GBlist: RE: Compact Fluorescent Residential Fixtures?

[Sandra Leibowitz <sleibowitz@earthlink.net>]

I got a ceiling-mounted circline fluorescent fixture called "Liguna Niguel"  by Good Earth Lighting
(Tel: 847-291-8838) at Lowes for about $35--also sold at Home Depot.  I mention the model name because
out of all the fluorescent fixtures Good Earth Lighting makes, it is one of the few with "electronic
technology".

Which brings me to my next question.  Someone told be that "electronic technology" refers to an
electronic "transformer" rather than a "true electronic ballast".  As far as I am concerned, the
performance is that of an electronic ballast, but my source says it won't last as long as a "true
electronic ballast".  That in 15 years I will have to throw the whole fixture out.  Does this make any
sense? Can someone explain?

I did a lot of searching at one point and was disappointed to find what a small percentage of
fluorescent fixtures on the market today use electronic anything.  And the ones that do are so much
more expensive than the ones with magnetic ballasts.  Are we close to getting past this point yet?



______________________________________________________________________
This greenbuilding dialogue is sponsored by CREST <www.crest.org>
BuildingGreen <www.buildinggreen.com> and Oikos <www.oikos.com>
For  instructions send  e-mail to  greenbuilding-request@crest.org.
______________________________________________________________________