Eco-Bulb Learning Center
Eco-Bulb Learning Center
Shapes and Styles
Spiral
This is the traditional shape associated with the compact fluorescent bulb. Spiral CFL’s come in different sizes to fit most fixtures that were designed to use a standard light bulb. These bulbs usually offer the highest efficiency (lumens per watt) of all the eco bulbs.
Standard (A19, A23, A21)
This is the shape of the standard incandescent light bulb. To replicate this style, eco bulbs are covered with a dome that is either clear or frost white. Carbonberry carries a full line of dimmable and non-dimmable bulbs that can last up to 25,000 hours.
Sign (A15, S14)
These are small, low wattage bulbs (2w- 4w), typically used in commercial exterior signs. We’ve found these energy misers to be ideal for exterior lights or other areas where low light and longevity is required.
Small Pot Lights ( 3 inch diameter)
Widely used in the ceilings of newer homes, these concealed lights (also called down lights or flood lights) are a real challenge when it comes to switching to eco lighting. Your pot light is probably one of the following types:
PAR20
These are short parabolic halogen bulbs that are sealed and have the standard medium screw base (E26). They usually come in 35w or 50w versions. Carbonberry has a selection of non-dimmable CFL equivalents that will fit into these pot lights.
MR16
These are low voltage (12V) bulbs that are even smaller than the PAR20. They usually come in 20W to 50W versions. Due to size limitations, there are no CFL equivalents for these bulbs. Light Emitting Diode bulbs (LED) may eventually offer some cost-effective solutions.
GU10
These short bulbs are easily recognized by their 2 pronged twist base (as opposed to screw base). These bulbs are widely used in pot lights, but also in general lighting fixtures such as wall sconces, desk lamps and other ceiling fixtures. Carbonberry will be offering a GU10 CFL or LED in the near future.
Large Pot Lights (4-8 inch diameter) or Track Lighting
The larger pot lights present in many older homes are actually much easier to retrofit than their smaller three inch cousins. Some people simply replace the floodlight with a spiral CFL. Spirals are generally not designed to be in a hot enclosed area (like a pot light) and this practice may lead to shorter lamp life. We strongly recommend using a CFL that was designed to operate in a enclosed space. Large pot lights and track lighting typically use the following bulb styles:
R20 or BR30
These are slightly longer than the PAR20 . The R20 and BR30 have a rounded head. Carbonberry has a selection of dimmable and non-dimmable CFL equivalents.
PAR 38
These are larger than the PAR30 and are usually found in large pot lamps or exterior lighting applications. Carbonberry has a selection of dimmable and non-dimmable CFL equivalents.
Globe (G16.5, G25 and G40)
Globe bulbs are commonly found in bathroom vanity mirrors, hanging lamps or other decorative fixtures. Most globes have a standard screw base (E26) but some smaller globes (e.g. G16.5) use the small screw base (E12). Carbonberry has a wide selection of dimmable and non-dimmable globes in all sizes.
Candelabra (C11)
These decorative bulbs are usually found in chandeliers and wall sconces. Some have a standard medium screw base (E26), whereas others have the small screw base (E12). Carbonberry has a selection of dimmable and non-dimmable candelabra bulbs, including the classic “bent tip” style.
