Multi-way CFL adaptor?

[Twinbee]

If there a multi-way adaptor for CFL bulbs like the way you get 4-way adaptor for standard electrical plugs?

It'd be a cheaper way of getting an 80w equivalent, without forking out for the rare expensive 80w CFLs you can sometimes get.

Preferably, I'd like a 20 way CFL adaptor, and one that fits into a standard power socket. Feel free to paste shop links if poss.

 

[ddawg16]

Preferably, I'd like a 20 way CFL adaptor, and one that fits into a standard power socket.

20 Way? 'Standard power socket'? 80W CFL?

My multi-way, do you mean a 3-way light? As in 3 different intensities?

If so...I don't believe so. You can get dimmable CFL's...but it takes a specific dimmer....you can't use the standard one you would for an incandescent.

By "standard electrical plugs", are you refereing to the standard "Edison" plug that most light bulbs use?

And I have never seen an 80W CFL. In most cases CFL's are listed as 'equivilant watts', i.e., a 65W CFL only uses about 13w.

 

[Twinbee]

Nothing to do with dimming. Imagine CFL lights coming out of these instead of plugs going in

http://www.expanxe.com/Products/PcAccs/AC_SURGE_PROT_SKT-x.jpg

(though it still plugs into the wall to power them all obviously)

Oh and btw, you can definitely get 85w CFL (400w incandescent equiv or so) - I've got one (6500K colour temp). In fact you can even get 200w if you look hard enough (and are prepared to buy in bulk).

Heck you can even get 300w (what's that - 1200-1500w incandescent equiv or so?)
http://www.alibaba.com/product-free/10851725/High_Power_CFL/showimage.html

(and they fit into a standard fitting)

 

[likeguymontag]

Oh and btw, you can definitely get 85w CFL (400w incandescent equiv or so) - I've got one (6500K colour temp). In fact you can even get 200w if you look hard enough (and are prepared to buy in bulk).

At that point you really ought to consider a traditional linear fluorescent fixture unless you have a specific application you want to retrofit.

Back to your original question though, you ought to go to the hardware store and wander around the electrical section. You'll find the parts to build what you want. If that option isn't attractive, consider a Y-adapter, also in the electrical section. This turns one medium base socket into two.

 

[ddawg16]

British plugs......My wife is from England....

Anyway.....If I'm understanding you correctly, you want a row of light sockets so you can stick CFL's or anything else with the Edison sockets....

Like Twinbee said....you will most likely have to build it from parts.

 

[blasterman]

without forking out for the rare expensive 80w CFLs you can sometimes get.

I'm assuming you meant '2-way' and not '20 way' correct?

Actually, your post makes sense. 80watt CFLs are pricey, while a pair of smaller ones are easier to come by and a lot cheaper. Plus, because you pay a lot for a 80-watt CFL doesn't mean the ballast is worth a cr*p either.

If you need this much light, and are DIY inclined, for god's sake do it with Bi-pin or quad-pin.

 

[Random Guy]

If you need that much light, something using F32T8 or F54T5HO tubes would be your best bet.

However, if you want things to be just stupidly bright, F96T12VHO would be the way to go.

I recommend a color temperature of 4100K.

 

[Twinbee]

I'm afraid the number of "20" was not a typo . As said in another thread, I have a 1kw halogen pumping light into my living room (at least in winter), so I want at least that level of illumination if possible (I'm considering HID, but I'd like an easier/safer/less scary option if possible).

I'm sorta interested in the DIY approach despite being crap at present. I'm surprised you can't get any multiway CFL (even 4-way) things anywhere - you'd think there'd a market.

Those F96T12VHO tubes sound really cool. But
A: They're gonna be a hassle to fit in my living room which only has an edison socket.
B: Lampshades are gonna be tricky to get for it Ideally, in my own setup, I'd use a white sheet to protect direct vision to the 20-100 CFLs.

4100 colour temp sounds okay. There's argument over what the eye sees as 'real white', but anything from 4000 to 8000 sounds decent.

Thanks everyone for the replies!

 

[likeguymontag]

I'm surprised you can't get any multiway CFL (even 4-way) things anywhere - you'd think there'd a market.

There's no market for it because everyone in that situation uses linear fluorescent fixtures. They're the standard, they're cheaper, they're a lot more efficient, and above all, they're safer. A medium base edison socket isn't designed to support as much weight as you want to hang from it anyway.

 

[Twinbee]

Well it would be for those who won't do any DIY for tubes, and also it would run off the standard mains plug socket rather than from the ceiling. I know what you mean otherwise though.