Decorative bulbs reflect energy saving

Discount Store News, Nov 4, 1996

NATIONWIDE DSN REPORT -- Energy saving remains the mantra in home lights bulbs, thanks in large part to the federal law, EPACT (Energy Policy Act), which last November banned several types of energy-wasting bulbs, such as the old standard 40-watt fluorescent tube and the 150-watt incandescent PART floodlight.

But smaller-is-better and light-as-decoration have joined energy saving as the hot trend in light bulbs. Sticker shock remains a constant, though, with the more-efficient bulbs, such as halogen flood lights and the new fluorescent tubes, costing as much as twice the lamps that they replace.

A new halogen bulb, the plug-in that resembles a 4-in. stubby pencil, rather than a screw-in round or reflector bulb, is catching on rapidly, especially in outdoor lighting, said Mark Merner, product manager for Regent Lighting, Burlington, N.C. The tiny new halogen bulbs come in 100-watt, 150-watt, 300-watt and 500-watt sizes.

All 15 of Regent's outdoor floodlights now use the small halogen bulb, called RSC for recessed single contact, which produce more light per watt of power consumed.

One 300-watt RSC bulb will produce 6,000 lumens (a measure of light output), compared to 3,500 lumens for two 150-watt PAR reflector bulbs, which burn the same 300 watts. In lower wattages, the tiny RSC bulbs are also ideal for small indoor track light fixtures and desk lamps. RSC bulbs retail for about $6, bringing on "a bit of sticker shock," he said.

Target has added RSC bulbs to its expanded line of private label bulbs. In its new Greatland store in Lombard, Ill., 150-watt, 300-watt and 500-watt RSC bulbs in blister packs are priced at $4.99, compared to $5.99 for General Electric's RSC bulbs.

The RSC and reflector bulb halogen floods are rated at 2,000 hours. Longer life is one of the advantages of halogen that helps offset higher prices.

As an example of higher prices for 4-ft. fluorescent tubes, Target carries the GE 25-watt ShopLite bulb at $1.97. Prior to the new federal regulation, cool-white, 40-watt bulbs for shop lights commonly sold for less than $1.

A 40-watt GE residential fluorescent was on sale for $3.49, against $4.49 everyday. Although it burns the same amount of electricity as the banned cool-white, the new GE bulb produces more light per watt, satisfying federal regulators.

Federal regulations also renewed a push for compact fluorescent bulbs for table and floor lamps and overhead fixtures in a globe design.

Philips Lighting, Edison, N.J., has developed the industry's first compact fluorescent that will work with standard dimming switches. Called the Earth Light Dimmable Compact, it will last 10,000 hours and sell for $17 to $20, said public affairs director Steve Goldmacher. It burns 23 watts and produces the same amount of light as a 90-watt incandescent bulb.

To enhance the decorative aspect of bulbs, Osram Sylvania is producing round bulbs with diamond-cut facets to make the light sparkle, said Dick Dowhan, public relations director. The technique appears on a 75-watt halogen bulb for outdoor use, as well as 32-watt candelabra bulbs for chandeliers.

GE introduced two lines of bulbs intended to enhance home decor. One of them is Enrich, which contains neo-dymium, a rare element, baked into the glass bulb. That element enriches red, orange and blue colors and filters out yellow and green colors. The light produced is whiter and enhances skin tones, said GE spokeman Jay Pomeroy.

The other line, Blacklites, is made with a special glass that absorbs most of the visible light that bulb filaments produce. The black light produced reflects on clothing, posters and other surfaces, creating a colorful spectrum of mood lighting for parties and holiday gatherings.