Where Are They Now ?

[jjkrkwood]

That's 100W lightbulbs. Where the fuck did they go ? I know conservationists say they sucked too much energy, but I never thought sucking with too much energy was a bad thing...

 

I love a light and bright house, and 100W bulb gives ME just the right amount of light. I took my curtains and blinds down years ago, and now enjoy my Big open windows and seeing the sky and trees outside. Its like bringing the outside in....

 

40w and 60w is all you can find, and that doesnt cut it for me.... I used to buy them from EBAY, but they dried up even there.

 

Whose BRIGHT idea was it to eliminate 100W bulbs ? Fuck them !

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

Try finding a 200 or 250W bulb. You're more likely to stumble over the body of Jimmy Hoffa.

 

I have a floor lamp that's designed to take a 250W bulb. The original burnt out after nearly 10 years of solid service. Now, it's sitting in the corner with a wimpy '100W equivalent' LED bulb. While the color temp is right, the brightness is just... Lacking.

[kewtex]

Although not an equivalent, @jjkrkwood, you might try daylight bulbs (5000K-6500K) in fixtures where you want bright light. Even at a lower wattage, the higher degree Kelvin bulb offers a light closer to natural daylight (sunlight through the windows).

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

Although not an equivalent, @jjkrkwood, you might try daylight bulbs (5000K-6500K) in fixtures where you want bright light. Even at a lower wattage, the higher degree Kelvin bulb offers a light closer to natural daylight (sunlight through the windows).

 

The problem with going above 5000k is that everything becomes blue-ish. It's a harsh, unflattering light.

 

Good for reading, yes, but it makes a room look like a doctor's office.

[kewtex]

The problem with going above 5000k is that everything becomes blue-ish. It's a harsh, unflattering light.

 

Good for reading, yes, but it makes a room look like a doctor's office.

 

Yes, @Benjamin_Nicholas, good lighting for the library can be bad for the boudoir.

 

Isn't there a pithy quote by a Hollywood star about being able to act forever if one has a good lighting director?

[bigvalboy]

I took my curtains and blinds down years ago, and now enjoy my Big open windows and seeing the sky and trees outside. Its like bringing the outside in....

 

Amen...

[+ ArVaGuy]

Ok, first of all, I'm one of those "conservationist" types and work for an environmental NGO. That disclosure out of the way, I'll provide a bit of background on this issue.

 

In 2006 - 2007, Congress and the Bush Administration passed legislation phasing out the traditional incandescent xx-Watt bulbs to encourage energy efficiency. These were replaced by the newer more energy efficient LED bulbs. There are many advantages to LEDs but one drawback was that they don't produce good background lighting and are not the best for reading either.

 

The phase out began with the 100 watt bulbs several years ago. I forget when it began but it was at least three or four years ago. Other wattages, 75, 60, 40, are on phase out schedules on an annual basis beginning from the first year the 100 watt bulbs bit the dust. Subsequent technical advances have improved the quality of LEDs but when compared to incandescents, in some respects, they just don't hold a candle.

 

I know it is shocking that a Republican led Congress and Administration would enact such environmentally friendly legislation for some of the more partisan types. All this kind of happened under the radar. There was no effort to keep a low profile at all it was a just dull boring effort for government to function as intended. A critical need was addressed by both political parties, private industry, and the bureaucracy to make all this happen. There was even an attempt to roll this back in 2008 and later in 2010 before the implementation began. Both attempts failed.

 

A personal note of confession here. I knew this was coming and will admit to stocking up on 100 watt bulbs before they were phased out. Yes, that makes me a hypocrite in some respects:oops: . I don't have a garage full of 100, 75, 60, and 40 watt bulbs but have enough to get me through for a while. A long while. I use these in my reading lamp but the rest of my light fixtures have LEDs.

 

I suggest you go on EBay and see if any "collectors" (cough, cough) have any for sale.

