GU24 Base Bulbs: What Are They and Why Are They So Popular?
Conceived in 2004, the GU24 base bulb provides consumers with another choice for energy resourceful, cost-effective, user-friendly lighting. With EPA approval and a design that corrects past issues with high efficiency lamp bases, GU24 base bulbs are becoming the new standard.
What are GU24 base bulbs?
Also referred to as GU24 lamps, GU24 base bulbs were created to replace those other CFL bulbs: the oft-confusing, pin-base bulb. The pin-base design used unattached ballasts (“electrical devices for starting and controlling fluorescent and discharge lamps”) and required varying socket designs for nearly every wattage type. Replacing the pin-based bulb was a hassle that scared away consumers and inadvertently made energy efficiency efforts seem like a chore.
Designed with the base attached, GU24 lamps have two pins sticking out of the base instead of the usual spiral screw seen in common bulbs. Attaching and replacing GU24 lamps require that the pins enter into the lighting fixture (commonly referred to as a “lamp”, not to be confused with the lamp/bulb we are discussing now), twist, and then connect into place.
Why Are GU24 Lamps So Popular?
Popularity of GU24 lamps stem from their likeness to standard, screw-based light bulbs: they are easy to attach, replace, and are available in different stores.
Unlike with pin-based bulbs, replacement of GU24 base bulbs is not limited by:
Who manufactured the lamp The wattage (pin-base bulbs can only be replaced with the same wattage unless the matching ballast is also purchased) Where the lamps are sold
One of the most notable reasons that GU24 lamps are gaining in popularity is because the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now qualifies every lamp using the GU24 base as ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR products have the “stamp of approval” in energy efficiency standards. This specification spurred manufacturers to produce lamps that meet the qualification. Based on 2007 data, nearly 2000 GU24 base fixtures are ENERGY STAR approved. To match the need of more “green” focused consumers, there’s little doubt that this number will continue to rise.
