Light fixtures all have a MAXimum wattage rating for bulb size. Most
standard indoor home fixtures are rated at 100W or less. (60W is
common). But this rating is for incandescent bulbs, and based on how
much heat the fixture can handle. Yet, these days incandescent bulbs
are becoming rare in homes. But lets say a fixture is rated at 60W MAX.
A 60W *Equivalant* CFL bulb only uses around 15W. Does this mean that
the fixture could actually handle FOUR of these bulbs (if they would
fit)? Or is the limit still based on the *Equivalant* rating?

I doubt any fixture rated at 60W would have the room for FOUR CFL bulbs,
but what if I install a 150W *Equivalant* bulb, which only uses around
30W? I know it's all abotu heat, and a CFL dont get as hot as a
incandescent bulb, but they still do put out some heat.

I guess the ratings on fixtures are sort of obsolete, and I have not yet
seen a CFL or LED rating on even the newest fixtures. I can only assume
they are speaking about ACTUAL wattage consumption, regardless of bulb
type. Is this correct?

On 01/15/2014 10:08 AM, wrote:
Light fixtures all have a MAXimum wattage rating for bulb size. Most
standard indoor home fixtures are rated at 100W or less. (60W is
common). But this rating is for incandescent bulbs, and based on how
much heat the fixture can handle. Yet, these days incandescent bulbs
are becoming rare in homes. But lets say a fixture is rated at 60W MAX.
A 60W *Equivalant* CFL bulb only uses around 15W. Does this mean that
the fixture could actually handle FOUR of these bulbs (if they would
fit)? Or is the limit still based on the *Equivalant* rating?

I doubt any fixture rated at 60W would have the room for FOUR CFL bulbs,
but what if I install a 150W *Equivalant* bulb, which only uses around
30W? I know it's all abotu heat, and a CFL dont get as hot as a
incandescent bulb, but they still do put out some heat.

I guess the ratings on fixtures are sort of obsolete, and I have not yet
seen a CFL or LED rating on even the newest fixtures. I can only assume
they are speaking about ACTUAL wattage consumption, regardless of bulb
type. Is this correct?




I'd assume that to be correct.

Also, though the CFL's run fairly cool


I've heard that the base of the LED style runs very hot

On Wednesday, January 15, 2014 11:02:11 AM UTC-6, philo* wrote:
On 01/15/2014 10:08 AM, wrote:

I've heard that the base of the LED style runs very hot

It must depend how they are made...I have a 40W eq. LED that is always on. It's barely warm. On the other hand, many CFL bases can be very hot!

On Wednesday, January 15, 2014 11:08:34 AM UTC-5, wrote:
Light fixtures all have a MAXimum wattage rating for bulb size. Most

standard indoor home fixtures are rated at 100W or less. (60W is

common). But this rating is for incandescent bulbs, and based on how

much heat the fixture can handle. Yet, these days incandescent bulbs

are becoming rare in homes. But lets say a fixture is rated at 60W MAX.

A 60W *Equivalant* CFL bulb only uses around 15W. Does this mean that

the fixture could actually handle FOUR of these bulbs (if they would

fit)? Or is the limit still based on the *Equivalant* rating?



I doubt any fixture rated at 60W would have the room for FOUR CFL bulbs,

but what if I install a 150W *Equivalant* bulb, which only uses around

30W? I know it's all abotu heat, and a CFL dont get as hot as a

incandescent bulb, but they still do put out some heat.



I guess the ratings on fixtures are sort of obsolete, and I have not yet

seen a CFL or LED rating on even the newest fixtures. I can only assume

they are speaking about ACTUAL wattage consumption, regardless of bulb

type. Is this correct?

Basically, it's the actual wattage that's of most interest
because it reflects the heat generated, the current through
the wires, etc. If you had a fixture that's rated for 60W
incandescent, I don't see any problem putting a 100W CFL in
it, as that's only about 23W. And from a practical standpoint
I don;t think you'd want a CFL, LED, etc that was anywhere
close to the old incandescent max rating. For a 60W, it
would take what, 260W to get close to that 60W in actual
power? So, if you put a 100W, 150W in it, ?I don't see
a problem.

