[***Updated*** by Bold and Italicized text.]
DANGER — Arcing and burning Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs are hazardous to your health and home. My experience.
A year or so we bought a multi pack of 20 amp CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs (made in China, distributed by a company N:Vision and sold by Home Depot). This was before the Geeenies began demanding them — or before the US Government mandated their future use.
[After several letters to N:Vision, I discovered the CFL BULB is manufactured by GE, NOT N:Vision. All references to N:LVisiuon are in error. I apologize. However the story is still true.]
We found that CFLs do not last as long as regular incandescent bulbs.. so we decided we would use up the remaining two and never buy any more — unless forced by our benevolent government.
A couple of weeks ago we were working in the office where a CFL bulb blacked out. I had no reason to replace it immediately so I continued working on the computer.
Soon there was an acrid odor in the room. I looked at the lamp which held the CFL bulb and there was a plume of smoke beginning to fill the area., I looked at the bulb and it was brightly arcing, burning and smoking right at the place where the glass tube meets the base. As soon as I could get to it, I switched the lamp off, however not before the room and part of the house was filled with the awful odor of something burning and arcing electricity.
I took a picture of the burned CFL bulb and emailed it the distributing company N:Vision, with a description of the problem, (N:Vision is not the distributor/manufacturer – It is a GE manufactured Bulb]
They apologized for the problem but without any explanation of why or what to do, except I should seek medical attention if I felt ill. Also they could find no information about whether or not the smoke we breathed is toxic.
Just think what could have happened had the CFL bulb been in a room unattended or in a ceiling fixture. Would the whole house have filled with toxic fumes? Were the “well advertised” CFL mercury fumes borne about on the rising smoke? Would the burning bulb ignite other stuff in the room? Would it have exploded?
Folks be VERY careful when using the CFL bulbs. Or better yet, DON’T use them at all.
THEY ARE DANGEROUS !!
Does anyone know to whom this can be reported — someone who will take some action, advertise or warn of the problem?
Please write a comment with explanation if you know of someone.
32 responses so far ↓
Gene Greeson // December 14, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Hi Jack,
That is some story. I was just thinking how pleased I am that the CFL lights I purchased from Home Depot three years ago have NEVER burned out or needed replaced in our ceiling fan light (five of them). I used to have to replace those bulbs every month or two and we’ve now gone almost three years. Your story sounds frightening enough to make me reconsider. Having experienced some fires, I know how difficult it is to get rid of the odor of smoke.
expreacherman // December 15, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Thanks Gene,
Please remember, this was my personal experience.
A good friend who is the County Facilities Manager for a large county in Florida says they have thousands in use all ovcr the county — with no trouble,
It had to happen to me!!
In Christ eternally,
ExP(Jack)
Always On Watch // December 15, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Uh oh! I’ve got one of these in my basement. We often leave that light on — unattended. I’ll have to remove it now.
We didn’t buy the bulb. Some greenie gave it to us.
expreacherman // December 15, 2008 at 3:55 pm
AOW,
Didn’t yo Momma tell you “:Never take gifts from strangers — Especially from Greenies?”
AOW this is my experience — I can’t speak for everyone but I will not buy any more — nor will I accept any from Greenies.,
In Christ eternally,
ExP(Jack)
nanc // December 15, 2008 at 11:19 pm
jack – i had our son remove at least 12 of them from this house right after we moved in – we put them in old socks and into a plastic bin and there they sit on a shelf in the garage – i don’t really know if our recycler knows what to do with them IF we do bring them in!
as for me, i’ll stick with what works and has worked for well over many decades! same goes for aspirin and real sugar!
expreacherman // December 16, 2008 at 10:54 am
Nanc,
It bothers me that what should be fair, Free Enterprise competition of ideas and innovation has turned into a socialist forced scheme… perpetrated by the wierdo greenie left.
Thanks, Al Bore and our beloved leaders in Washington!
