CFL lamps

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All fluorescent lamps require a ballast in order to prevent a run-away current from destroying the lamp. A compact (CFL) lamp will fit in many existing lamp fixtures if it has the appropriate screw in base that incandescent lamps use. But other standard bases are available for compact fluorescent lamps depending on the intended use of the fixture.

A fluorescent tube lamp (FTL) is a well known type used in many facilities which use overhead lighting. You can buy overhead fixtures for both types of lamps but they will probably not be compatible with any kind of incandescent lamp (for the purpose of substitution). A CFL that screws into an incandescent socket has a ballast built into the base of the CFL. All other fluorescent lamps place the ballast outside the lamp, because they rarely burn out at the same time.

As to the power factor, there is usually a very little effect on it. Magnetic ballasts may have a little more effect, but they usually come with a noise suppression capacitor which improves the PF a little. They operate the lamps at twice the frequency of the incoming power. If they have any contamination or if the ballast is degrading, they tend to flicker which can be very annoying.

Electronic ballasts operate the lamps anywhere from 25KHz to 100KHz which is well above any noticeable flicker rate. At one time, there was a problem with flicker at the same rate as remote control devices (TV's etc.) but attempts to avoid that frequency have been made to reduce interference.

The FTL lamps have been around a lot longer and their performance is well established. CFL lamps seem to be popping up everywhere and many promise performance longer than they intend to stay in the business. Buy from a well known company and save your receipt. Write the date you start using the lamp somewhere near the lamp so you can determine if it really lasts as long as the mfg. said.