On Wednesday, January 15, 2014 12:07:18 PM UTC-5, wrote:
On Wednesday, January 15, 2014 11:08:34 AM UTC-5, wrote:

Light fixtures all have a MAXimum wattage rating for bulb size. Most



standard indoor home fixtures are rated at 100W or less. (60W is



common). But this rating is for incandescent bulbs, and based on how



much heat the fixture can handle. Yet, these days incandescent bulbs



are becoming rare in homes. But lets say a fixture is rated at 60W MAX.



A 60W *Equivalant* CFL bulb only uses around 15W. Does this mean that



the fixture could actually handle FOUR of these bulbs (if they would



fit)? Or is the limit still based on the *Equivalant* rating?







I doubt any fixture rated at 60W would have the room for FOUR CFL bulbs,



but what if I install a 150W *Equivalant* bulb, which only uses around



30W? I know it's all abotu heat, and a CFL dont get as hot as a



incandescent bulb, but they still do put out some heat.







I guess the ratings on fixtures are sort of obsolete, and I have not yet



seen a CFL or LED rating on even the newest fixtures. I can only assume



they are speaking about ACTUAL wattage consumption, regardless of bulb



type. Is this correct?



Basically, it's the actual wattage that's of most interest

because it reflects the heat generated, the current through

the wires, etc. If you had a fixture that's rated for 60W

incandescent, I don't see any problem putting a 100W CFL in

it, as that's only about 23W. And from a practical standpoint

I don;t think you'd want a CFL, LED, etc that was anywhere

close to the old incandescent max rating. For a 60W, it

would take what, 260W to get close to that 60W in actual

power? So, if you put a 100W, 150W in it, ?I don't see

a problem.

I should have pointed out that it can also depend on the
type of fixture. Even CFL can get hot, shorten the life
if they are installed in a small, enclosed type fixture
with limited airflow. Unlike incandescent, CFL, LED
have electronics that are sensitive to heat. If it's
a wide open fixture with good air flow, you could push
it further in size than if it's a smaller, totally enclosed
fixture. Still, even in an enclosed fixture, I'd have
no problem in going from 60W to 100W, ie the typical
type of increase you might want.

On 1/15/2014 11:08 AM, wrote:
Light fixtures all have a MAXimum wattage rating for bulb size. Most
standard indoor home fixtures are rated at 100W or less. (60W is
common). But this rating is for incandescent bulbs, and based on how
much heat the fixture can handle. Yet, these days incandescent bulbs
are becoming rare in homes. But lets say a fixture is rated at 60W MAX.
A 60W *Equivalant* CFL bulb only uses around 15W. Does this mean that
the fixture could actually handle FOUR of these bulbs (if they would
fit)? Or is the limit still based on the *Equivalant* rating?

I doubt any fixture rated at 60W would have the room for FOUR CFL bulbs,
but what if I install a 150W *Equivalant* bulb, which only uses around
30W? I know it's all abotu heat, and a CFL dont get as hot as a
incandescent bulb, but they still do put out some heat.

I guess the ratings on fixtures are sort of obsolete, and I have not yet
seen a CFL or LED rating on even the newest fixtures. I can only assume
they are speaking about ACTUAL wattage consumption, regardless of bulb
type. Is this correct?

I think you're correct. It has to do with
ventilation,and how much heat can be dissipated.

--
..
Christopher A. Young
Learn about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

posted for all of us...

And I know how to SNIP


Light fixtures all have a MAXimum wattage rating for bulb size. Most
standard indoor home fixtures are rated at 100W or less. (60W is
common). But this rating is for incandescent bulbs, and based on how
much heat the fixture can handle. Yet, these days incandescent bulbs
are becoming rare in homes. But lets say a fixture is rated at 60W MAX.
A 60W *Equivalant* CFL bulb only uses around 15W. Does this mean that
the fixture could actually handle FOUR of these bulbs (if they would
fit)? Or is the limit still based on the *Equivalant* rating?

