Is a Watt a Watt or Not?

[thatirwinfella]

a watt is a watt. different globes may give more light from equal wattages [fluoro v tungsten for example] but a 60w globe will be brighter than a 40w globe.

a watt is power factor X volts X amps. 1000watts equals one kilowatt.

a tiny little 12v 60w downlight will draw more current then a 240volt 60 globe, but when this current reverts back to twenty times it's voltage... the 240 volts, the current drops inversely... twenty times.

the same thing happens with HV transformers. It's a huge voltage and tiny current until it hits the trannie then it swaps to huge current and low voltage.

but yes, a watt is a watt.

sorry if this didn't make any sense, but after thirteen hours of school not much does.

[DavidG]

Watt a lott of rott.

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

Who's on first, Watt's on second...

[peter_sm]

I didn't interpret them. I should have added that it was information from the 'Mythbusters' series. I was just placing it here as I thought it may be relevant.

Peter

Peter SM,
I think you may be misinterpreting the results. A fluro will consume as much on start up as it does in 23 seconds running. Therefore, unless you're leaving the room for less than 23 seconds, it's not worth turning off.

Mick

[journeyman Mick]

.......... I was just placing it here as I thought it may be relevant.

Peter

Peter,
you've been around here long enough to know that relevance is not a criteria for posting.

Mick

[Cliff Rogers]

I did warn you.....

[pharmaboy2]

buggar the topic,

incandescents are yellow, diffuse and shine light onto the ceiling, pointing out how important a good gyprocker is, and why the flattest paint goes on ceilings.

compact flouros take time to warm up, cast an unmisytakeable flouro light, shine light equally in all directions, so same problems as for Incandescents above, and are dam ugly - oh use FA power,ut are nowhere near as comparitively bright as the liars in their marketing and pakaging dept think!

Halogen Downlights,. focus light on surfaces, are closest to daylight, are urbane and stylish, DIMMABLE, and have multiple options for focus.

3 * 100 w globes per night for 5 hours @ 16c/ kwh is 24c per night is $87 per year or $22 per elcetricity bill. Anyone who is expecting a noticeable financial gain by switching light forms, either didnt do the maths, or cant turn off lights when not in use.

[peter_sm]

Mmmmm So is thread hijacking ok?

Peter,
you've been around here long enough to know that relevance is not a criteria for posting.

Mick

[jagfromaus]

Ok well since I am the originator of the original post let me say that I'm impressed with most of the feedback comments however I DID ask to keep it simple and stay focussed but many of youz couldnt help yourself....lol...thats fine by me.....SO!! the bottom line is next time a lighting retailer or a would be electrician or even a qualified sparky tells me that 12v lighting is CHEAPER to run (watt per watt) because of the lower voltage I have the right to tell them to take their hand off it???????..THANKS.

[outback]

Mmmmm So is thread hijacking ok?

Mandatory

[Cliff Rogers]

Mandatory

Good.

Why is it that a gub'ment can legislate to get rid of incandescent light bulbs & off peak water heaters but not cigarettes?

[bobsreturn2003]

tried the screw in fluro bulbs for work shop use .and didnt like them . dont seem to last very well and light is different . gone back to spots ,as i need good light to finish. thats my 10cents worth bob

[echnidna]

Good.

Why is it that a gub'ment can legislate to get rid of incandescent light bulbs & off peak water heaters but not cigarettes?

Think about dope and drugs, always bin illegal but still easy to get.

[peter_sm]

Maybe because the tax on ciggies makes good revenue.

Good.

Why is it that a gub'ment can legislate to get rid of incandescent light bulbs & off peak water heaters but not cigarettes?

[Cliff Rogers]

Maybe because the tax on ciggies makes good revenue.

Yeah but does it cover the flam'n health bill for smoking related problems?