CFL Bulbs

CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) are energy-saving bulbs that house a fluorescent tube in a shape similar to a traditional incandescent globe. At RS Australia, we stock compact fluorescent lamps in a range of types, including spiral and twister, PL and PLC, 2D and square, and circular formats, with wattages from 5W to 65W. Bases cover E27, B22, E14, 2G11, GR10q, and GR8, and colour temperatures run from 2700K warm white through to 6500K daylight.

CFL globes remain widely used as direct replacements for incandescent and halogen lamps in residential, commercial, and industrial luminaires, making compact fluorescent light globes a practical retrofit option.

Types of CFL Bulbs

CFL bulbs are produced in four main physical formats, each suited to a different fitting type and application. The right choice depends on the luminaire, the base type, and the wattage equivalence you need against the incandescent or halogen lamp being replaced. For background on how compact fluorescent technology compares to standard linear fluorescent tubes, see our fluorescent tubes guide.

Spiral / Twister CFL Globes

Spiral, or twister, CFL globes are the most common self-ballasted CFL format. The coiled tube replaces traditional incandescent globes in standard bayonet (B22) and Edison screw (E27) lamp holders, with no rewiring required. Wattages typically run from 7W to 25W, giving 40W to 150W incandescent equivalent output, and both frosted and clear options are stocked for diffused or directional lighting needs.

PL and PLC CFL Lamps (2-Pin and 4-Pin)

PL and PLC plug-in compact fluorescent bulbs are designed for dedicated fittings. The 2-pin versions run on a separate external ballast, while 4-pin versions use an integrated electronic ballast for instant start and dimming compatibility. Common bases include 2G11, GX23, GX24, and G24. Wattages typically range from 5W to 55W. These CFL light bulbs are widely used in commercial downlights, recessed luminaires, and office troffer fittings.

2D / Square CFL Lamps

2D, or square, CFL lamps use a flat folded tube designed for ceiling batten fittings and certain commercial luminaires. Common bases are GR10q (4-pin) and GR8 (2-pin), and standard wattages are 16W, 21W, 28W, and 38W. They are a popular choice for amenity, stairwell, and bulkhead fittings.

Circular / Ring CFL Lamps

Circular CFLs use a ring-shaped fluorescent tube in T5 and T9 diameters for circular ceiling batten fittings and decorative luminaires. Available in warm white (2700K to 3000K), cool white (4000K), and daylight (6000K and above) colour temperatures, with typical wattages of 22W, 32W, and 40W, these fluorescent globes are used across both residential and commercial fit-outs.

Choosing the Right CFL: Colour Temperature and Base Type

Selecting the right compact fluorescent lamp comes down to two specifications: the colour temperature of the light and the base type required by your luminaire.

Measured in Kelvin (K), colour temperature describes the appearance of the light:

• Warm white (2700K to 3000K) closely matches the look of incandescent lighting. Suits residential living areas, hospitality venues, and accent lighting.
• Cool white or natural white (3500K to 4000K) gives a neutral tone. Well suited to kitchens, offices, retail floors, and general commercial spaces.
• Daylight (5000K to 6500K) produces a blue-white light. Used in task lighting, workshops, display lighting, and any area requiring high visual acuity.

Base type determines compatibility with the fitting:

• B22 (bayonet cap) and E27 (Edison screw) are the standard bases for retrofit spiral CFL globes in domestic and commercial luminaires.
• 2G11, GX23, and GX24 are PL and PLC bases for dedicated commercial fittings.
• GR10q and GR8 are used on 2D and square CFL bulbs for batten and bulkhead luminaires.

Where CFL Bulbs Are Used

CFL globes remain in use across Australian buildings and facilities, particularly where existing CFL-compatible fittings are still in service. Below are the main environments where compact fluorescent light globes continue to be specified and replaced.

Residential Retrofit

CFL bulbs are still widely used as direct replacements for incandescent and halogen globes in existing B22 and E27 lamp holders, fitted to ceiling lights, floor lamps, and table lamps in homes that have not yet moved to LED.

Commercial Office and Retail

PL and PLC CFL light bulbs are commonly fitted to recessed downlights, troffer fittings, and display lighting in offices and retail spaces where dedicated CFL fittings are already installed and not yet due for replacement.

Hospitality and Decorative

Warm white spiral CFLs are used in pendant fittings, wall sconces, and decorative luminaires across restaurants, hotels, and hospitality venues, where the colour rendering closely matches the warm tone of traditional incandescent lighting.

Industrial and Maintenance

CFL globes are used in workshops, warehouses, and general-purpose luminaires across industrial and maintenance settings where LED upgrades have not yet been completed. For sites planning a transition, our LED tube lights guide covers the main retrofit considerations.

Emergency and Exit Lighting

Certain PL and PLC CFL types remain specified for emergency luminaire replacements in existing installations, where matching the original lamp specification is the simplest path to maintain compliance.

Buy CFL Bulbs Online from RS Australia

RS Australia is your trusted supplier of CFL bulbs and compact fluorescent lamps for residential, commercial, and industrial buyers. From spiral and twister globes for B22 and E27 retrofits to PL, PLC, 2D, and circular CFLs for dedicated luminaires, we stock leading brands like Philips Lighting, Osram, and GE in wattages from 5W to 65W and colour temperatures from 2700K warm white to 6500K daylight.

Browse our range to buy your next CFL globe online today, alongside LED bulbs and incandescent globes. We offer next-working-day delivery, with free shipping for approved business account customers on orders over $40 ($80 for offline orders). You can also opt for convenient self-collection from our Sydney branch. For more details, visit our Delivery Page.