This got sent around at work today so I thought it would be appropriate to re-post it here.
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Below is a picture of a CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) light bulb from someone’s bathroom. It was turned on and then started to smoke after a few minutes. Then four inch flames were spewing out of the side of the ballast like a blow torch! The light was immediately turned off but it's certain that it would have caused a fire if the person was not right there. Imagine if the kids had left the lights on as usual when they were not in the room.
The bulb was taken to the MFB Fire Department (Melbourne Australia) to report the incident. They weren't at all surprised and said that it was not an uncommon occurrence. Apparently, sometimes when the bulb burns out there is a chance that the ballast can start a fire. There have been reports issued about the dangers of these bulbs.
Internet research shows that, bulbs made by “Globe” in China seem to have the lion’s share of problems. Lots of fires have been blamed on misuse of CFL bulbs, like using them in recessed lighting, pot lights, dimmers or in track lighting. This one was installed in a normal light socket.
The 'Globe' bulbs were bought at Bunnings. They have been removed from the house. CFL bulbs are a great energy saver but make sure you buy a name brand like Sylvania , Phillips or GE and not unknown brands from China ...
Hi Geoff, whenever I get an email like this saying "forward to all your friends" etc I do a Snopes check.
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/cflbulb.aspLike the others this one is a hoax too.
I don't know what 'jollies' people get starting these hoaxes' maybe just trying to scare folks, whatever, I try not to pass them on.
Cheers Neil
Thanks Neil.
Difference with this email is that it was sent by the head of the electrical dept at work - I'm talking about a place with 950 employees and he holds a hugely responsible position - so it seemed credible. He is always emailing safety bulletins and incidents from other large manufacturing sites too.
I'll email him that snopes link and we'll see what he says!
Don't you want to keep your job Eager
What snopes claims is that "CFLs do not pose a fire risk with ordinary use". It also says there have been no reported incidents of this type involving Globe brand CFLs. However it also says there have been 4 reported incidents caused by Trisonic brand CFLs, 2 of which involved fires:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11001.html
Thankfully all those units have been recalled now and none of the 124000 were sold outside US.
I guess at $1 - $1.50 each one shouldn't expect quality.