I doubt any fixture rated at 60W would have the room for FOUR CFL bulbs,
but what if I install a 150W *Equivalant* bulb, which only uses around
30W? I know it's all abotu heat, and a CFL dont get as hot as a
incandescent bulb, but they still do put out some heat.

I guess the ratings on fixtures are sort of obsolete, and I have not yet
seen a CFL or LED rating on even the newest fixtures. I can only assume
they are speaking about ACTUAL wattage consumption, regardless of bulb
type. Is this correct?

Hmm, what about halogens?

--
Tekkie

On Wednesday, January 15, 2014 10:08:34 AM UTC-6, wrote:
Light fixtures all have a MAXimum wattage rating for bulb size. Most

standard indoor home fixtures are rated at 100W or less. (60W is

common). But this rating is for incandescent bulbs, and based on how

much heat the fixture can handle. Yet, these days incandescent bulbs

are becoming rare in homes. But lets say a fixture is rated at 60W MAX.

A 60W *Equivalant* CFL bulb only uses around 15W. Does this mean that

the fixture could actually handle FOUR of these bulbs (if they would

fit)? Or is the limit still based on the *Equivalant* rating?



I doubt any fixture rated at 60W would have the room for FOUR CFL bulbs,

but what if I install a 150W *Equivalant* bulb, which only uses around

30W? I know it's all abotu heat, and a CFL dont get as hot as a

incandescent bulb, but they still do put out some heat.



I guess the ratings on fixtures are sort of obsolete, and I have not yet

seen a CFL or LED rating on even the newest fixtures. I can only assume

they are speaking about ACTUAL wattage consumption, regardless of bulb

type. Is this correct?

WATT is a power consumption - not a heat distribution unit.

wrote:
Light fixtures all have a MAXimum wattage rating for bulb size. Most
standard indoor home fixtures are rated at 100W or less. (60W is


I just wanted to report, talking to brother yesterday. He had a cfl
failure, wher there was a lot of smoke as he entered the room. he shut It
off. Might have been a fire hazard. Was table lamp. I asked for info on
manufacturer. He said he could not see it, just some other markings. Don't
buy unmarked lamps ! I'll see if he threw it away.

I seem to prefer lamps in sealed housings.

Greg

On 1/15/2014 11:09 AM, wrote:
On Wed, 15 Jan 2014 10:08:34 -0600, wrote:

Light fixtures all have a MAXimum wattage rating for bulb size. Most
standard indoor home fixtures are rated at 100W or less. (60W is
common). But this rating is for incandescent bulbs, and based on how
much heat the fixture can handle. Yet, these days incandescent bulbs
are becoming rare in homes. But lets say a fixture is rated at 60W MAX.
A 60W *Equivalant* CFL bulb only uses around 15W. Does this mean that
the fixture could actually handle FOUR of these bulbs (if they would
fit)? Or is the limit still based on the *Equivalant* rating?

I doubt any fixture rated at 60W would have the room for FOUR CFL bulbs,
but what if I install a 150W *Equivalant* bulb, which only uses around
30W? I know it's all abotu heat, and a CFL dont get as hot as a
incandescent bulb, but they still do put out some heat.

I guess the ratings on fixtures are sort of obsolete, and I have not yet
seen a CFL or LED rating on even the newest fixtures. I can only assume
they are speaking about ACTUAL wattage consumption, regardless of bulb
type. Is this correct?

The only issue I see with this idea is that CFLs fail from heat a lot
quicker.
I doubt you are going to cause a problem with the surrounding wires or
building finish but you may shorten the life of the CFL.
You have that problem with CFLs mounted base up too.

In addition to that, I think Don Klipstein said the heat produced by
CFLs does not radiate out of the fixture as well as the heat from
incandescents.

On Wed, 15 Jan 2014 11:13:35 -0600, bud-- wrote:


In addition to that, I think Don Klipstein said the heat produced by
CFLs does not radiate out of the fixture as well as the heat from
incandescents.

Why would that be? Heat is heat!

