The impact of the CFL lamps on the power-line communications channel

Abstract

A number of measurements show the results of the harmonics and conducted emissions from “Energy-Savings” Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) when connected to the power-line communications channel. Different CFL's from different manufacturers were investigated. The paper covers the CENELEC band, as well as the broadband communications channel: 150kHz-30MHz. The obtained results show the levels of harmonics and interference that these types of lamps produce. It shows that CFL's produce interference in the 3kHz-150kHz band, but this pose no risk for PLC. Some CFL's do however produce interference in the 150kHz-30MHz band that can interfere with power-line communications.