CFL Bulbs

[dl144]

I've noticed a lot of people are using CFL bulbs.

Question. If I have a 60w rated lamp, would it be safe to put a 45w (true - not equivalent) CFL in?

Thanks

 

[Pete999]

Ooh I would think so, your an Engineer what's your opinion

 

[Darkwood]

Lets go easy on the newby Pete, the OP has not specified what he is an Engineer in so we shouldn't assume its Electrical.

Welcome to the forum dl144, if you are talking about fitting a CFL lamp into a standard pendant drop or similar then the wattage usually reflected on the max lamp size due to the heat generated by them and not what current it could handle, the max figure can relate to the tolerance of the lamp housing, shade etc again down to heat tolerance. I see no problem fitting any size CFL lamp in a standard lampholder unless the fitting is designed for CFL lamps and the control gear is not contained within the lamp but external (usually in the fitting itself) in this case the control gear will be rated for a specific lamp size.

 

[Pete999]

Lets go easy on the newby Pete, the OP has not specified what he is an Engineer in so we shouldn't assume its Electrical.

Welcome to the forum dl144, if you are talking about fitting a CFL lamp into a standard pendant drop or similar then the wattage usually reflected on the max lamp size due to the heat generated by them and not what current it could handle, the max figure can relate to the tolerance of the lamp housing, shade etc again down to heat tolerance. I see no problem fitting any size CFL lamp in a standard lampholder unless the fitting is designed for CFL lamps and the control gear is not contained within the lamp but external (usually in the fitting itself) in this case the control gear will be rated for a specific lamp size.

OK Mate no harm meant, but as an afterthought, if people actually stated what type or what their Engineering discipline was, or is, any sarcasm would be avoided, in this case, maybe I was hasty in my response, for that I apologize.

 

[Adam W]

A 45W CFL sounds rather bright - considerably brighter than a 60W tungsten filament.
Personally I'd be looking at upgrading to an LED - IMO CFL bulbs have had their moment.

 

[Andy78]

A 45W CFL sounds rather bright - considerably brighter than a 60W tungsten filament.
Personally I'd be looking at upgrading to an LED - IMO CFL bulbs have had their moment.

I thought maybe the post had been waiting for approval. For 15 years.

 

[rapparee]

I've noticed a lot of people are using CFL bulbs.

Question. If I have a 60w rated lamp, would it be safe to put a 45w (true - not equivalent) CFL in?

Thanks

It depends on the lamp shade. Some may not be able to take the heat.

 

[dl144]

Thanks to everyone for the advice

It depends on the lamp shade. Some may not be able to take the heat.

I don't think it would put out that much heat? 45W, 6400k?

 

[davesparks]

Thanks to everyone for the advice


I don't think it would put out that much heat? 45W, 6400k?

They get very very toasty, especially the cheap ones. The bigger problem is that they are far more susceptible to damage by that heat when they are in any sort of enclosed fitting or lamp shade