 

Oh, and BTW, General Electric plans to sell off what little remains of the light bulb business. That's pretty ironic for a company founded by Thomas Edison to manufacture his invention in 1892.

[evensteven]

That's 100W lightbulbs. Where the fuck did they go ? I know conservationists say they sucked too much energy, but I never thought sucking with too much energy was a bad thing...

 

I love a light and bright house, and 100W bulb gives ME just the right amount of light. I took my curtains and blinds down years ago, and now enjoy my Big open windows and seeing the sky and trees outside. Its like bringing the outside in....

 

40w and 60w is all you can find, and that doesnt cut it for me.... I used to buy them from EBAY, but they dried up even there.

 

Whose BRIGHT idea was it to eliminate 100W bulbs ? Fuck them !

 

I fear that VCRs may be next…I understand they stopped manufacturing them last year. So how will I be able to watch my old porn collection of VHS tapes? It’s truly a travesty.

[rvwnsd]

That's 100W lightbulbs. Where the fuck did they go ? I know conservationists say they sucked too much energy, but I never thought sucking with too much energy was a bad thing...

 

I love a light and bright house, and 100W bulb gives ME just the right amount of light. I took my curtains and blinds down years ago, and now enjoy my Big open windows and seeing the sky and trees outside. Its like bringing the outside in....

 

40w and 60w is all you can find, and that doesnt cut it for me.... I used to buy them from EBAY, but they dried up even there.

 

Whose BRIGHT idea was it to eliminate 100W bulbs ? Fuck them !

Here you go:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Incandescent-Equivalent-3000K-3200K-Degrees-Eco-friendly/dp/B01AJQLUT4/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1505673951&sr=8-12&keywords=1500+lumen+led+light+bulbs

 

Light output is actually measured in lumens, not watts. "Watts" refers to the amount of electricity used to produce the light output. Most 100 watt incandescent bulbs put out about 1500 lumens, so all you have to do is find an LCD bulb that puts out 1500 lumens of light and you are all set.

 

Try finding a 200 or 250W bulb. You're more likely to stumble over the body of Jimmy Hoffa.

 

I have a floor lamp that's designed to take a 250W bulb. The original burnt out after nearly 10 years of solid service. Now, it's sitting in the corner with a wimpy '100W equivalent' LED bulb. While the color temp is right, the brightness is just... Lacking.

 

And for you, sir:

 

https://www.amazon.com/WestDeer-Watt-Equivalent-Incandescent-Bulbs/dp/B0727X66GG/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1505674244&sr=8-16&keywords=250+watt++led+light+bulbs

 

I made the switch from incandescent and CFL to LED about 10 years ago and am very glad I did. Today's bulbs are MUCH better than the ones from ten years ago, but even back them there were good bulbs to be had.

[gallahadesquire]

I have a modest Laserdisc collection and two laser disc players.

[LaffingBear]

Ok I knew this was coming and will admit to stocking up on 100 watt bulbs before they were phased out. Yes, that makes me a hypocrite in some respects:oops: .

In 1962, JFK sent Pierre Salinger out to buy as many cuban cigars as possible. Salinger returned with 1200 "Cubans". Then JFK signed the papers implementing the Cuba embargo

[+ ArVaGuy]

 

I made the switch from incandescent and CFL to LED about 10 years ago and am very glad I did. Today's bulbs are MUCH better than the ones from ten years ago, but even back them there were good bulbs to be had.

 

I won't buy CFL bulbs under any circumstances because they contain mercury. This particular bulb has disposal instructions from the Environmental Protection Agency. See links below for details.

 

And heaven forbid that you break one of these suckers. Don't just sweep the debris into the trash can. First, get the kids and pets out of the house, then open a window and ventilate the room for at least ten minutes. Short of donning a hazmat suit, you are supposed to bag the debris up and dispose of it separately from regular trash.

