The ideal efficacy of a 36W tubelight, i.e. the value obtained
by dividing the rated light output (2425 lumens) by the rated
wattage (36W) is 67.36. In 36W tubelights, the average efficacy
(lumen/wattage) of Bajaj was the highest
at 67.57, followed by Osram at 66.86.
The average initial lumen of Bajaj
was found to be highest at 2496 followed by Osram
at 2457. Anchor Slimline was found
to be the lowest at 2262.
As per the standard, the initial readings
for the power consumed by 36W tubelights shall not exceed 38.3
W. All 7 brands of 36W tubelights conformed to the requirements
of initial wattage.
There is a significant saving of energy
with the use of an electronic choke compared to that with an
electromagnetic choke. The initial purchase cost of an electronic
choke is a little higher but can be recovered within a year
because the utilisation cost of an electronic choke is much
less. (Low power consumption and less electricity bill.)
The energy cost per year of 4 tubelights
consuming 40W and burning for 7 hours a day and at an energy
cost of Rs. 4/kWh is Rs. 1635.20, while that of the same number
of 36W tubelights is Rs. 1471.68. Thus a consumer may save about
Rs. 163.52 a year in energy cost by replacing a 40W tubelight
with 36W without compromising on the light output. Besides,
there is no additional purchase cost on fixtures.
All the brands conformed to the requirement
of standard for initial lumen as well as lumen after 2000 hours.
We recommend Bajaj, Osram
ansd Surya HBT as our Best Buys in
the 36W tubelight category.
The total harmonic distortion (THD%) of
electronic chokes Gelco (GC-140) and Rocker (Sr. No. 10111)
was found to be very high.
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