Let's not forget that in a few days it will be near impossible to buy incandescent light bulbs

[Tab]

With the next phase of the government-mandated phase out of incandescent light bulbs just days away, die hard fans of the traditional yellow glow might not have to flock to their local store and purchase them by basket-full after all.
newcandescent

The Newcandescent still fits within the federal phase out of traditional, incandescent light bulbs because it is considered “rough service.” (Image source” Newcandescent)

When the federal ban on producing or importing incandescents of varying watts was passed under the Bush administration, Larry Birnbaum, carrying on the three-generation legacy of his family’s New Jersey-based Light Bulb Store, saw an opportunity.

“100 [watts] are as rare as hens teeth, 75s are in the same direction and 60s, this time next year, most will be almost gone,” said Birnbaum, who added his great-grandfather was friends with the incandescent light bulb inventor Thomas Edison.

“We’re addicted to color of incandescents, unless you were born yesterday,” Birnbaum continued. “Your body is used to it. When you put on something different, the body reacts to it, and you get irritated.”

With millions of people still supporting the use of incandescent bulbs, Birnbaum found a loophole in the Energy Independence and Security Act. The ban applies to general service incandescent light bulbs but not rough service incandescents.

While frequently used in automobiles, subway systems and other applications that require a heavy-duty, vibration-resistant bulb, rough service bulbs can still be used in a general application, according to Birnbaum.

The website Bulbs.com breaks it down this way: “Rough service lamps function identically to regular incandescent lamps, but generally have additional wire within the glass enclosure that serves to protect and support the filament.” [emphasis added]
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/12/24/a-manufacturer-found-a-loophole-around-that-incandescent-light-bulb-ban/


Personally I have a number of special use bulbs that can't be acquired in flourescent form - for my '78 car, for instance, plus a number of special appliances.

[Duckhunter935]

1. what car light bulbs

From the Blaze? I think it is good to be forced sometimes. There are many bulbs that are more efficient then incandescent bulbs. If it saves us from building polluting power plants.

[Tab]

2. I have a '78 MGB

The reverse and backup and brake lights all have incandescents. No one makes, to my knowledge, flourescents that smalll and specialized.

[jberryhill]

5. What do automotive light bulbs have to do with this?

[MADem]

6. Have you looked for LED bulbs? Would a turn signal bulb work?

http://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/led-vehicle-replacement-bulbs/vehicle/1978-mg-mgb--front+turn+signal/40-743--296692/

[jberryhill]

14. There is no ban on automotive incandescent bulbs

The poster is misinformed or spreading misinformation.

What would be the POINT of getting rid of automotive incandescents? They have nothing to do with electricity consumption.

[MADem]

34. Ah...I should think an LED, if one could substitute one, would be a great thing!

Nothing to complain about, it would make life easier. That said, if one can get the old school light they should just get off the whiney train.

To my consternation, though, I notice that "Waaaaaah, where are my light bulb" threads are starting to crop up all over hell around here, like they're the "I'm AGGRIEVED!!!!! DAMN IT!!!!!!" topic du jour....they may replace the other topic I'm 'trash thread-ing' if this keeps up!

I'm starting to wonder....does someone flip a switch and light up the Batshit signal in the sky (lit by an incandescent, no doubt), to rile people up on this topic or that... or what?

[jberryhill]

50. This particular story started at Breitbart

[MADem]

57. Why am I not surprised? Why do so many of the bullshit song/dance poutrage topics start out on

that side of the fence?

I hope this one dies a fast death, I am grateful for the TRASH THREAD feature, but I'm getting tired of having to do a massive "Scan -n- Dump" before I can even settle down to get me some news!

[Duckhunter935]

10. tell me where

auto bulbs are covered by this, They are not.

here is some good info....

http://applications.nam.lighting.philips.com/cmolegislation/

Light bulb exemptions
The following light bulb types are exempt from Legislation.

