Non-integrated compact fluorescent lamps require control gear (or ballast) to operate. Typically the ballast is permanently installed in the light fitting, and only the lamp is changed at its end of life.
With more space in the light fixture the control gear can be larger and as a direct result will last longer than the miniature circuit board control gear in an integrated lamp.
Non-integrated CFLs typically have two types of tubes: a bi-pin tube designed for a conventional ballast, and a quad-pin tube designed for an electronic ballast or a conventional ballast with an external starter.
A bi-pin tube contains an integrated starter which obviates the need for external heating pins but causes incompatibility with electronic ballasts. |
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