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Steps to follow when installing CFLs in your home so as not to create a fire hazard

By Carl A

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 06Oct2009 Word count: 496 Viewed: 371 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Most potential over heating associated with CFL lamps is a result of defective products or CFL lamps that have been installed improperly. The best way to assure that you are buying CFL lamps that meet the highest standard is to purchase lamps that have been tested and proven to meet the US government's ENERGY STAR standards. ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs currently meet UL safety standards, which require the materials to be self-extinguishing. So, although the base or glass tubing may darken, an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL should never catch on fire.

CFLs are made of glass and can break if dropped or roughly handled. Be careful when removing the bulb from its packaging, installing it, or replacing it. Always screw and unscrew the light bulb by its base (not the glass), and never forcefully twist the CFL into a light socket. To be sure that you are installing CFL lamps properly in your home lighting sockets install and remove CFLs by grasping the plastic portions of the base only. If the CFL is screwed into a light socket by twisting the tube rather than the plastic base, it can cause the vacuum seal or glass tubing in the CFL to break. Once certain parts are exposed to oxygen, they are more liable to become defective and/or overheat. In some cases, when a fluorescent tube reaches it end of useful life, the arc contained in the tube may elevate the temperature of the housing plastic near one end of the tube. This elevated temperature, although it is short lived, may produce some limited smoke and odor. In some cases a flashing arc internal to the fluorescent tube or ballast may occur and in some extreme cases, a deformation, significant distortion, or small breach of the plastic material may happen. Again, the materials and evaluation tests are designed to prevent subsequent safety hazard.

If the fluorescent in your home should ever begin to smoke or smolder, immediately shut off the power to the CFL and, once it has cooled, remove it from the light socket. Then contact the light bulb manufacturing regulating authority where you live and provide them with the product manufacturer's name and model information that is included on the CFL base and if possible an electronic photo. Also inform them on how the CFL was used - open or enclosed light fixture; indoors or outdoors; base orientation - up, down or sideways. Then visit the manufacturer's web site to find customer service contact information to inform them of the early failure. Manufacturers producing ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs are required to offer at least a 2-year limited warranty (covering manufacturer defects) for residential applications. In some cases, the manufacturer may request the failed product to be shipped to them so they can determine why the smoking happened, so make sure to keep the product until you speak to the manufacturer. Finally, be sure to ask the manufacturer for a replacement product or a refund.

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