 

https://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/stories/5-ways-to-dispose-of-old-cfls

 

https://www.epa.gov/cfl/recycling-and-disposal-cfls

 

https://www.epa.gov/cfl/cleaning-broken-cfl

[Epigonos]

Unlike ArVaGuy I am NOT a "conservationist" type. When I'm in a conservation and someone who happily state that they are green I equally happily reply that I am totally brown -- their reaction is wonderful to see.

Now like ArVaGuy I saw this coming and went to my local Walmart and bought out their entire supply of 100 watt bulbs. I probably have enough to last me the rest of my life.

[+ azdr0710]

and who didn't think this would eventually be posted here.......

 

 

[maninsoma]

I switched to lower energy bulbs a long time ago, long before it became difficult to find incandescent bulbs. More than likely I will die leaving behind untouched incandescent bulbs.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

Isn't there a pithy quote by a Hollywood star about being able to act forever if one has a good lighting director?

 

I'm sure there are many, but it does sound like a perfect zinger setup from the likes of Dorothy Parker

[jjkrkwood]

The problem with going above 5000k is that everything becomes blue-ish. It's a harsh, unflattering light.

 

Good for reading, yes, but it makes a room look like a doctor's office.

 

I installed new fixtures in my bathroom and bedroom that took those bulb equivalents, and the light it gave off gave me a headache, like a hospital operating room. One fixture I immediately REPLACED and the other I had to get a special Dimmer. to soften the light. My contractor thinks I'm crazy. Some things just need to be left alone....

[jjkrkwood]

I fear that VCRs may be next…I understand they stopped manufacturing them last year. So how will I be able to watch my old porn collection of VHS tapes? It’s truly a travesty.

 

I already got rid of all my VHS in anticipation of the VCR demise. Porn is too easy to get online anyway,.... All those tapes taking up space didnt make sense anymore.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

I installed new fixtures in my bathroom and bedroom that took those bulb equivalents, and the light it gave off gave me a headache, like a hospital operating room. One fixture I immediately REPLACED and the other I had to get a special Dimmer. to soften the light. My contractor thinks I'm crazy. Some things just need to be left alone....

 

You're not crazy:

 

http://www.westinghouselighting.com/color-temperature.aspx

 

I find for me, I'm most comfortable at 3k. It's still warm enough, but verging on getting cool. Fine for reading. Makes art look good. Doesn't wash out skin tones.

[Epigonos]

Damn Benjamin I'm impressed. It would be interested to know just how many posters around here know who Dorothy Parker was let alone know to what your post referred. Nice job!

[jjkrkwood]

You're not crazy:

 

http://www.westinghouselighting.com/color-temperature.aspx

 

I find for me, I'm most comfortable at 3k. It's still warm enough, but verging on getting cool. Fine for reading. Makes art look good. Doesn't wash out skin tones.

 

Not worried about my skin tone. L'oreal Bronzing powder is my quick fix. I just hate having to wear sunglasses in my house. And I found the bathhouse look, where i placed scarves over the lamps just looked "tacky" in real life. I didnt want to be Miss Kitty in her bordello

[Good Grief]

Damn Benjamin I'm impressed. It would be interested to know just how many posters around here know who Dorothy Parker was let alone know to what your post referred. Nice job!

 

http://dcbarroco.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/130524-dorothy-parker.jpg http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d39kyrQifJo/T_r1QcKAo6I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/ApMDynG76RA/s1600/parker+dorothy+2.jpg

 

Have always enjoyed Dorothy Parker.

Edited September 17, 2017 by Good Grief

[+ oldNbusted]

That's 100W lightbulbs. ...I know conservationists say they sucked too much energy...

 

 

100 watt incandescent lightbulbs (trivia: lightbulbs are called lamps in the industry) are still around, but since they are no longer a high volume item, you aren't going to find them on the shelf at a big box store.

