Duro-Test, Sunpark, Link USA, and Lights of America have all introduced new, generally smaller, CFLs in which the fluorescent tube is molded into a spiral. As shown in the photo below and the accompanying table, these lamps are now nearly as small as the standard incandescent light bulbs they are designed to replace. We found that they still do not fit into some fixtures designed for incandescents - particularly smaller table lamps with harps holding the lampshade. The new twisted-tube compact fluorescent lamps are nearly as small as standard lightbulbs. The products are being marketed through the PNNL Web site, with distributors or the manufacturers handling orders.
Minimum orders are for six or ten.
We have not tested lumen output or long-term durability, but these products all had to go through fairly rigorous testing and meet very specific performance requirements to be part of the PNNL program. In addition, all lamps must carry a one-year warranty. Noticeably absent in this new lineup are products from Philips, Osram-Sylvania, General Electric, or Panasonic, the four companies that have led the industry with CFL development to date. According to Theresa Odell at PNNL, these more established manufacturers either did not meet the specifications or chose not to participate. Some in the lighting industry have expressed reservations about the role PNNL is playing in marketing these products.