My Compact Fluorescent Code Doesn’t Match Your Website… Help?

As CFL bulbs or tubes are becoming obsolete it can be confusing trying to match the part numbers that are present on your current lights with the modern versions.  This can be for a number of reasons such as the code becoming obsolete with the model being no longer made or variations coming up between manufacturers.

Below are a list of reasons as to why the code on your CFL may not directly link to an item listed on a retailer’s website:

1. Manufacturer-Specific Part Numbers

The most prominent part number printed on your bulb (e.g., PL-C, Dulux D/E, Biax S/E) is often linked to a manufacturer's proprietary trade name or internal product code. Different brands such as Philips, Osram, Bell or Sylvania use differently named part numbers for what are effectively identical lamps. A “Dulux D" from Osram would be the exact same lamp as a "PLC" from Philips if it is the same wattage.

Common Manufacturer Part Numbers for CFL Lamp Types:

2. Nomenclature Evolution and Standardization

The lighting industry will often update its part numbers as the parts evolve to reflect new standards or energy efficiency ratings. If your bulb is an older model it might have been superseded by a newer standardized International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) code, or a code based on the lamp length or wattage.

3. Focus on Key Lamp Specifications

Retailers and distributors will often categorize CFLs by the universal classifications rather than the secondary manufacturer specific codes.  If you focus on these codes you should be able to find the lamps that you need.

4. Code Breakdown and Hidden Information

There will usually be a single code on your lamp which contains multiple pieces of information such as the wattage, color temperature and base type. The website you’re looking at may choose to display these elements separately which can make a comparison to your previous lamp confusing.  The code CFQ26W/G24Q/840 for example could be listed on a website as 26 Watt, G24Q-Base, Cool White.  

Providing you focus on the base type; the wattage, colour temperature and the number of pins you will be able to find the replacement lamp that you need:

To summarise:

In order to find the replacement bulb that you need you will need to look at the base type; wattage and colour code for the lamp.  Manufacturers will sometimes have their own part numbers/classifications for certain types of lamps which can cause confusion as this fact is not immediately apparent to the everyday consumer.  You may also find if you are looking at an LED replacement for a CFL that the wattage is different to what you have.  In this situation you should look for the equivalent wattage.