How to Easily Reuse/ Repair Damaged CFL

Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) is being used worldwide now. It is a normal practice around the world to throw the damaged CFL and purchase a new one. But, interestingly, it can be reused/ repaired with a very negligible amount. The reuse/ repairing of damaged CFL is quite easy. This post will discuss about how to easily re-utilize your damaged CFL with step by step method explanation.

Methods to Re-utilize Damaged CFL: –

The damaged CFL can be reutilized using these two methods:

Reuse the CFL PCB as a Ballast (Choke) for another Tube light

Repair the CFL with Basic Electrical Tools

Reuse the CFL PCB as a Ballast (Choke) for another Tube light

Lets take example of a 23 Watt Philips CFL. Now, all we need is : –

1 two feet Tube light

02 in no wires having length of 1 mtr at least
An insulation tape
A Soldering iron

Step 1 – Extraction of CFL PCB

Remove the old CFL cap and check the inner circuit. You will see four points (solder) for each of the lamp side. Take out the lamp and do the cleaning of circuit using alcohol.

CAUTIONARY NOTE : DO NOT OPEN THOSE CFLs WHICH HAVE BEEN USED WITHIN TWO HOURS. THEIR CAPACITORS MAY BE IN CHARGED CONDITION. WAIT FOR TWO HOURS AND THEN ONLY OPEN IT.

Step 2 – Connect the PCB with Tube light

Shoulder the four wires with the terminals. Two at one side and other two at another side. Use insulation tape to cover exposed wires and cover the circuit.

Now, your repaired CFL is ready to use.

Repair the CFL with Basic Electrical Tools

Compact fluorescent lamp normally fails because of damage to some of its components like transistor, capacitor, diode, resistor or even the transformer. These parts however are low cost and commonly available too.

One of the very common defect in CFL circuit is capacitor failure. If the fuse is burnt, it may damage transistors and resistors also. If the glass tube is damaged, then also you can change it. All types of CFL tubes are available in market. The most common rate is:

2U CFL tube- 20Rs

3U CFL tube – 30Rs
Spiral CFL tube -55-65Rs.

Step 1 – Separation of Cap

Open the cap of CFL. It is the most difficult part of repair. Have patience and use a screw drive to slowly open it as shown in figure.

Step 2 – Fault Identification/ Repair in CFL PCB and Tube

Visually inspect the circuit board. If you observe any deformed/burnt capacitor/diode/resistor, de-solder and remove it out of PCB and carry out the replacement with a newer component of same value or replace it with best possible alternate with a voltage rating of at least or above 250 volts.

Test the diodes for its condition. It will conduct if forward biased and will not conduct if reverse biased.

Check the transistors. If you are not able to do it, then go to an electrician and say him to check/replace it.

Closely check the resistors also. If the resistor seems to be burnt, take it out and check its Ohmic reading with a multimeter. It is normally observed that that 30 % of the CFL failure ids caused by open circuit of resistor.

If all of the mentioned components are working fine, then finally check the continuity of tube. Replace it if an open circuit is observed.

Step 3 – Pre-Installation Circuit Test

Test the circuit by giving main supply in the circuits i/p.

Step 4 – Final Assembling

Repack the cap on the Tube. You can seal it by using insulation tape or Feviquick or Plaster of Paris.

Why to wait now. Check your repaired CFL.

Read more about CFLs : What is CFL - How it Works, Circuit Explanation, Advantages & Disadvantages

Also Learn : How to Make Simple Inverter at Home - Step by Step

If you have learnt anything from it, share this post with your friends and save their money.