Compact Fluorescent

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are small, folded fluorescent tubes used in downlights, bulkheads and commercial fittings, typically with plug-in 2-pin or 4-pin caps such as G24d and G24q, or as 2D lamps. They were once the standard energy-saving lamp, but many types are now being phased out, so availability of direct replacements is limited.

For most fittings, an LED equivalent such as a Kosnic LED DD lamp or a new LED fitting is the practical route. Contact our team for help, and remember in-stock orders before 5pm on weekdays reach NI and ROI next working day at trade prices.

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Replacing compact fluorescent lamps: what you need to know

Compact fluorescent lamps served commercial and domestic fittings for decades, but rules on energy efficiency and hazardous substances mean many CFL types are no longer being made for sale in the UK and Ireland. If you maintain buildings with CFL fittings, it is worth planning the move to LED now rather than waiting for a lamp to fail.

Identify the lamp you have

Cap type – the code printed on the lamp base, such as G24d (2-pin) or G24q (4-pin), shows how it plugs into the holder.
Pin count – 2-pin lamps normally have a starter built into the base and run on magnetic control gear; 4-pin lamps usually run on electronic ballasts.
Shape and wattage – check whether it is a double, triple or 2D lamp, and its wattage, so a replacement will physically fit.

Your LED options

There are two main routes. A plug-in LED replacement lamp fits the existing holder, but compatibility depends on the control gear, and some lamps require the ballast to be bypassed, which should only be done by a competent person following the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, replace the whole fitting with an integrated LED or LED DD-ready bulkhead or downlight, which removes the old gear entirely and often gives better efficiency and lifespan. Browse our LED lamps for plug-in DD and other replacements.

Handling and disposal

CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, so handle them carefully and do not put them in general waste. Take spent lamps to a suitable recycling point or arrange collection through an approved waste lamp scheme. If a lamp breaks, ventilate the room and clean up following official guidance.

Meteor Electrical is a family-run wholesaler with over 40 years in the trade and more than 5,000 products in stock. Free delivery applies over £30 / €35 ex VAT, and you can call 028 8675 1515 (048 8675 1515 from ROI) for advice on replacements.

FAQ's Ask Your Own Question

Where can the Kosnic’s LED Echo High Bay be installed?: The LED Echo High Bay is designed for general industrial environments. The light fitting is manufactured with aluminum body which is ideal for high-volume product due to the durability of the material. The common installations would be:

Warehouses

Manufacture Buildings

Retail Environments.
Are compact fluorescent lamps being phased out?: Yes, in large part. Changes to energy efficiency and hazardous-substance rules in the UK and EU have ended the sale of many compact fluorescent lamp types, including common plug-in CFLs. Existing stock may still be available for a time, but supply is shrinking. Planning a move to LED replacement lamps or new LED fittings avoids being caught out when a lamp fails.
What LED lamp replaces a 2-pin or 4-pin CFL?: Look for an LED lamp with the same cap type, such as G24d for 2-pin or G24q for 4-pin, and a similar physical size. 2-pin LED replacements are often designed to work on existing magnetic gear, while 4-pin versions may work with certain electronic ballasts or need the ballast bypassed. Always check the lamp manufacturer's compatibility list for your fitting before ordering.
How should I dispose of old CFL bulbs?: Take them to a household recycling centre or a dedicated lamp recycling point rather than putting them in the bin, because CFLs contain a small amount of mercury. Businesses should use an approved waste lamp collection or recycling scheme. Store used lamps carefully so they do not break, and if one does, ventilate the area and follow official clean-up guidance.
What is the difference between 2-pin and 4-pin compact fluorescent lamps?: 2-pin CFLs have a starter built into the lamp base and are used with magnetic control gear. 4-pin CFLs have no internal starter and are designed for electronic ballasts, which often allow features such as dimming or warm starting. The two types are not interchangeable, so check the cap code on the old lamp before ordering a replacement or an LED equivalent.
Why does a compact fluorescent lamp take time to reach full brightness?: Fluorescent lamps rely on mercury vapour inside the tube, which needs to warm up before the lamp reaches full output, so many CFLs start dim, especially in cold areas. Flickering or very slow starts can also mean the lamp or control gear is near the end of its life. LED replacements reach full brightness instantly, making them better suited to stairwells and areas used briefly.
Are compact fluorescent lamps being phased out?: Yes, in large part. Changes to energy efficiency and hazardous-substance rules in the UK and EU have ended the sale of many compact fluorescent lamp types, including common plug-in CFLs. Existing stock may still be available for a time, but supply is shrinking. Planning a move to LED replacement lamps or new LED fittings avoids being caught out when a lamp fails.
What LED lamp replaces a 2-pin or 4-pin CFL?: Look for an LED lamp with the same cap type, such as G24d for 2-pin or G24q for 4-pin, and a similar physical size. 2-pin LED replacements are often designed to work on existing magnetic gear, while 4-pin versions may work with certain electronic ballasts or need the ballast bypassed. Always check the lamp manufacturer's compatibility list for your fitting before ordering.
How should I dispose of old CFL bulbs?: Take them to a household recycling centre or a dedicated lamp recycling point rather than putting them in the bin, because CFLs contain a small amount of mercury. Businesses should use an approved waste lamp collection or recycling scheme. Store used lamps carefully so they do not break, and if one does, ventilate the area and follow official clean-up guidance.
What is the difference between 2-pin and 4-pin compact fluorescent lamps?: 2-pin CFLs have a starter built into the lamp base and are used with magnetic control gear. 4-pin CFLs have no internal starter and are designed for electronic ballasts, which often allow features such as dimming or warm starting. The two types are not interchangeable, so check the cap code on the old lamp before ordering a replacement or an LED equivalent.
Why does a compact fluorescent lamp take time to reach full brightness?: Fluorescent lamps rely on mercury vapour inside the tube, which needs to warm up before the lamp reaches full output, so many CFLs start dim, especially in cold areas. Flickering or very slow starts can also mean the lamp or control gear is near the end of its life. LED replacements reach full brightness instantly, making them better suited to stairwells and areas used briefly.