 

https://www.amazon.com/41036-100-watt-Soft-White-Pack/dp/B00DGDHBI2/

 

And to be fair, conservationists didn't just say they used to much energy, the point was that for the vast majority of applications, they needlessly used too much energy. More reasons why this change was needed later.

 

It's normal for sensitivity to light to decline with age, for a variety of reasons, so one requires more light to be able to see.

 

Having said all this, I would encourage you to test a high quality lamp, to see if it's suitable for you, such as

 

https://www.amazon.com/Cree-SA21-16027MDFD-12DE26-1-11-Replacement-White-Dimmable/dp/B01K7ZW73A/

 

 

...you might try daylight bulbs (5000K-6500K) in fixtures where you want bright light...

 

The problem with going above 5000k is that everything becomes blue-ish..

 

...good lighting for the library can be bad for the boudoir.

 

 

In the early days of LED emitters ( the part that actually outputs light) , blue was about all they could produced at scale, so there was a lot of lighting industry time spent trying to convince people this was a good thing. Of course this was crap then and it's crap now. Fortunately, they solved the issues mass producing more human friendly color temperature emitters. Good timing too because now it's becoming well known to the general public that blue light is bad for melatonin production and is now implicated in all manner of modern sleep disorders. I actually saw a news report that the poor quality of public roadway lighting could be a contributing factor to the poor heath of people who work at night. I was surprised to see this, because the discovery that there are light sensitive cells in the retina that are not connected to the visual system but instead feed into the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which regulates the circadian rhythm, was only made around the turn of the century.

 

If you do choose to generally use higher color temp lighting, it's recommended to have a mix, so you can transition to lower color temp lighting a few hours before your bedtime. It's not unusual for melatonin production to decline with age, so it's important to give your body its best shot to work naturally.

 

 

Ok, first of all, I'm one of those "conservationist" types and work for an environmental NGO. That disclosure out of the way, I'll provide a bit of background on this issue.

 

In 2006 - 2007, Congress and the Bush Administration passed legislation phasing out the traditional incandescent xx-Watt bulbs to encourage energy efficiency. These were replaced by the newer more energy efficient LED bulbs. There are many advantages to LEDs but one drawback was that they don't produce good background lighting and are not the best for reading either.

 

The phase out began with the 100 watt bulbs several years ago. I forget when it began but it was at least three or four years ago. Other wattages, 75, 60, 40, are on phase out schedules on an annual basis beginning from the first year the 100 watt bulbs bit the dust. Subsequent technical advances have improved the quality of LEDs but when compared to incandescents, in some respects, they just don't hold a candle.

 

I know it is shocking that a Republican led Congress and Administration would enact such environmentally friendly legislation for some of the more partisan types...

 

I suggest you go on EBay and see if any "collectors" (cough, cough) have any for sale...

 

 

You are right about the technical advancements. In addition to lack of proper color temperature emitters in the early days of the transition, there was another spec that was not a factor in the mass market, color rendition index (CRI), a scale up to 100 (best)

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_rendering_index

 

One of the reasons for this was that incandescents always had a CRI of 100 and just about the only other human friendly lighting that people were likely to encounter was tungsten halogen, which typically has a CRI around 95. Everyone knew that fluorescent lamps were 'bad' so there was never any demand to improve them, although they can be made to work much better. As a result, outside of specific industrial situations, CRI was not a topic of conversation.

 

Fortunately, criticism of how LEDs made things look 'off' made the industry improve on that spec as well.

 

It's not so shocking that Republicans would support this, it's actually quite industry friendly. Reasonable measures that could reduce the rate of increase in electrical demand are a good thing as building new generation and distribution capacity has business risks. And if people have to buy more expensive lamps, I'm not sure that's not industry friendly either.

 

No need to resort to ebay collectors likely charging 'collectible' pricing, there are still plenty available on amazon.com at more normal prices. As a tip, if you have a lamp in a particularly hard to access location, consider buying a 'rough service' lamp so you don't have to change it as often. If possible, you can also buy a higher wattage lamp, and install a dimmer, so the lamp is running below its rating. These can help a lamp last longer.

