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  • Author Author: jw0752
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The small challenges in life. Fixing a bad CFL

jw0752

The Compact Flourescent Light or more commonly a CFL. For some time I have been popping open the ones that go bad and salvaging the board components.

 

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This one stopped making light but I could see that the small filament heaters at the two ends of the tube were still working. I opened it up by putting a screw driver in the seam of the plastic base and twisting. If you try this be sure to use some good leather gloves. If you do not at some point the driver will slip and you will stab your hand and be angry that you did not take my advice.  Here is what the insides look like:

 

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Each bulb usually contains the same components; a couple of inductors, 6 diodes, a trigger diode, a high voltage 22 uF electrolytic, a 1:1:1 high frequency transformer, 2 NPN transistors and several capacitors and resistors. I began my search for the problem by checking the transistors and diodes. I had to take the transistor out as it had an unusual base to emitter connection. After checking several other similar transistors and finding a consistent reading I put the it back into the circuit. In a short period of time I found a 2.7 nF 1200V Mylar with a dead short. The capacitor was replaced and the bulb was reassembled. This is the first time I have been able to repair a CFL. I should be unhappy that my time now is worth so little but it was fun and I am happy anytime I can fix something that is not suppose to be fixable.

 

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John

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