Compare Technologies

Home Lighting Heating Energy Aquarius Exhibitions About Us Contact Us

Morgan Hope

Compare Technologies

It is always wise to compare technologies. We have too. The differences are staggering. For example:

• Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are a major hazard to dispose of especially when they break. They contain mercury and phosphor –in quantities sufficient to contaminate 30,000 litres of drinking water to below the EU recommended safety level.

• Halogen lamps waste 90% of the energy that they consume, by turning it into heat not light.

• Here is a table which briefly sets out the differences between halogens, CFLs and LEDs.

Lamp Equivalent Chart
Lamp Equivalents	Halogens	CFLs	LEDs
Life Expectancy	2,000 to 5,000 Hrs	8,000 to 15,000 Hrs	30,000 to 50,000 Hrs
Kilowatt/hrs pa x 10 Lamps (kWh per year = 8560)	2,996.00 kWh	77.04 kWh	42.80 kWh
Carbon Emissions *10 Lamps	0.023 tonnes	0.001 tonnes	0.0003 tonnes
Health Effects	UV rays, IR effects, SAD Syndrome	UV rays, IR effects	No UV, No IR
Disposal	Via Landfill	Compliance with WEEE Directive - Specialist Disposal	Via Landfill
Colour Rendition	Restricted colour options or Filters Required	Restricted colour options or Filters Required	Wide range of colours
Dimmability	Yes	Restricted Possibility	Yes
Robustness	Sensitive, Breakable	Sensitive, Breakable	Robust, Solid State
Start-up Time	Almost immediate	Delayed	Immediate
Cost of Ownership	High	Low	Lowest
Recyclability	Landfill	Specialist Disposal	Recyclable
Contaminants	Resonably Safe	Mercury, Phosphor	None = Safe
Light Efficiency	25 lumens / watt	50 lumens / watt	40 lumens / watt
Energy Efficiency	10%	40%	90%

European Lamp Companies Federation (ELC)
On 5th June 2007 the ELC (the group representing the main lighting manufacturers such as GE, Havells Sylvania, Osram, Philips) published its strategy for domestic lighting in the form of a Frequently Asked Question & Answer paper on energy efficient lamps. Here are some of the tips and advice they specify:

"CFLs and Mercury"

"A big issue in the uptake of CFL is is their mercury content"
“When the lamps are in a cold state, mercury is present in the form of small mercury droplets or as a solid amalgam of mercury/iron pellets in the bulb. When the lamp is switched on, the mercury vaporizes as the temperature of the bulb rises and the mercury vapour needed for the discharge fills the entire bulb. MERCURY IS RELEASED IF THE LAMP BREAKS.”

“What do I do with a CFL when it burns out? What is the proper procedure?
In Europe all CFL lamps have to be disposed as special waste... under the WEEE Directive the European lighting industry has set up a European-wide recycling infrastructure for all CFLs.

Can LEDs be used as an energy saving alternative to inefficient domestic lamps?
"...LED technology is currently being used in some specific applications ... . and offers great potential for the future of lighting"

Compare Technologies

Our comprehensive range of energy controls for electricity, gas, and water enable us to lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Morgan Hope revolutionary electric radiant panel heaters.

For energy efficient localised, low wattage heating.

At last, a safe, effective and low energy alternative for ambient lighting. LED downlighter lamps provide decorative interior lighting at a fraction of the cost of standard low voltage MR16 dichroic lamps. Compatible with most spring or twist and lock fittings, LED Lights provide a reliable, low maintenance and safe solution.