEDs have improved massively even in that short time.