In Christ eternally,
ExP(Jack)
Herm // December 16, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Jack, I have used CFL’s for quite some time with exceptionally good service. Two thing CFL’s don’t like are LOW VOLTAGE and high voltage spikes. Sadly, a lot of people in older homes may not realize that their electrical service may no longer be adequate or up to code. People have a tendency to purchase power hungry portable appliances and gadgets without upgrading electrical circuits. Its a good practice to have a qualified electrician come out every two or three years and have their service panel checked over. Just some advice from an old retired electrician. God Bless, Herm
the merry widow // December 17, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Goodness, Jack, it was a very good thing that you were in the room!
I did have 1 CFL bulb, in a lamp above my computer, it lasted a long time, but I really don’t care to have to deal with a possible mercury contamination…so it was the last one I bought.
UGH!
And I hate having a nanny state telling me what I can or cannot do, have or buy!
tmw
Wil Mafingadu // December 17, 2008 at 10:36 pm
“It bothers me that what should be fair, Free Enterprise competition of ideas and innovation has turned into a socialist forced scheme…”
Were you forced to buy the bulb. Is anyone? It says a lot that you blame “socialist force” in spite of the fact that none exists. In fact, your story would make a good case for how the free market should be regulated more strenuously.
expreacherman // December 19, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Wil,
No I was not forced to buy the bulb. We bought them before the “Must Buy” mandate was announced. The idea of a CFL is OK but limited in use.
I am asking for less regulation and let the Free Market eliminate by choice, the dangerous products like CFLs.
See the WorldNetDaily report:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=57426
“WASHINGTON – Despite a congressional mandate banning the sale of common incandescent light bulbs by 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is warning that their compact fluorescent replacements are not safe to use everywhere.”
In Christ eternally,
ExP(Jack)
Clark // December 21, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I’ve never heard of anyone having a bad experience, until this story. But CFL’s are made by people, and everyone makes mistakes. I’m sure someone somewhere bought a faulty Maytag, and every now and then they sell a Snapper lawn mower that doesn’t start. I can’t see that they are “dangerous.” I’ve had convential lightbulbs actually explode just from being turned on.
Hey, we’re about to travel so Merry Christmas Jack!
expreacherman // December 21, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Clark,
Merry Christmas to you yours. Have a safe trip.
Yes, man makes macines and machines make bulbs — but I fear governmental mandates for a product that should be proven in the market as superior in every way to incandescent bulbs. So far that hasn’t happened.
Until then, I’ll buy Incandescent.
Thanks for your comment.
In Christ eternally,
ExP(Jack).
Ron // January 1, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Just a note to everyone who’s worried about the mercury in cfl’s. A cfl contains approx. 4.5 mg of mercury. The extra electricity used by an incandescent light releases approx. 4.2 mg of mercury into the atmosphere from the generating plant. With proper care and handling, the small amount of mercury inside a cfl should not deter you from using them.
expreacherman // January 1, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Ron,
Thanks.. good information but really proves that the incandescent does less “damage.”
Just one less freedom has been mandated away from Americans.
What do we do when we want to use bulbs in sunlight detector security lights, dimmer switches, etc?
The main point is still government coercion — which should not happen in a free Republic. But I guess we must get used to that — it will only get worse.
In Christ thankfully and eternally,
ExP(Jack)
srrabago // February 3, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Jack
We had the same experience yesterday – did you seek medical attention? We are not sure what to do. We left the house when it happened and let the smell dissipate. What about residue on clothing etc.
expreacherman // February 3, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Srrabago
Several folks who should know advised us that any mercury release would be minimal if at all.
GE made very little comment except it was “safe” and they sent a coupon for $10.00.
Maybe more folks should complain to GE and to Congress for the proposal to force them on us.
Contact them:
http://www.gelighting.com/na/home_lighting/ask_us/contact_information.htm
Just pray y’all are safe.
In Christ eternally,
ExP(Jack)
Caroline // March 3, 2009 at 6:55 pm
We just had the same thing happen to us today. Our laundry room light which is a ceiling light had a N:Vision CFL bulb in it. I started to smell something burning, like a plastic smell and searched all over the house. Well the light switch for the light in the laundry room was in the off position but the light was glowing and the smell was very strong in that room. I turned on the switch and the light got brighter, when I turned off the switch the light went out and within 30 seconds it started glowing again and then I could see the smoke. I immediately turned off the main breaker for the entire house. I dismantled the light fixture and found the bulb to be melted at the base where the plastic meets the glass bulb itself. Not knowing what had happened and fearing it was an electrical problem I had our electrician come immediately, he checked things out for a couple of hours and could not understand what had happened, how a light in an off position could be glowing. After a thorough check of all wiring and panel he put in a regular bulb and everything is fine. I decided to search the net to see if anyone else had experienced this and found your site. Now I am even more concerned as I handled it, breathed in the fumes for hours as it lingered in the air and did not know how bad these things were until finding your site. Had I not been home at the time this happened I am sure we would have had our house burn down. This is extremely frightening stuff. I will be reporting this once I find out who to report it to.
