Fast Start, Bright, 4-pin 32W CFLs?

[rwhite692]

I have a couple of recessed can CFL ceiling fixtures in my shop bathroom. They use the four pin, triple tube CFLs, with the GX24Q-3 base. I currently have 26W bulbs in them.

I'd like to replace them with 32W (which is the largest wattage available in the GX24Q-3 base) AND I'd like to get ones that manage to start up and achieve brightness faster than what I have now.

The ones in their now are so dim for the first few minutes, it's ridiculous.

Anyone have recommendations for GX24Q-3 base bulbs that achieve full brightness faster than most? And highest lumen output in 32W?

Thanks
Rob

 

[MadMechMaster]

I'm not too familiar with this type lamp, but I do use 4 pin CFL's on my aquarium. I replace these every year in order to maintain brightness in the spectrum that I need. So new lamps would provide noticeable improvement at 26 watts(if yours are older).

Going to a higher wattage will require that you check the ballast to see if it is rated for the higher load.

 

[rwhite692]

I Determined that my fixtures have ballasts that will indeed run a 32W bulb, so I'll be changing to 32W and a higher K (5000) to get a brighter, more white colored light. I found out that no one makes any specific claims as to startup speed to full brightness.

 

[Striker]

This should help you:

http://www.1000bulbs.com/category/32-watt-4-pin-gx24q3-plug-in-compact-fluorescents/

However, I would caution from running 32 watt bulbs unless the fixture is rated for it. A lot of people check the ballast, but fail to check the fixture. It may not be able to deal with the additional heat and could fail. If it ever burned or caught on fire insurance may not cover it because you used the wrong bulb.