Guide to Plug In (PL) CFL Energy Saving Light Bulbs

What is a plug in CFL energy saving light bulb?

Plug In PL CFL Energy Saving Light Bulbs are similar to traditional energy saving light bulbs except that they have a different base. They are commonly found in locations such as retail outlets, offices and new build houses and have dedicated light fittings.

They generally come in 2 Pin or 4 pin versions, which refers to the number of pins used to connect to the fitting and whether the bulb needs an external ballast. 2 Pin bulbs and 4 pin bulbs are not interchangeable in the same fitting. They are called "plug in" bulbs since they plug into their fittings. The fittings have either 2 or 4 metal pin contacts and a plastic clip/plug which secures it in place.

What other names do plug in CFL energy saving light bulbs go by?

Different manufacturers call their plug in CFL energy saving light bulbs by different names. You may see them referred to as "PL" bulbs with different acronyms for different types of plug in light bulbs.

Why are Plug In CFL energy saving light bulbs used?

Firstly, plug in light bulbs have excellent energy savings. They use compact fluorescent (CFL) technology meaning that the same light output can be generated using less power.

Since they have a unique base, only energy saving light bulbs can be used in 2 Pin or 4 pin fittings, so they are compliant with Part L of the Building Regulations 2000. They are available in a wide range of wattages, colour temperatures and sizes, meaning there will generally be a plug-in CFL energy saving light bulb for most applications. Since the bulbs are so popular, there are a wide variety of fittings available, from pendants to downlighters.

Plug In CFL energy saving light bulbs are also relatively cheap to produce and buy. With long lifetimes of 8-15,000 hours, the cost of ownership and maintenance is greatly reduced.

Litebulbs.co.uk stock a wide range of Osram Dulux Plug In PL CFL Lamps at superb prices.

Osram Dulux D 2 Pin Plug In CFL energy saving light bulbs

Osram Dulux D Plug In 2 Pin CFL Energy Saving Lamps have two metal pin contacts diagonally opposite each other on the base. They have an integrated ballast which is used to "ignite" the compact fluorescent tube when it is switched on. This means that the bulb or fitting has no need for an external ballast.

You can browse our range of Osram Dulux D Plug In 2 Pin CFL Energy Saving Lamps

Osram Dulux D/E 4 pin Plug In CFL energy saving light bulbs

Osram Dulux D/E Plug In 4 Pin CFL Energy Saving Lamps have four metal pin contacts. In contrast to 2 Pin plug in bulbs, they do not have an integrated ballast meaning that the fitting requries an external ballast to function when the light is switched on.

You can browse our range of Osram Dulux D/E Plug In 4 Pin CFL Energy Saving Lamps