parakeet owners // March 25, 2009 at 8:18 pm
We just had a new N:Vision small dimmable cfl bulb melt – on the lamp and it dripped a blob of ?? on the table – with a horrible smell. Home Depot, where I bought it, offered another bulb – not exactly what I’m looking for. They were not interested in looking into it – or replacing my lamp.
If some one were not home – not sure what would have happened. We had to open windows despite the cold and eventually, the smell was gone. I’m glad to say my parakeets are still alive.
I am trying to make a complaint to some official complaint taker or consumer protection place.
florina // August 26, 2009 at 7:49 pm
I herd that they are bed for health and cane cause canser
Scary Bulbs.. The Beginning « Scary Lightbulbs // August 31, 2009 at 6:24 pm
[...] nor what might have been in that smoke– mercury? Other hazmat chemicals? Apparently this has happened to other people, [...]
andy race // September 7, 2009 at 3:54 pm
jack weaver and his ministry is the reason i trusted christ as my personal savior, his clear simple gospel message finally got thru and i’m thankful he never gave up until it did, i’m the friend that has thousands of these bulbs in use, never had one do what happened to jack, to put the amount of mercury into perspective, the old thermometers my mother used to stick where i didn’t want it contained about 500 grams of mercury while the cfl’s contain 4-5 milli grams, the good news is that while incandescents will not be produced much longer LED’s are a more promising replacement for them than cfl’s , i’ve been testing them, when they get to 120 lumens per watt instead of the 60 they are now they will be worth the cost, andy
andy race // September 7, 2009 at 3:59 pm
ran out or space so heres more, my concern for jacks situation is of fire, smoke detectors are worth every dime and should be checked often, when i do get to miami jack i will check your voltage but i do not think that was or is the cause.andy
andy race // September 7, 2009 at 4:12 pm
in my 1st response it should read 500 milligrams not 500 grams, andy
expreacherman // September 7, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Thanks Andy, see you soon//.
In Jesus Christ eternally,
ExP(Jack)
expreacherman // September 7, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Andy,
When LEDs get as cheap as incandescent, will the brightness be adjustable with resistance similar to incandescent?
Or will they work as a day/night light sensitive to the sunlight to turn off?
Just curious.
In Jesus Christ eternally,
ExP(Jack)
Trev // October 1, 2009 at 5:28 am
A few days ago I bought a new computer, and I started to smell a strange smell.
I put it down to the computer ” burning in ”
About 20 minutes ago, I heard a funny crackling noise, one of the curly bulbs in the ceiling light had flames coming out of the side of the base, black smoke and soot was spreading over ceiling.
I turned the light out, flames stopped.
There is a 5/8 inch diam. hole burnt in the side of the base and I can see what looks like a charred resister.
The bulb is marked —-
GLOBE MADE IN CHINA BH123
FCC ID: N6AFJEE0109
expreacherman // October 1, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Thanks Trev,
Sorry you had to be one more victim… who knows how many who have not reported the problem.
In Jesus Chrsist eternally,
ExP(Jack)
Trev // October 1, 2009 at 1:51 pm
UPDATE
Recall of Spiral Lightbulbs
From the Quinte West Fire Prevention Office and the Ontario Fire Marshal
The public is being advised to check any spiral type lightbulbs in your home as they may potentially pose a fire hazard. Specifically, these bulbs are identified as GLOBE MINI – SPIRAL 13W self ballested lamps produced between January 2002 and April 2003. These compact spiral fluorescent 13 watt bulbs are being sold throughout Canada and the USA. More specific information is available through the websites of the Ontario Fire Marshal ( http://www.gov.on.ca/ofm) and Underwriters Laboratories of Canada ( http://www.ulc.ca) Although the information advises that the problem is with bulbs manufactured up to April 2003, on approximately February 6, 2005 a Quinte West fire fighter experienced a smoking bulb manufactured by Globe in June 2003. He quickly removed all of this type of bulb from his home.
