Modular Compact Fluorescent Lamp

Description
As the 1980s progressed, more companies began marketing compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). This modular unit was made by Janmar Lighting around 1987. The ballast that controls the electrical arc in the lamp is contained in the base adapter. The globe-shaped cover serves both to diffuse light and to make the lamp less unusual looking. Some consumers dislike the non-traditional shapes of many CFLs and refused to purchase them for that reason.
It is not known if the Philips tube assembly is original to this piece or if it's a replacement. However it does demonstrate that the new plug-in bases developed with CFLs became standardized within a few years of the technology's 1981 introduction.
This unit is a modular CFL with three components: a tube assembly, an adapter, and a cover. Lamp characteristics: Tube assembly is a Philips model PL-7/27. A 7-watt twin-tube unit with connecting bridge-weld mounted on a G23 plastic base with aluminum skirt. The adapter has a brass medium-screw base-shell with retainer. The insulator is part of the plastic skirt that houses a magnetic ballast. A G23 socket is on top and male threads to attach the cover. Cover is a G-shaped, white-glass envelope with black plastic collar at bottom, threaded to mount onto adapter. Electrical ratings are 120 volts, 60 hertz, .18 amps.
Object Name
fluorescent lamp
discharge lamp
Date made
ca 1987
date made
ca. 1987
maker
Janmar
Physical Description
plastic (overall material)
glass (overall material)
mercury (overall material)
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 7 in x 4 in; 17.78 cm x 10.16 cm
ID Number
1992.0553.03
catalog number
1992.0553.03
accession number
1992.0553
subject
Energy & Power
See more items in
Work and Industry: Electricity
Data Source
National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Credit Line
from Lawrence Berkeley Labs
Publication title
Lighting A Revolution
Publication URL
http://americanhistory.si.edu/lighting/

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