What does CFL mean in PRODUCTS

The main difference between a CFL and an incandescent bulb is that a CFL uses much less energy and lasts much longer. Whereas an incandescent bulb typically consumes more than 80 watts of electricity and typically last around 1,000 hours, a CFL only consumes 25 watts of electricity and can typically last between 8,000 - 10,000 hours.

Yes, CFLs do contain small amounts of mercury. The amount varies from manufacturer to manufacturer but it's typically about 4 milligrams per bulb which is roughly the same amount as a watch battery.

The brightness of a particular CFL depends on the wattage of the bulb as well as its lumen output rating. Generally speaking, though, most 15-watt CFLs provide light comparable to an old-style 60-watt incandescent bulb while drawing only one fourth as much power.

No, there are no known health risks associated with using a Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL). However, if the bulb breaks or runs out of life due to age or overuse then it should be disposed off properly since it does contain small amounts of mercury. Additionally, it should never be used in fully enclosed fixtures since this could cause some potential heat buildup issues.

Generally speaking no; dimmer switches can't be used with standard compact fluorescent lights (CFL). This is because the electronic ballast in most fluorescent bulbs cannot handle fluctuations in voltage that come from dimmer switches. There are some special varieties though that do support dimming capabilities so these will need to be purchased separately if you're looking for variable brightness levels without needing additional hardware/software.