By Craig T. Kojima, Star-Bulletin
The Coolbrite lamp is not as hot as standard halogen lamps and is safer.
Worried about the safety of halogen lamps which burn at up to 1,000 degrees and have caused fires? Now there is a solution in the new flourescent torchiere lamp called CoolBrite, which burns at only 100 degrees. Carry a torchiere for a better halogen lamp
CoolBrite also is brighter, has longer bulb life and uses one-fifth the energy of a 300 watt halogen lamp, said Michael Dene, chief executive officer of Emess Lighting Inc. of Ellwood, Pa., the CoolBrite manufacturer.
Halogen lamps can start fires if left next to drapes or paper products. The United States Consumer Products Safety Commission reported that halogen lamps have been associated with at least 100 fires and 10 deaths, Dene said.
In response to the problem, Underwriters Laboratory has tightened standards and most manufacturers have added safety features to their halogen torchieres.
The Hawaiian Electric Company encourages the use of compact fluorescents as part of its efforts to save energy, but does not endorse specific products, said Dave Waller, HECO's director of technical services.
CoolBrite is carried at The Furniture Loft by Futons, Etc. at 458 Keawe St. in Honolulu.
The lamps are 70 inches and 72 inches tall. Retail prices are $89.95 for the lamp with the equivalent of 300 watts and $149.99 for the lamp with the equivalent of 500 watts.
By Jerry Tune, Star-Bulletin