INCANDESCENT HOUSEHOLD BULBS–EISA 2007:

3-Way bulbs, Appliance bulbs (Maximum 40W), Colored Party bulbs, Black Light bulbs, Infrared bulbs, Plant Light bulbs, Sign Service bulbs, Silver Bowl bulbs, Bug-A-Way, and Rough Service bulbs
Post Lights (below 100W) and Nightlights
Specialty Incandescent, Marine bulbs, Marine Signal Service bulbs, Mine Service bulbs, andTraffic Signal bulbs
Decorative Globes G40 bulbs (all wattages)


The following bulbs if less than or equal to 60Watts are exempt:

Decorative Candles (B, BA, CA) with Candelabra base
Decorative Globes (G161/2, G25, G30) with Candelabra base
Vibration Service bulbs


The following bulbs if less than or equal to 40Watts are exempt:

SpecialtyTubular (T-8)
Decorative Candles (B, BA, CA) with medium and intermediate bases
Decorative Globes (G161/2, G25, G30) with medium and intermediate bases
M14

[Duckhunter935]

13. same with my 2008 smart

this does not apply to automotive bulbs. I do not see that ever changing because if I try LED types, it affects the function. Same on most newer cars. LED type should work fine on the MG, but I would not worry about it as good old incandescent lamps will be available.

[MineralMan]

17. You can buy LED replacements for all of those bulbs.

They'll last forever in that usage. They fit right in the same socket.

Here's an 1157 equivalent:

[Duckhunter935]

18. I prefer them

have upgraded my backup and third brake light. Turn signal issues are my problem in the smart. Not a regular flasher you can replace. I like them for the quicker on off time and they do not burn out. All my Harley bulbs are now LED. Brighter and faster on/off.

[MineralMan]

19. I first bought LEDs for my boat trailer.

I got sick and tired of blowing out the incandescent bulbs every other time I dunked the trailer. I'm replacing the ones in the car whenever they go bad. Still, I have a new car now, and the bulbs in it should last a few years.

I'm not sure what to do about the flashers in newer cars. They work based on the current load from the bulbs. I'll have to check into how people are dealing with that. BTW, my sister and her hubby have a Smart 4 Two. They've driven it from coast to coast, twice, pulling a small luggage trailer behind it. They get lots of looks with that rig. Around here, in the Twin Cities of MN, I don't see many Smarts. I'm not sure why, exactly.

I drive a 2013 KIA Soul.

[uncle ray]

25. "no-load flashers" is what you want.

good car parts stores should have them, or you can find them online.

[dipsydoodle]

3. Same in the UK

Commercial equivalents to consumer bulbs remained / remain available even after the changeover.

Search amazon.co.uk for example to confirm.

[Jesus Malverde]

4. I seem to remember someone sold incandecents in the uk as replacement heater elements.

or some other workaround.

I haven't found an alternative I really like.

What ever the consumer saves in energy goes to the bulb manufactures...

[dipsydoodle]

7. I find that the life of the more expensive new type bulbs is not as projected

aside from which they look stupid in my Victorian house.

btw - The commercial old type bulbs cannot be sold in retail shops here.

[Jesus Malverde]

8. I've taken to writing the date on the cfl's I install.

They do not last long. Take forever to get up to full light and require two bulbs to generate the same brightness...

If I could summarize my findings... this sucks!

[mockmonkey]

9. Specialty bulbs not included

New Light Bulb Law (Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007) - The Basics

The law:

does not ban the use or purchase of incandescent bulbs.
does not ban the sale or manufacture of ALL incandescent bulbs, just those common household incandescent (and other) bulbs that are not energy-efficient.
does not require the use of compact fluorescent bulbs.
requires about 25 percent greater efficiency (that is, less energy use) for household light bulbs that have traditionally used between 40 and 100 watts of electricity.
exempts many bulbs, including specialty bulbs, three-way bulbs, chandelier bulbs, refrigerator bulbs, plant grow lights and others.
was passed by Congress and signed by President Bush in 2007 and is implemented by the U.S. Department of Energy.
includes many other provisions that do not pertain to lighting. Some of these provisions call for: higher gas mileage in automobiles; transportation electrification; increased reliance on biofuels; and training for green jobs.

http://www2.epa.gov/cfl/how-energy-independence-and-security-act-2007-affects-light-bulbs

Why would you use Glenn Beck's website as a source for anything?

[dipsydoodle]

11. Yes - I have no concept of them being advised for use

in Chritmas tree lights.

[Jesus Malverde]

12. This is a terrible law, and I agree with your source criticisms..

The law forbids the importation and since we don't manufacture these, the law effectively bans them.

