On Feb 4, 7:51*am, John Ross wrote:
In my home bathroom, one of the light fixtures is on the ceiling. One
incandescent bulb screws in and hangs straight down and the cover is a
glass "bowl" that completely encases the bulb and fixture.

I have never seen a wattage rating on any of the bult in fixtures in
this house. I had been using a 100 watt bulb in this for the last few
years. However, I seem to recall someone posted in here that if the
bulb was completely encased, then it should never be more than a 60
watt bulb. Is that true?

I assume this is a heat issue? But is it more of a bulb life issue or
a safety issue?

--
John

Besides the other good reasons posted here, keep in mind the design
criteria for a consumer light fixture will call for a bottom of the
line lamp socket. Typically , these will be rated for 60 W max, and
the heat of larger lamps will deteriorate the socket plastic parts,
the contacts will get limp and you will see it flicker. I have
upgraded some fixtures that needed higher wattage lamps by using
commercial sockets designed for display fixtures. Upgrading
ventilation and wire is also part of the job. HTH

Joe