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Click here to download the form (PDF) you will need and mail it back to us at P.O. Box 870 Taunton, MA 02780 If you need to call or fax us: Phone: (508) 824-5844 Fax: 508-824-3112
 
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do Smartlight last so much longer then "regular" (AKA incandescent) light bulbs?

The answer lies in the technology of compact fluorescent lamps. Regular bulbs heat a filament, which over time eventually burns out. (Usually around 1000 hours) Smartlights operate on the same principal as fluorescent lamps that you see in fixtures on the ceiling: mercury gas is excited by an electrical charge, which in turn excites the phosphor coating on the lamp, making it glow. Bottom line: this process allows a compact lamp to last for 10,000 hours, based on a three-hour start
2. Why do Smartlights use less wattage, yet give off the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb?
 

In addition to the above mentioned longer lamp life, due to the nature of the process, less electrical energy is required to excite the phosphor then to heat a filament on an incandescent lamp. This results in $$ savings. Some standard comparisons:
 
Compact Fluorescent equal to Inc.
12 watt (indoor) = 40 watt 20 watt (in /out) = 75 watt
15 watt (in /out) = 60 watt 20 watt (circuline) = 60 watt
16 watt (indoor) = 60 watt 22 watt (circuline) = 75 watt
18 watt (in /out) = 75 watt 25 watt (in/out) = 100 watt

3.

I notice that after extended use, Smartlights are not as bright as when I first got them. Why?

Due to the way they operate, a compact fluorescent lamp’s lumen output will degrade over time, due to continued excitement of the phosphor coating. As the phosphor wears down and the cathode ends become frail, light output decreases accordingly until the lamp eventually fails. (This is known as Lamp Lumen Depreciation) A lumen is the radiant energy that is emitted from any kind of lamp. A footcandle is lumens per square foot.
4.

Can I use Smartlights outdoors?

In addition to the above mentioned longer lamp life, due to the nature of the process, less electrical energy is required to excite the phosphor then to heat a filament on an incandescent lamp. This results in $$ savings. Some standard comparisons:
5. Will Smartlights work on a dimmer?

The Smartlights offered by the TMLP will NOT work on a dimming circuit.
6. How do I pay for Smartlights?

Smartlights cost .25 per month,(only exception is .30 per month for circline lamps.) The charge will appear as a separate line item on your electric bill. If a lamp fails, bring it back to the TMLP and another will be issued to you, as long as the lease is in effect.
7. What if I don’t like them?

If you’re not completely satisfied with the Smartlights, simply return them to the TMLP and we will cancel the lease. If you are unable to return the lamps for any reason, we will prorate the cost of the bulb and bill you the balance.
  Note: A customer’s bill must be current in order to qualify to lease Smartlights.
  Questions? Call the TMLP and speak with Margaret Coulombe at 508-824-3171 or Bill Strojny at 508-824-3177
   

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