The law forces low income consumers into using toxic lights that will now bring millions of pounds of mercury into our environment from China. Low income consumers cannot afford $10-30 dollars on LED lights. Low income consumers often participate in low income energy programs where the new expense of these bulbs would never be offset by energy savings.

Analysis of this law has found that the real winners are american corporations. They can make a lot more money selling $5-30 dollar smart bulbs than bulbs that used to retail for 25 cents.

Other manufacturers were more wary, but they also understood the downside to selling a ubiquitous commodity: the profit margin on a bulb that sells for a quarter is negligible.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/05/magazine/bulb-in-bulb-out.html

If one looks into this law, one sees a partnership between corporations that manufacture and sell these products and the federal government. The goal is to increase corporate profits, at the expense of consumers. Knowing this passed under Bush should be a clue.

I would bet the average consumer will see ZERO savings in 2014 or 2015 from this law, factoring in the expenses of upgrades.

[Duckhunter935]

16. this is over the long term not one year

They can still get rough service bulbs for less than a dollar. We cut down the need for new power plants, transmission line upgrades, use of fossil fuels. CFL is not the only option either, I think those suck. Any bulb that meets the requirement of 25% more efficient can be sold, no matter the type. And yes many old incandescent bulbs are still legal to sell and have exemptions.

[Spider Jerusalem]

15. Good

a 60-watt incandescent uses 5x the energy of a comparably-bright CFL and 10x the energy of a comparably-bright LED and lasts between one sixth and one-fortieth as long. Considering that carbon emissions are still a major issue, most domestic energy comes from coal, and lighting is a significant percentage of energy use? This is a good thing and should have happened years ago.

[redqueen]

22. +1

[MineralMan]

20. We've switched our entire house over to CFLs, and I'm going to start

swapping in LEDs as those fail.

I converted all of the porch lights now to LEDs with motion sensors. They're powered by D-Cell batteries, which last a year. I like 'em, so far. They come on when I need them to come on, and then shut down when I don't need them. Brilliant!

[Revanchist]

21. How long will it take to bake a cake in an Ez-Bake oven

with an LED bulb?

[Tab]

24. +1

I gotta give it a +1

[LiberalArkie]

23. Only the regular base home lighting bulbs are being banned. Not fridge bulbs, microwave bulbs

automotive bulbs or indicator lamps.

I have replaced all my 60, 75 and 100 watt builds with Philips LED. I love them. Skip the CF and go to LED. They are a lot better, better light and are able to be dimmed.

[Nobody You Know]

26. if LED is the way to go, did they come up with a three way light?

that is 50/75/100 (we used to have 50/100/150 before it phased out and my wife likes a LOT of light)

[Agschmid]

28. LEDs

Are amazing!

[Psephos]

40. Three-ways are exempt.

But the law still sucks.

[Agschmid]

29. "one time"

Eventually you do have to replace them...

[Agschmid]

32. I have dome some retail installs with LEDs...

Obviously the runtime is quite long so they burn out faster but it still takes a while. Many public institutions such as libraries and universities are also making the switch. Here is an article on Chicago public libraries making the switch... http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bluestar-energy-solutions-designs-green-led-lighting-solution-for-franklin-park-public-library-to-reduce-energy-consumption-128885988.html

[uppityperson]

37. I hear Canada also has light bulb bans coming. Thoughts?

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/01/20/canada-light-bulb-ban_n_2516459.html

[Psephos]

41. My guess is that you don't feel the same way when others try to force their opinions on you.

Which is what it all boils down to.

[uppityperson]

42. Do you mean like mandating use of seat belts?

[Psephos]

48. In Michigan...

...the law was recently changed from mandating motorcycle helmet use for all. Under the revision, those who wish to ride without a helmet must pay a more-expensive insurance that reflects the economic costs of such a decision. This is a good law. It factors in the consequences of those who think the increased risk is worth the increased cost. It also respects human dignity by vesting adults with the right to decide for themselves what an acceptable level of risk is, without scolding Puritans trying to enforce their world view with a policeman's gun.

I wore a seat belt long before the seat belt laws were passed, and I wear a motorcycle helmet.

