Compact fluorescent lights, which are commonly referred to as CFLs, continue to gain popularity as interest increases in energy efficiency and its positive effect on energy costs. CFLs are available in a variety of bases for use in a number of fixtures, with one of the most common bases being the GU24. When deciding which energy efficient GU24 bulb would work best for you, there are a few factors that should be considered.
GU24 Base
The GU24 bulb has two pins protruding from the bottom that twist and lock into place. For this reason, bulbs with this base are oftentimes referred to as “twist-and-lock style” bulbs. Unlike many other pin-based lights, the use of a GU24 bulb is not limited to a specific manufacturer. These lights can be used in any fixture that is GU24 compatible. Furthermore, GU24 base bulbs are also available for use in dimmable fixtures and are compatible with standard dimmers.
Lumens and Wattage
The amount of lumens a bulb has determines the brightness of the bulb. The higher the amount of lumens present, the brighter the light that will be created. Wattage represents the power that is being used by a bulb. Lumens and wattage are closely related in that the more lumens a bulb has, the more power is required to reach that brightness. For example, a GU24 bulb that measures 900 lumens would use only 13 watts of power; a light that has 1,750 lumens would use 23 watts.
Wattage simply refers to the amount of power that is being used by a bulb. The wattage that would be necessary depends on the light bulb that is going to be replaced.
- 13-14 watt GU24 = 60 watt incandescent
- 18-19 watt GU24 = 75 watt incandescent
- 23 watt GU24 = 100 watt incandescent
- 26-27 watt GU24 = 100-125 watt incandescent
Color Temperature
The color of a GU24 bulb, as with any other compact fluorescent light, is based on the Kelvin measurement that it has. The higher the Kelvin measurement, the more white in color the lamp will appear.
- 2700K – Warm White: This temperature is the lowest on the color spectrum. A light of this color is typically for use in living room settings.
- 3500K – Soft White: Also used commonly in living rooms, the soft white color is a hint whiter in color than the warm white, and more yellow in color than the cool white.
- 4100K – Cool White: Bulbs that measure 4100 degrees Kelvin appear fluorescent white in color.
- 5000K – Daylight White: Daylight white bulbs get this name because the light that is created resembles the light emitted by the sun around noon.
- 6500K – Bright White: The brightest color temperature is the 6500K bright white. This color is the whitest, and appears almost blue.
The color temperature is typically present on the bulb near the bulb’s model number and wattage.
Sizing the bulb
Another factor to consider when choosing a GU24 bulb is the size. The maximum overall length is known as the M.O.L. This is merely a description of the bulb’s length, given in inches. GU24 compact fluorescent lamps come in a variety of lengths, some being as long as 4.5” to some as small as 3.1”.
The width of a GU24 bulb, also measured in inches, is referred to as a T2 or T3. The number following the “T” describes the diameter in terms of eighths. For example, a bulb measuring 2/8” in diameter is called a T2, while a bulb measuring 3/8” wide is a T3.
Like all other compact fluorescent lights, GU24 base bulbs consume up to 75 percent less energy than their incandescent counterparts, and last up to ten times longer. Now you know all that need to be considered when choosing a GU24 bulb for your home or building.