NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) Practice Exam

Which of the following is not an advantage of a fluorescent lamp?

1. Flexibility

2. High efficiency compared to incandescent

3. Fast starting

4. Lamps can last beyond 90,000 hours

The correct answer is: Lamps can last beyond 90,000 hours

When evaluating the lifespan of fluorescent lamps, it's crucial to note that while they are indeed long-lasting compared to incandescent bulbs, their typical operational lifespan is significantly less than 90,000 hours. Generally, standard fluorescent lamps can last around 7,000 to 15,000 hours, with some high-performance options extending to roughly 20,000 hours. Therefore, the claim that fluorescent lamps can last beyond 90,000 hours is not accurate, making this option not an advantage of fluorescent technology. The other listed benefits, such as flexibility, high efficiency, and fast starting, are valid advantages that fluorescent lamps possess over traditional incandescent lamps. Fluorescent lamps are more flexible in terms of application and fixture options, they boast a higher efficiency—using less energy to produce the same amount of light—and they have improved starting times compared to older technologies, although that can vary based on the type of fluorescent lamp and the environmental conditions. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the lifespan mentioned is not considered an advantage.