2D Lamp from GE Lighting

Don't be surprised if you look into a new lighting fixture and see something that looks more like a pretzel than a light bulb. It's a compact fluorescent lamp bent into a shape resembling back-to-back "Ds." That gives this lamp its name: 2D.

2D technology improves on conventional compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in several ways. The lamp spreads light more uniformly, without the end shadows created by the typical CFL. The slim, flat shape fits into many sleek modern fixtures. And it retrofits easily into existing portable fixtures (table and floor lamps).

A good selection of lamp sizes and light outputs are available. At the lower end, the tiny 10-watt lamp is only about 3-1/2 inches square and 1-1/2 inches deep. It provides 650 lumens, which is about the same as a 40-watt incandescent bulb. At the higher end, 2D surpasses most other CFLs with a 38-watt lamp. At 2850 lumens that is slightly more light than a 150-watt incandescent. The 38-watt lamp doesn't require much room either. It's only 8 inches square and 1-1/2 inches deep. For comparison, an 18-watt twin tube CFL is 10 inches long.

Like other compact fluorescents, 2D color is excellent, with color temperature of 2700K or 3500K and a CRI of 82. The resulting light is similar to a typical incandescent light bulb. The lamps come in one-piece, self-ballasted packages or as a reusable adapter base with a plug-in lamp. Adapter life is rated at 40,000 hours--enough to last through four lamps. Models with the proper ballasts can be attached to dimming circuits.

Several manufacturers have put the lamp's advantages to good use. The flat profile makes it a good choice for wall-mounted fixtures that must meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. 2Ds also appear in sconces, surface fixtures, security lights, track lights and recessed downlights.

Although new on the American lighting scene, 2D lamps were developed about 10 years ago by the British company Thorn. General Electric acquired the technology and brought it to the U.S. The lamps are sold only by GE, although at least several fixture manufacturers use them.

The advantages of the 2D shape and size could mean big changes for lighting in the future.

Contact: GE Lighting