ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area CFL's and recessed cans

The problem with a CFL PAR lamp is the ballast is above the reflector so none if that heat gets radiated down. I assume they know that and design accordingly.

I have 26W CFLs in porcelain bulbholders in my garage. They are base up and the instructions call for base down. sometimes they get left on all night and I have not noted any apparent issues. Even being frequently switched the lifespan is still good.

As stated above, CFL's can be used in recessed cans and have been investigated by UL for use in a 6 or 8 inch diameter luminaire. The only restriction to this is if the lamp is marked and stated not for such use. You can find the entire White Book listing under Lamps, Self-Ballasted and Lamp Adapters (OOLR)

The stated lamp life for most fluorescent lamps is partially based on how often the lamp is turned on. I've heard that some brands will last almost as long as the stated life even when turned on and off frequently. Unfortunately, no one ever mentioned exactly which brands do well with frequent switching.