 

 

I made the switch from incandescent and CFL to LED about 10 years ago and am very glad I did. Today's bulbs are MUCH better than the ones from ten years ago, but even back them there were good bulbs to be had.

 

 

I have to quibble about the timeline a little because I was aggressively seeking LED lamps and there were no 2700K, high CRI, dimmable bulbs available at mass market prices until about 2010. There were some specialty lamps before that, but they were ridiculously expensive and they were not very reliable.

 

And that brings me to one of my gripes about the industry, especially in the early days, things are getting better now. The lifespan numbers bandied about usually apply only to the LED emitter, not to the electronic package (the driver) in the lamp that controls the LED. In the early days, the driver technology was new and didn't last long enough. People being told they wouldn't have to change their new lamp for twenty years were surprised when it burned out in two. Fortunately this appears to have improved considerably.

 

 

I won't buy CFL bulbs under any circumstances because they contain mercury.

 

 

Excellent info. In my opinion, CFLs were a total scam, everyone knew they would be replaced by LEDs. Color temps sucked, CRI was atrocious, flickering was bad (more on this later) but no one was really going to divert any of the R&D they were doing on LEDs to improving CFLs.

 

Like you, I refused to buy CFLs, I transitioned from incandescent to LED.

 

 

 

Now like ArVaGuy I saw this coming and went to my local Walmart and bought out their entire supply of 100 watt bulbs. I probably have enough to last me the rest of my life.

 

 

It's your money to spend on higher electric bills, but LEDs are not a static target, I would encourage you to reevaluate this as a strategy and check out the current offerings.

 

 

 

Try finding a 200 or 250W bulb. You're more likely to stumble over the body of Jimmy Hoffa.

 

I have a floor lamp that's designed to take a 250W bulb. The original burnt out after nearly 10 years of solid service. Now, it's sitting in the corner with a wimpy '100W equivalent' LED bulb. While the color temp is right, the brightness is just... Lacking.

 

 

I have to admit I don't recall ever seeing a standard shape 250 watt lamp, they were always a little larger than typical lamps. I'm curious if the fixture is designed to accommodate that? Something like this

 

https://www.amazon.com/GE-Lighting-73788-130-Volt-300-Watt/dp/B000HJ974E/

 

 

 

I installed new fixtures in my bathroom and bedroom that took those bulb equivalents, and the light it gave off gave me a headache, like a hospital operating room. One fixture I immediately REPLACED and the other I had to get a special Dimmer. to soften the light. My contractor thinks I'm crazy.

 

 

You are not crazy for saying this. It's said that about 10% of people can perceive or are sensitive to lighting flicker from fluorescents and low quality LEDs. As it happens I am one of those people and you may be too. Your contractor should get educated. This was not an issue with incandescents because the glowing filament couldn't react as quickly to the A/C power sine wave, so it kept glowing. They used to give out flicker checker wheels you could spin under a light to see if it was flickering, but now you can use your smartphone.

 

http://www.graybar.com/applications/lighting/blog/the-flicker-checker-on-smartphone

 

This is why I recommend you test a high quality LED lamp, to see if it's compatible for you. If you could find some lamps that work for you, you might be able to save some money on your electric bill, especially if you prefer brightly lit scenes.

 

At this point, the only incandescents in my house are mostly decorative, around the mirror in the hall bathroom. They are only on for a few minutes a day, if that, so I chose this lamp:

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014X2ULNQ/

[Good Grief]

[njr47]

One of Dorothy's morbid rhymes: "

Razors pain you; rivers are damp; acids stain you; and drugs cause cramp. Guns aren't lawful; nooses give; gas smells awful; you might as well live.” (and if I knew how to make this typeface smaller, an "un bold" it, I would have.)