You may have heard of Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) GU24 base bulbs and wondered what they are. These bulbs have a different base than the standard screw base CFL bulbs. GU24 bulbs have 2 pins protruding from the base instead of the usual screw in base. To install the bulb, you would insert the pins into the corresponding holes in the socket and twist the light bulb and lock it into place.
So why would you want to use a GU24 base bulb? What are the advantages of GU24 bulbs?
- GU24 bulbs are self ballasted i.e. the ballast portion of the bulb is already attached to the bulb and is easy to replace.
- The overall length of the bulb is shorter since the ballast and the bulb are in one unit
- You can easily change the wattage of the bulb, unlike pin base bulbs which require the socket to be changed for different wattages of bulbs. This offer more flexibility
- The size and shape of socket is similar to an incandescent socket so it’s great for homes.
- Standard GU24 Bulbs are interchangeable between manufacturers
So next time you’re in the market for a lighting fixture, consider one that utilizes a GU24 base bulb
How well do these bulbs work in an exterior setting where it’s below freezing (or even below zero)?
Does it make sense to throw away the ballast every time you change a lamp?
The ballast adds to the overall length of the lamp, limiting the fixtures it can be used in and limiting the design flexibility of the fixture designers.
What is the mean lumens rating for the lamp?
The bulbs work as well as any other CFL in outdoor settings, with the GU24 connection having no bearing on its outdoor performance (it’s just another way to make an electrical connection). The manufacturer might make the bulb for exterior settings with features like pre-start heating or a shorter arc length, but you’ll need to find the bulb specification to determine if the lamp will start in the setting you’re planning on. Generally speaking, freezing is pushing it for most fluorescent bulbs, but there are bulbs that can get down to the -20 F range.
And no, Dave, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to toss the ballast when the lamp is changed. However, ballasted CFLs probably make up the cost of the ballast in energy savings if they’re replacing an incandescent bulb. If you really want to be efficient, get dedicated fluorescent fixtures that use T5 HO bulbs… from the information I’ve compiled, these give off the most lumens/watt with the least waste material. Keep an eye on solid state lighting such as LEDs, though; their price continues to drop and the efficiency and quality keep climbing as research continues. The lifespan of LEDs is already exceedingly high where light fixtures are concerned, and there isn’t the mercury waste issue encountered with fluorescent bulbs.
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