Update March 2007
The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is receiving increasing reports from concerned consumers regarding the end-of-life failure of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). The end-of-life failure for CFLs may vary depending on the manufacturer of the CFL, and on the type and location of the lighting fixture being used. When CFLs fail they may emit smoke, an odour, or a popping sound; and the plastic base may become discoloured, charred or deformed. Certification agencies have advised that this failure does not present a shock or fire hazard for approved products.
This picture is representative of CFL failures reported to ESA.
ESA is concerned that it can be difficult for consumers to distinguish between what is normal and what may be a precursor to fire or some other hazardous condition. As a safety precaution, ESA encourages consumers to replace CFLs at the first sign of failure or aging. The early warning signs to look for include:
flickering, a bright orange or red glow, popping sounds, an odour, or browning of the ballast enclosure (base).
ESA is also advising consumers that different CFLs are required for different applications and use. CFLs may lack information on the packaging, or provide conflicting information about safe product use.
Consumers are encouraged to read the base of the lamp and to contact manufacturers for additional information if required. Unless otherwise specified, CFLs should not be used: in totally enclosed recessed fixtures; with dimmer switches; in touch lamps with photocells or with electronic timers; where exposed to weather; or where exposed to water.
ESA is encouraging product manufacturers to review packaging information to support consumers in making safe product decisions. Activities are underway to update the existing Canadian safety standard for CFLs to address consumers’ end-of-life product issues.
Contact: Electrical Safety Authority: Ted Olechna, Provincial Code Engineer, 905-712-5366.
Trev // October 1, 2009 at 2:13 pm
This appears to be an ongoing problem !!
UL Warns of Potentially Hazardous Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Northbrook, Ill. USA, August 11, 2009 – Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is notifying consumers and retailers that the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), identified below, may pose a shock and fire hazard. This product does not comply with UL’s safety requirements and is not eligible to bear the UL Mark.
Name of Product: Bright Effects Compact Fluorescent Lamp
Units: Unknown quantity
Manufacturer: Zhejiang Yankon Group Co, Ltd., Zhejiang, China
Date of Manufacture: Units manufactured on and prior to July 2007
Hazard: The lamp may overheat and melt the enclosure, exposing live parts and creating a shock and fire hazard
Identification: On the Product:E137657Self-ballasted Lamp5K53 13W 120V 60Hz 190mACF13EL/MINISPIRAL Y728-1
To view the product: http://www.UL.com/newsroom
expreacherman // October 1, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Thanks Trev… Good information.
And to think we will be forced by our government to buy nothing buyt CFLs soon.. What a tragedy. And we live in what used to be America, the Land of the Free!!
In Jesus Christ eternally,
ExP(Jack)
Linda // October 27, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Can’t beleve this!! Sunday evening we had company and a lady noticed smoke coming from a spiral bulb,Commercial Electric bulb. Model#C8PESL23TM. I called their 866-326-2852 customer service and got the answering machine. Today “Maryann called me from FEIT Electric (562-463-2852) and told me we were in no danger…either from smoke or fumes. Then! she proceeded to tell me this bulb was 8 years old and they didn’t manufature it anymore. Our house is 7 years old! Besides, there wasn’t enough mercury in it to be concered and just dispose in a plastic bag in dumpster! Who are these people trying to kid!? Is there a product liability attorney out there???
Call me if you find one! We had folks with headaches, and fumes causing discomfort. We DID call the fire department. They told me I couldn’t just throw it away as usual. Call their management dept. Now I think I’ll go buy all the regular bulbs I can find!! This country has gone to the “IDIOTS”!!!!!
ExPreacherMan // October 27, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Linda,
Officially, there is no problem..
Reality — THERE IS A PROBLEM.
Thank Mr Obama and his Green-Lefties for this monstrosity…
Don’t know of an atty who will touch it..
In Jesus Christ eternally,
ExP(Jack)