energy saving bathroom light

kazzer101

hi there

was wondering if anyone could recommend an energy saving bathroom light fitting or one big enough to put a low energy bulb into it (some bulbs are huge arent they?) have seen some fittings for about £60 and was wondering if it was worth it or better to find a fitting that will have room for the bulb. We would want 100w or equivalent low energy rating. I am totally confused and was hoping someone could point me in the right direction. Nothing majorly fancy perhaps with a chrome edge?

many many thanks

Karen x

gromituk

Some bulbs are huge - so get one that isn't! I would recommend you find a fitting you like, and ask the retailer, who will no doubt also sell low energy bulbs, if they have a bulb that will fit.

Solomon_Broad

You can buy smaller energy saving bulbs, from places like Maplins, that are corkscrew shaped. You get the same amount of light, but the bulb is shorter, so you'll stand more chance of getting it into a fitting.

[Deleted User]

Solomon_Broad wrote:

You can buy smaller energy saving bulbs, from places like Maplins, that are corkscrew shaped. You get the same amount of light, but the bulb is shorter, so you'll stand more chance of getting it into a fitting.

Solomon, I don't think you can make the statement "you get the same amount of light", most energy saving bulbs do not produce the equivilant light output of a more traditional bulb.

The watts in terms of a bulb are not related to its light output but its power consumption.

I.e A 60w bulb will use 60 watts in an hour.

So a 20w energy saving buld will use less power 40w less in fact.

But the critical factor is the lux that the bulb produces. What is lux?

One lux is equivalent to the light from one candle at a distance of one meter over a metre square area.

So lux is a measure of the intensity of light.

Lumes is best thought of quanity of light.

But lux would be the reading.

Anyway it is fair to say that most energy saving bulbs do not produce the same amount of lux as a traditional bulb. Therefore energy saving bulbs produce less light normally than their equivilant (rated in Watts) bulb.

However unless you need specific task lighting for something you will find that a 20w energy saving bulb will produce plenty of light for being able to see in. But if you want to light up your kitchen to the same extent as you would with traditional halogen bulbs etc, you will get a big shock if you use 20w energy saving bulbs or perhaps even 35w compact fluorescent.

regards

Freddix

cajef

Never sure if it is worth fitting energy saving bulbs in a bathroom, unless you spend a lot of time in a room is there any real benefit in terms of energy saving, how long do you spend in there during any day, plus there is always a warm up time before they reach full brightness.

crutches

we have 6 children still at home (and their visiting boyfriends).....
we NEED energy saving bulbs in the bathroom!

kazzer101

We have 2 little ones - not able to reach the light chord yet and leave this light on so can use the toilet and find way round if need to and switching it off when we go to bed. What do other parents do if their wee ones cant reach the chord? Any advice gratefully received.

many thanks

karen x

arkonite_babe

How about extending the cord for the kids as well as a temporary measure. It's easy enough to do and the kids could decorate "their" bit of the cord with beads etc. Might also help them to learn about turning lights off when not in use? Start the energy saving process early then hopefully when they become teens they might do it automatically instead of having to shout at them to do it

Just my 2p worth

kazzer101

thats a nice idea - might get them to make it!! worry they will stumble to the bathroom in the darkness though!! Do nightlights take up much energy? Totally agree with the starting early teaching them to save energy. They are the future. Thank god for Bob the builders reduce reuse recycle. Son has fun helping me fill up the recycling bins putting things in the correct boxes bless him.

karen x

Solomon_Broad

A nightlight that uses 50p of electric per year.

gromituk

It would cost half that much if it had a photocell to switch it off during the day!