"During the California power crisis of 2000 and 2001, we changed all of the medium-base incandescent bulbs in the house to low power fluorescent bulbs. Instead of using 100 to 60 watts for each bulb, we now use 36 to 14 watts. We even changed the double 100 watt bulb fixture in the kitchen to a single, round, 30 watt fluorescent fixture. Our house is very power thrifty.
Unfortunately, the dining room and my computer room have chandeliers which use 6 and 4 candelabra (small) base bulbs, 240 and 160 watts respectively. For 2 years I searched on the Internet for the smaller candelabra base bulbs which could output 55 watts of incandescent light but only use 14 watts. Home Depot sells fluorescent candelabra base bulbs but they only use 9 watts, not enough light.
I finally found GoodMart.COM and their Technical Consumer Products (TCP) offerings. TCP has fluorescent candelabra base bulbs which use 14 watts and output sufficient light. GoodMart.COM sells two different versions, 2700 and 3500 Kelvin color output. I bought the standard, warm white, 2700 Kelvin (10714C) bulbs. They only sell these TCP bulbs in cases of 12 and each bulb costs $7.39. These bulbs only use 14 watts, throw little heat, and last 8000 hours. The chandelier in the computer room is on 8 hours a night so I expect to save money over the long run. Instead of using 160 watts and having the air-conditioner on, we only use 56 watts. Initially I got flickering in one socket on the chandelier no matter which bulb I used. I installed a small surge suppresser and I no longer get any flickering. I have been using them for 7 months and none of them have failed yet.
Regrettably, when I received the case from GoodMart, 5 of the 12 bulbs were broken. GoodMart does not actually ship the TCP products. GoodMart takes the order and TCP actually ships them from their warehouse. TCP only placed a UPS sticker on the case and shipped it. They did not use another box with insulation. I complained to GoodMart and TCP sent me 6 replacement bulbs. If you do buy TCP bulbs from GoodMart, call your order in and request TCP use an extra box for shipping. Otherwise, your product may arrive damaged. Because GoodMart has the best price and their shipping fee is only $5, I would buy from them again (this time over the phone of course).
Sincerely,
Daniel Martinez.
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