What are cold cathode fluorescent light bulbs (CCFLs)?
The main difference between cold cathode and what we know as traditional compact fluorescent lighting, or hot cathode, is that hot cathode fluorescent light bulbs require large amounts of electric current pushed through a thin tungsten wire filament, superheating it. Because of this, the filament is fragile, easily destroyed by vibration, and has a shorter life. In comparison, the electrodes in cold cathode light bulbs operate at a much cooler temperature and have an incredibly strong iron thimble as a cathode, which allows for instant bulb starting and longer life. Unlike traditional fluorescent light bulbs, many cold cathode bulbs also have the ability to dim down to 5% of light output. For more information about Micro-Brite CCFLs, please refer to the Enlightening Sheets.
