Overview
Compact fluorescent lamps resulted from research into energy saving lighting. The goal was to develop smaller, more efficient light sources with greater lumen output per watt. One solution was to re-design the fluorescent lamp and its cap. Two basic designs have emerged. See Figure 6.1.. The internal construction and function of all variants is very similar to linear (straight) fluorescent lamps.

1. Biaxial: the tube is reduced to half its length with two 90 degree bends. This shape is similar to Mod-U-Line but narrower. BIAX is the GE trade name for the biaxial design of fluorescent lamp.
2. Square planar: the tube is made into a square shape with the lamp cap in the centre. This is a more complex shape with both 90 and 180 degree bends. This shape is called 2D (two dimensional) and is a unique GE product. Both types bring the ends of the tube together in one lamp cap.

Figure 6.1. Compact fluorescent lamps.

There are seven CFL product lines:

Figure 6.2. Complete CFL range.