[Psephos]

46. Translation:

"When, in my opinion, one technology is vastly superior to the technology it replaces, and I sincerely believe it provides massive benefits to the public at large."

Adult citizens should be able to make these decisions based on their own analysis and needs, not someone else's. Freedom to live one's life in accord with one's principles and self-perceived needs is central to human dignity, the original human right.

[Psephos]

49. I respect your right to your own opinion.

But it seems you respect mine less, if you desire me to substitute what seems sensible and reasonable to you for what seems sensible and reasonable to me.

I am pro-choice in this matter, as in other contentious issues.

[Psephos]

56. Actually, you are imitating the creationists.

They, too, wish to impose their views on everyone, and would if they could figure out how.

[jberryhill]

53. No, you cannot impose the consequences of your coal burning on others

Talk to me about individualism when you are generating your own non-polluting electricity.

[Psephos]

54. Perhaps you could re-read my post concerning the Michigan helmet law.

Then you would realize I support freedom of opinion and choice when additional costs associated with the decision are assessed.

Big difference.

[jberryhill]

52. No, the incandescent folks want more coal to be burned

Because that's what it comes down to.

Either build more coal burning power plants or improve efficiency.

[Psephos]

55. link ?

Or is that an opinion?

[SoCalDem]

31. and?

I love the new ones..

Time marches on.. It's almost impossible to find buggy whips & anvils these days too

or transistor radios.. or dial telephones..or tubes for tvs..or 8 track tapes

[longship]

60. Anvils? Still available from Acme!

A recent promotion graphic:


I get all my stuff from Acme.

[LWolf]

33. I have a hard time finding a fluorescent to fit the refrigerator,

and I run a heat lamp in the pump house in December and January; other than that, all my bulbs are fluorescent, and many of them are the same bulbs I put in when I moved here almost 9 years ago.

[MADem]

35. Buy an incandescent for the fridge if you cannot find any other.

They're exempted. See post ten.

[ConcernedCanuk]

59. DON'T put a cfl in your fridge

.
.
.

First off, it won't save you one penny as cfls don't get efficient until the ballast warms up - around 5 minutes or more.

For the length of time an incandescent is on in the fridge the $$ cost for hydro is negligible.

Secondly, the cycling of the cfl will decrease it's longevity, bigtime.

I'd give a cfl 6 months max in a fridge . . . no $$ saved there .

CFLs are more fragile than incandescents, and if you ever broke a cfl in there - ya want mercury in with your food?

NO CFL FOR FRIDGE -

please.

CC

[LWolf]

63. I CAN'T.

I tried; it won't fit into the space for the bulb. The size to screw it in is okay, but the bulb itself is too large.

[Lost_Count]

36. Nothing I like more...

... than a light bulb that is dimmer and takes a long time time to get to full brightness.

[Warpy]

38. I live in an old house

and few of the fixtures will accept fluorescent bulbs. I suppose I'll be living with a lot of naked bulbs. They're generally in places where it's a convenience, the bulbs rarely turned on. I can usually get at least two years out of an incandescent bulb. I've had one fluorescent bulb in use for eighteen years.

[BainsBane]

44. They can always go back to burning candles

[Jesus Malverde]

45. bump for a great topic...lame source..nt

[Tab]

61. Sometimes....

You post with the sources you have, not the sources you want or might wish to have. Donald Rumsfeld said something similar.

[Jesus Malverde]

62. lol..indeed..nt

[oldandhappy]

58. I switched to full spectrum.

I can tell the difference using the full spectrum bulbs. See better. No SAD symptoms. Nice.

[hunter]

65. I've been using compact fluorescents for many years...

... as they fail I replace them with LED.

I've still got quite a few CFL's that are over ten years old.

Our power company is now subsidizing the LEDs.

Cree and Phillips make some good ones.

Many compact fluorescent brands were crap and gave the bulbs a bad name. The same will be true of LEDs, I'm sure.

I've no doubt the incandescent bulb fetish is heavily promoted by the coal industry.

The last incandescent bulb in my house will probably be the oven light, and when that blows I probably won't even bother to replace it. (I cook more by smell and intuition than sight anyways, and external digital cooking thermometers mean I don't have to look inside even in the rare case I'm cooking meat.)