DerbyDad03 wrote:
On 12 Oct, 13:46, "sinister" wrote:
Light went out in the bathroom. It's a 48" 25W T12 GE fluorescent
bulb.

I can get one online, but I'd rather rush it and buy one in a brick
and mortar store. Problem is that they only have 32W and 40W. Does
that matter?

TIA,

S

It *could* matter for 2 reasons:

1 - The fixture might not be rated for the higher wattage. There
should be a label on the fixture stating the maximum wattage to use.

"Fixture"?? No. Ballast, maybe, but not the fixture.


2 - Assuming the fixture can handle one of the higher wattage bulbs,
the question is - can you? If you're used to 25W and are comfortable
with the lighting effect, then 32W or 40W might be too bright,
especially in a bathroom in the middle of the night.

It's unlikely a 25 to 32W bulb's brightness is going to be much perceived
and certainly won't be a problem. Just going to a new 25W bulb will likely
make a nice increase in the light output but not much different than a new
32W would. 40W is stretching it and I'd seriously doubt the ballast would
handle it.

Regards,

Pop`


Easy answer: If the fixture can handle the high wattage, try one and
see. The borg will take it back if you don't like it.

P.S. - I use incandescents in the bathrooms so I can use dimmers.