On 05/31/2010 06:55 AM, Joe from Kokomo wrote:

On 05/30/2010 01:53 PM, RHF wrote:
Recently bought a 2-Pack of GE Reveal CFL Light Bulbs at Walmart
that were rated at 100 Watt 'replacement' and uses only 26 Watts.

CFL = Compact Fluorescent Light
GE Reveal CFLs are Made in China

Ok so on the back of the package GE 'reveals'

"This product complies with Part 18 of the FCC Rules,
but [B-U-T] may cause interference [RFI] to radios,
televisions, wireless telephones, and remote controls.
* Avoid placing this product [CFL] near these devices.
* Do not install this product [CFL] near maritime safety
equipment or critical navigation or communication
equipment operating between 0.45-30 MHz."

and now you know ~ RHF

On 5/31/2010 2:06 AM, Bill Baka wrote:

For what it is worth. I went into the local Walmart and found generic
Chinese bulbs at $.99 and the identical bulbs labeled as GE or some
other American name brand at twice or even 5 times the price so all you
are getting is the American name and making the CEO a lot of money. I'll
bet they laugh all the way to the bank.

Well, you may be right...or you may be wrong.

You know these bulbs are -identical- how? You've seen the specs for both
brands, you've done a comparative chemical analysis of the gas and the
phosphor coating inside the bulbs, right? Oh, what's that you say? They
both -look- like CFLs so they must be identical?

You want to analyze them be my guest.

As an aside, got a friend that bought both the Chinese junkers and GE.
He claimed the warranty support for GE was great and non-existent for
the Chinese.

Whoa, big surprise there. Be still my trembling heart.

Finally, as to RFI... I've got two GE 3-way CFLs (50-100-150 watt
equivalent) very near my stereo receiver. There is subtle (but
noticeable) RFI when the receiver on and listening to the FM band. Yes,
you would think FM is immune to any amplitude modulated interference,
but the RFI IS there and goes away when the CFLs are turned off. Also,
bringing a Sony 2010 near the bulbs shows some mild RFI on some
frequencies, not all across the bands. If I wasn't so lazy, I would
break out the HP spectrum analyzer and take a look.

You just had to mention a personal spectrum analyzer. Now I'm jealous.
The CFL's run hot due 'Probably' to the drive electronics being as cheap
as they possibly can. Anyway I think the main source of noise is
something else. I unplugged my power strip on the other side of the room
and got a little less noise but still well above the Galactic noise
level or the receiver's. I bought some new CDL's and replaced the really
crummy ones, so it is getting better. The worst offender now is a touch
lamp that uses an SCR, but even off it produces noise, again made in China.

P.S.
Just in case you mistakenly think I am defending GE CEOs, I believe that
Neutron Jack Welch should have been put in jail long ago, rather than
being feted as a "business hero".