The Cold Truth About Cold Cathode Lighting

If you want to learn about an older technology.. keep reading...

Let’s start with the obvious question: what is a cold cathode light bulb? A cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) is a lighting system that utilizes both fluorescence and electron discharge in order to produce light. This means they operate similar to a standard fluorescent lamp, by exciting electrodes, but they just go about it differently. CCFLs use cathodes without a filament, and instead rely upon the voltage potential present within the tube to activate the mercury and instigate current flow. This results in a bulb that has a higher starting voltage than a standard CFL, but the electrical current is lower.

Where does the “cold” part come into play?

Now, I know with a name like “cold cathode” you would think that the bulbs are going to be cold when in use. A common misconception, because light is energy and energy is generated by movement, and movement causes friction, and friction generates heat. Ergo, cold cathode bulbs still produce heat. Just not as much as a regular fluorescent or an incandescent. CCFL bulbs heat up to roughly 200° F when in use, which is a far cry from being “cold”. In relation to a standard Fluorescent bulb however, which heats up to around 900°, one can see where the name “cold cathode” came from.

Because a CCFL does not use a filament to produce heat and excite the mercury within its tube, they are much hardier in their design than a hot cathode (HCFL) light bulb, which uses a thin tungsten coil. The solid metal thimble which makes up each end of a CCFL tube can withstand deterioration from shock and vibration much better than a tungsten filament, making it more durable and able to weather a wider range of uses that would otherwise render a HCFL bulb useless, such as rapid on-off cycles. As such, CCFLs are a prime choice in lighting for laptop displays, cell phone and tablet screens, computer monitors, and TVs. They are even used by casinos in their grand displays and signs that light up the Las Vegas strip, drawing you in and showcasing the magic that awaits you inside!

 

Can a cold cathode light bulb be used with a dimmer?

Contrary to a standard Fluorescent, CCFL bulbs are much easier to dim due to their design. CCFL and HCFL bulbs rely on a ballast to regulate the flow of energy into the bulb (voltage), and dimming the bulb requires a lower voltage to be passed. A high enough voltage is required to keep the HCFL bulb lit, and if the temperature within the tube dips too low then the bulb will simply stop working. Because of this, HCFL bulbs are not ideal for applications where dimming is needed – like in the casino example above. Since CCFLs do not require their cathodes to be heated to nearly as high a temperature as standard fluorescent bulbs, they are able to be dimmed to a lower light output. Furthermore, the metal thimble of a CCFL can withstand the abuse caused to it inherent with a dimming function much, much better than the HCFL’s thin tungsten coil.

Ok, so where would I use a CCFL?

When considering using a Cold Cathode Fluorescent light bulb for your project, keep in mind that they can be used as a direct replacement for incandescent bulbs in many applications, and will reduce energy costs in such situations drastically. They are versatile and efficient and feature exceptionally long life in comparison as well. Ideal uses include applications where flashing lights are desired, and are often seen used in restaurants, retail locations, displays, and signs. Regardless of how you use a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Bulb, their unique technology continues to make them an interesting and appealing choice in lighting design.

The downside to all CFL is the level of Mercury within...