DIYbanter - View Single Post - CFLs vs incandescent "max wattage" cautions in overhead fixtures....

Nate Nagel

wrote:
On Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:55:21 -0500, Nate Nagel
wrote:

wrote:
On Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:34:25 -0700, Robert Neville
wrote:

wrote:

So a fixture that is rated for a 100 watt incandescent that would
normally draw less than 1 amp can draw 20 amps as long as there
is no heat involved?
Thats a nonsensical question. If you are drawing 20A of 120v AC electricity, you
are using 2400w of electricity*. And there will always be heat involved.
So in all instances 2400 watts of electricity will create 2400 watts
of heat? Couldn't 2400 watts of electricity only create 100 watts of
heat?
Good God.

There are two reasons why fixtures have a maximum current rating (well,
really, they're the same reason, but let's ignore that for now.) One is
the actual current passing through the wires and socket. There is no
Edison-base CFL commonly available that draws more than 23W, so you're
good there. The other reason is heat. Unless someone can demonstrate
that a 23W (or whatever) CFL can actually put out *more* heat than a 60W
light bulb, then that is also not a concern.

Now some posters have mentioned shortened life in certain
orientations/enclosed fixtures - that is something of a concern, but
won't damage the fixture itself or the house's wiring unless either
current or heat ratings of the fixture are exceeded.

Go ahead, argue with the above. I'm sure you'll find *SOMETHING* in
there...

nate

I will find a flaw in your reasoning. When you say "Unless someone can
demonstrate that a 23W (or whatever) CFL can actually put out *more*
heat than a 60W light bulb, then that is also not a concern." you are
saying that that fixture would never be used for high current devices.
Therefore you have no concern.

What the HELL are you talking about?

The OP asked if it was OK to put a "100W equivalent" CFL in a 60W rated
fixture. A "100W" CFL typically draws about 23 watts. What the heck
does that have to do with "high current devices?"

nate

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