Frequently Asked Questions
What does “dedicated low energy” mean?
Our fittings only accept a low energy lamp designed for use with an L1 light fitting. This means that the low energy lamp is not later replaced by an incandescent or normal light bulb which would be 5 times more expensive to run! Our fittings will not accept high energy lamps.
What exactly do you mean by “low energy”?
Our CFL bulbs use less energy or power to produce the light - 80% less electricity. Our new LED lamps last approximately 10 years and save even more energy - as much as 90%.
What is a compact fluorescent lamp?
A compact fluorescent lamp is a small fluorescent lamp which is usually referred to as a CFL or energy saving light bulb. They use less energy than a traditional (or incandescent) light bulb because they are more efficient at changing electricity into light and they have a longer life span.
What are watts?
The wattage of a bulb actually tells you how much electricity it uses, not how much light it produces. With new technology and more efficient lamps, watts are becoming increasingly irrelevant.
What are lumens?
Light is measured in lumens. For example, a traditional 60 watt bulb will consume 60 watts of electricity but it provides light in lumens, typically around 700 lumens. An energy saving bulb might only consume 12 watts to provide the same level of light. As the phase out of traditional bulbs progresses, we will start to move from watts to lumens and you will see “lumens” printed on light bulb packaging. Lumens will be used to describe the light output of a bulb.
How do I know what wattage I need to buy to get a similar amount of light as my old fittings?
Below are some conversion figures that you can use to help to work out what wattage of CFL light bulb you should buy to get the same (or similar) amount of light as you would from an old style incandescent bulb.
• 25 watts incandescent = 5 watts CFL
• 40 watts incandescent = 7-9 watts CFL
• 75 watts incandescent = 15 watts CFL
• 100 watts incandescent = 20 watts CFL
Do I have to wait for a long time for the bulbs to reach full brightness?
No. The light will come on very quickly and in seconds you will be able to see around you clearly. It takes less than 15 seconds to be able to read from the light and the main brightness will be achieved in about 30 seconds. The output will then increase a little to achieve maximum brightness after another minute.
Where can I get replacement bulbs?
They are now widely available from lots of online retailers and over 2,000 distributors nationwide – contact our customer services team on 0844 822 8096 for your local stockist. Alternatively you can buy them either online or over the phone direct from tp24. The maximum price of the light bulb will be fixed so that you will not pay over the odds.
These bulbs look great! They look the same size as my current bulbs; can I use them at home?
Yes, they have been designed for use in the domestic market. Our L1 light bulbs can be used in fittings with a GU10 lamp holder and we now have an L1 to BC adaptor (see page 171) so they can be used in most fittings which take a BC cap. We also offer a complete range of retro fit 7w lamps which will fit most of the fittings in your house (see page 175).
Do these bulbs flicker and flash when I switch them on?
No.
How long does each bulb last?
The majority of our lamps last 6,000-8,000 hours. Depending on usage this would typically be around 3 to 5 years. In comparison a traditional light bulb lasts about 1,000 hours. Our spot bulbs last up to 10,000 hours and our LEDs up to 20,000 hours (approximately 10 years).
Do I need any special wiring?
No. All our fittings are suitable for standard mains voltage.
Are your light fittings easy to install?
Yes, extremely! The majority of our fittings are supplied with our unique, patented HSR and HSS head systems that allow the light fitting to be fitted over a standard ceiling rose, eliminating the need to rewire the loop or switch drop. For more details see page 188 and visit our website www.tp24.com and www.youtube.com/tp24tv to see our HSR and HSS demonstration clips.
How do I recycle the bulbs when they reach the end of their life?
All light bulbs should be separated from the normal waste and properly re-cycled. There are a number of sites being set alongside regular bottle banks and recycling centres to accept fluorescent lamps. Please contact your local authority for the nearest facility. Alternatively tp24 are registered under the WEEE directive and lamps can be sent back to us for recycling.
Can I leave my lights on continually 24 hours a day?
No. Because of the way that these lamps work they are not designed to be left on 24/7 - they need a rest period (a bit like us!). Also, it is not environmentally friendly to leave them on all the time so we would recommend the use of a suitable timer or sensor switch.