CFLs RFI????

[W2ILP]

The recent use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) has worried some folks who are concerned that these energy savers will be the source of increased noise or RFI to Hams, especially on HF bands. #I have not been able to confirm that my CFLs can increase the noise floor on any HF or VHF ham band myself. #I have a CFL on my operating desk that I can place within an inch of my IC-706 and find no increased noise on any band. #I did have some older CFLs that were noisy but the present units seem to have electronic ballasts that switch at higher frequencies than the old ones and are thus easier to internally filter. #
Yes... The bases of CFLs contain electronic ballasts which are low current switching power supplies that produce as much as 600 Volts in order to start the fluorescent lamps. #They differ from the large auto transformer ballasts that are used in long tube fluorescent lights that are called iron ballasts.

I would welcome any comments about the possibility of RFI from CFIs or any other types of lights (incandescent, large fluorescent, Halogen, LED, etc.) # I think that the fears of RFI as well as mercury from broken CFIs have been grossly exaggerated.

w2ilp (Interfering Lamp Possibilities?)

[N2RJ]

None here.

We have at least a dozen of them.

[ka5piu]

Hello.

I did very extensive testing of florescent lamps for any emissions in the electromagnetic spectrum.
I found limited RF emissions of lamps at the end of life.
LED lighting is RF noise free.
Incandescent is RF noise free.
CCF is noise free.
Elecroiluminescent is noise free.
Neon can produce limited amounts of noise.

[NC5P]

I started using the things when they first came out in the 80s. The early models had 60hz magnetic ballasts and were so heavy they often toppled table lamps over. Then they started with the electronic switching variety. The early models of those did cause some trouble, but that was quite a few years back. Later on they seemed to get their act together.

[N7CPC]

Got em' all over the house including the desk here with both my computer and ft-707. No more noise with or without.

[n2jso]

I have a bunch of CFLs, no RFI from them. I once bought a package of cheap ones that made an audible buzz/whine. No RFI from them, but I returned those and bought a different brand.