This paper discusses fluorescent lamps, ballasts, compact fluorescent lampssand lighting controls. The introduction of these new energy efficientsproducts has provided new choices to obtain optimum results in meetingsthe illumination requirements of spaces. However, the lack ofsunderstanding their fundamental characteristics and mutual interactionsshave led to serious design errors. We provide some of the essentialsinformation one must know about these new lighting systems, in order tosevaluate proposed lighting designs and equipment selection.