Customer Reviews

Feit Electric BPESL7C 7-Watt Compact Fluorescent Chandelier Bulb with Candelabra Base (40-Watt Incandescent Equivalent)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I bought ten of these to replace the 40W bulbs in my chandelier. Here are a few important observations:

- Life: I bought them less than a year ago. One bulb is already dead, even though the light is on only in the day when someone is in the room. Assuming it's on a max of 16hrs/day, the bulb should last over 1 year at its 8000hr rating. I find it odd that the box says it is guaranteed to last up to 7 years, but averages only 8000 hours. That would mean, on average, the bulb should only be on about 3hrs/day to last all 7 years.
- Size: Like many of the CFL chandelier (candelabra E12 base) bulbs out there, the size is much larger than the incandescent version. It is about 1.5" (38mm) in diameter and over 4" (102mm) long. It barely fits onto my chandelier.
- Light Output: A standard chandelier bulb will put out anywhere from 330 to 500 lumens of light. This bulb puts out only 280 lumens, so the light output could be much dimmer than the 40W bulb it replaces. For some reason, the description on this Amazon page currently shows 280 lumens AND 440 lumens.
- Response: These bulbs come on immediately, but they take a few minutes before they reach full brightness.

To me, this is not a true 40W incandescent equivalent bulb. But as long as you know what you are getting, this bulb could still help save you money on the electricity bill.

I purchased these from BJ's in this style (bought 15-5 for 14), the ceiling fan bulb (4 for 12), and the regular looking lamp bulb (4 for 12). If you visit their website you will see they have won many awards for being "eco-minded" and are the only one that has reduced mercury. Please check with your sanitation dept. to see if any CF or reg. fluorescent bulb can be put in your regular trash or if it requires a special disposal like all batteries and old paints do(although inconvenient-let's hope so for our environment's sake). All bulbs have worked w/o any failures. I do not know if they will last as long as their warranty, but this is a reputable company, so save those recepits if your require replacement. Their light glows like a soft white bulb so it is easy on the eyes. As for appearance they are MUCH more attractive than the ones sold at HD or Lowes. The GE ones are more expensive at Sam's. On the package it says not to use with a dimmer switch and sure enough if not on full power the switch makes a hum. The bulbs do not work at all on the low dimmer setting. So when I want to be romantic I replace my 10 bulbs back to the classic candelabra bulbs and create my own mood lighting. I really like them and have replaced all bulbs w/ them except for 3 way bulbs and outdoor lighting.

I purchased these to replace candelabra bulbs and while the base is the correct size, the bulbs are too large to fit most of my chandeliers and covered sconces. They either stick out of the top or are too wide. I want to save the environment and money but I can't replace all the chandeliers, sconces and hanging light fixtures in my older home! I'm disappointed with 3 things.
1) The description. There should be a warning that they are about twice the size of a normal, candelabra bulb OR at least the dimensions should be given so buyers can make their own comparison. .
2) The light output. These are not true 40W incandescent equivalent bulbs. No doubt they will help save on the electric bill but you should know what you are getting.
3) The look. Fixtures with shades or covers are not a problem but they look very utilitarian. They don't look nice in a dining room or foyer chandelier that is open without shade or with clear glass.

Unfortunately, I'm now stuck with about 24 of these bulbs, no where to use them and have to spend more time and money to find smaller environmentally friendly chandelier bulbs. They should make it easier for people to do the right thing.

I am very disappointed with the light output from these "40-watt" equivalent bulbs. They all worked right out of the box, but they do not put out 40-watts worth of light - more like 15-20 watts.

First bulb did not work at all, second bulb was only as bright as my .5 watt night light, so put them right back in the box and sent them back, Amazon was very good about refunding my money, going to try some from Sams Club they are GE and are a third the Price

It has been my experience that FEIT bulbs burn out well before their hourly rating. I've just had another 7 watt chandelier candelabra FEIT bulb burn out prematurely so I decided to write this review. I've also had other FEIT bulbs burn out pre-maturely. I'm going to avoid this brand whenever I can.

CFL is supposed to last at least 3 to 4 times that of incandescent. But this one went bad much before that.

Purchased the Feit bulbs after a remodel thus I know when they were all replaced. After less than a year all the bulbs have failed on a light that is on no more than 4 hours a day. No money savings with this brand. All have been recycled thanks to my local hardware store which takes burnt out CFL's.

been over more than a year and the bulbs are still shining. color isnt as warm as incandescent, but it's not white like tube fluorescent.

I put these guys outside in my fixtures, the cold and snow have not affected them, the light is bright. I even saved the light socket adapter for future use, its a nice add on.