END-OF-LIFE PROTECTION FOR COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS

A self-ballasted fluorescent lamp (10) that comprises a housing (12) formed to contain a ballast. The housing (12) has a top surface (14) with openings (16) leading from the exterior of the housing (12) to the interior. The openings (16) can be in the form of raised bosses having upstanding walls (16a). A restricted portion (18), which can take the form of a flange, is formed with the opening (16) and a safe end-of-life enabling devi ce (20) is positioned in the opening (16) and in contact with the restricted portion (18). The safe end- of-life device (20) is tubular, has low thermal conductivity and in preferre d forms of the invention is a glass such as quartz or a ceramic such as aluminum oxide. The ends (22) of a fluorescent lamp (24) penetrate the tubular end-of-life device (20) and exte nd into the interior of the housing for suitable connection to an enclosed electronic ballast. A retainer (26) is positioned opposite the restricted portion for maintaining the end-of life device within the opening. The retainer (26) is a typical compact fluorescent cement that is used to fix the lamp to the housing. Alternatively, the retainer can be an adhesive silicone or a threaded washer.