>
>>I've got a problem. I happen to carry the distinction of being the one
>>responsible for changing lights. Much as that's a problem in itself, the
>>biggest problem is.....the front porch light (surprisingly, it's not a
>>stairway light, eh?), which happens to be a hanging, upside-down, enclosed
>>fixture. And they put two screws in the thing, so it's almost impossible
>>for a single person to replace the bulb thus inserted. Really quite
>>remarkable how no one thought of this.
>>
>>Besides modifying it, which I may consider because it's just that bad, in
>>the mean time I need something that'll last. We've already tried the "ten
>>gajillion hour" CFLs, which died in all of, you know it, three months. I'm
>>guessing something high voltage (130V+?) and incandescent. Any
>>recommendations?
>>
>>Tim
>
>A 230 volt incandescent, or a 120 volt one with a diode in series.
Of course, a 120V incandescent with a diode in series is equivalent to a 170VAC incandescent, so you'll get shorter life, but a less "red" light, and better efficiency at creating visible light.
You used to be able to buy button diodes that screwed into the bottom of a light socket.
I find that, in general, CFs last a long time if run continuously, but
>die when cycled. So a 5 or 7-watt CF might be left on 24/7 and last
>longer and use less net power than an incendescent run at lower
>voltage.
>
>There are some screw-in LEDs available now. I asume they're reliable.
>
>John
Best regards, Spehro Pefhany