[LINK] US & fluorescent light bulbs

[Michael Skeggs mike@bystander.net]

On 18 July 2011 10:32, Marghanita da Cruz <marghanita at ramin.com.au> wrote:
> Jan Whitaker wrote:
>> At 09:44 AM 18/07/2011, Marghanita da Cruz wrote:
snip
>
> Despite the High Australian Dollar the direct replacement lamps seem to be
> very highly priced. Over the weekend a 2 pin replacement was priced in a
> sydney store at AUD30 while..Amazon has similar products at around USD12
> (where halogen lamp is USD2).
> <http://astore.amazon.com/eco-sydney-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=28>
>
...

I have replaced all the halogen downlights in my kitchen with CFL and
LED versions (pay back in a couple of months as they are on a lot).
Mirabella make a Gu.10 (2pin 240v) CFL lamp that fits most recesses
(but is quite long, so won't work in exposed fittings). It is 11w and
warm white. It provides an adequate replacement, for a 35w halogen,
but is a little less bright than a typical 50w. Last year I got half a
dozen of them for $7 each, but they were marked down 50% from RRP
(from Coles). Annoyingly, they take a minute to warm up to full
brightness.
I also ordered an LED version from China for about $8. It is rated at
4w and is brighter, but has a narrow spread. It comes on instantly. I
have only had it running for a couple of months, so hesitate to order
more until I have run it for a year or so to confirm reliability.
In any case, I recommend Deal Extreme as a source. This 'drop ship'
web site in Hong Kong has a huge range of electronic knick knacks, but
importantly, allows user reviews. I have found quality is very
variable at the bottom end of the Chinese marketplace, but the reviews
assist in finding the right balance between price and quality.
For downlights, the standard fittings are MR16 (12v with 2 thin pins)
and Gu10 (240v with 2 pins with fat lugs on the end). A search for LED
MR16 will give a list of options.
http://s.dealextreme.com/search/led+warm+gu10

Regards,
Michael Skeggs