The Effectiveness of Concepts on Reuse of Parts of Non-functional Fluorescent Lamps

Fluorescent lighting system is commonly used as an electric light source in residential houses and commercial buildings. It uses fluorescent lamps that have energy saving features and longer lifespan compared to incandescent bulbs. However, fluorescent lamps become defective, and people dispose them improperly. Broken fluorescent lamps may release mercury posing a significant threat to people and the environment. From this perspective, this study applied the concepts of reusing the parts of non- functional fluorescent lamps. Specifically, it tested the effectiveness of electronic ballast of defective compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and voltage multiplier circuit in driving the used and busted fluorescent bulbs. It utilized the two-group experimental research design and observation guide sheets were used to gather the data from twenty respondents. Results have shown that electronic ballast taken from busted CFL bulb and voltage multiplier circuit were very effective in driving the used fluorescent lamps, and the two applied concepts were significantly different on their effectiveness in driving busted fluorescent bulbs. Therefore, disposal of lamp wastes into the environment can be minimized thus decreases the quantity of mercury released from broken lamps and the risk of mercury inhalation by humans can be prevented.

Keywords – effectiveness, fluorescent lamps, lamp waste, reuse