I have a lot of those "boob lights" in my house. They are sealed. So,
for incandescent bulbs, the heat would be somewhat trapped, and could be
hard on the wires and surroundings. Yet, that is the type of bulb that
was originally used. So I feel there is much less of a problem with CFL
bulbs. I am not familiar enough with LED bulbs, but I'd guess that the
heat would be about the same as a CFL.

wrote:
On Wed, 15 Jan 2014 11:13:35 -0600, bud-- wrote:


In addition to that, I think Don Klipstein said the heat produced by
CFLs does not radiate out of the fixture as well as the heat from
incandescents.

Why would that be? Heat is heat!

I have a lot of those "boob lights" in my house. They are sealed. So,
for incandescent bulbs, the heat would be somewhat trapped, and could be
hard on the wires and surroundings. Yet, that is the type of bulb that
was originally used. So I feel there is much less of a problem with CFL
bulbs. I am not familiar enough with LED bulbs, but I'd guess that the
heat would be about the same as a CFL.

Hi,
Not really. Light waves are not all equal. There wave length is at near
the opposite end. (Infra red ------- Ultra violet) CFL bulb itself does
not get as hot but the base which contains electronic CFL driver gets
pretty hot. If this heat is not allowed to dissipate well, that is not
good. One reason CFLs' early failure.

wrote:
On Wed, 15 Jan 2014 11:13:35 -0600, bud-- wrote:


In addition to that, I think Don Klipstein said the heat produced by
CFLs does not radiate out of the fixture as well as the heat from
incandescents.

Why would that be? Heat is heat!

I have a lot of those "boob lights" in my house. They are sealed. So,
for incandescent bulbs, the heat would be somewhat trapped, and could be
hard on the wires and surroundings. Yet, that is the type of bulb that
was originally used. So I feel there is much less of a problem with CFL
bulbs. I am not familiar enough with LED bulbs, but I'd guess that the
heat would be about the same as a CFL.

I've had cfl last full lifetime outdoors, in a confined jar type housing.
24/7 in the hot summer sun, through winter. I imagine the max temp was
pretty hot at times.

Figure led heat sinks should be near Room temp if maximum life is to be
expected. Most are much hotter. I don't have experience running them 24/7.

Greg

On 1/15/2014 1:37 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 15 Jan 2014 11:13:35 -0600, wrote:


In addition to that, I think Don Klipstein said the heat produced by
CFLs does not radiate out of the fixture as well as the heat from
incandescents.

Why would that be? Heat is heat!

Incandescents get a lot hotter than CFLs. A higher percentage of the IR
would be shorter wavelengths, closer to red. My guess is that the
shorter wavelengths radiate better.


I have a lot of those "boob lights" in my house. They are sealed. So,
for incandescent bulbs, the heat would be somewhat trapped, and could be
hard on the wires and surroundings. Yet, that is the type of bulb that
was originally used. So I feel there is much less of a problem with CFL
bulbs. I am not familiar enough with LED bulbs, but I'd guess that the
heat would be about the same as a CFL.


For a CFL with equal light output, the CFL has about 1/4 the wattage,
and a smaller percentage of those watts become heat at the bulb. So it
produces a lot less heat than an incandescent. But as g wrote a couple
posts ago, the electronics in CFLs are far more sensitive to heat.

On Thursday, January 16, 2014 11:07:06 AM UTC-5, bud-- wrote:
On 1/15/2014 1:37 PM, wrote:

On Wed, 15 Jan 2014 11:13:35 -0600, wrote:





In addition to that, I think Don Klipstein said the heat produced by

CFLs does not radiate out of the fixture as well as the heat from

incandescents.



Why would that be? Heat is heat!



Incandescents get a lot hotter than CFLs. A higher percentage of the IR

would be shorter wavelengths, closer to red. My guess is that the

shorter wavelengths radiate better.



I would think a bigger factor would be that CFL's have some
kind of switching power supply in the base of the bulb and
that probably is where most of the heat is being generated,
so it's concentrated in the base. With an incandescent the
heat is spread out over the whole bulb.

bud-- wrote:
On 1/15/2014 1:37 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 15 Jan 2014 11:13:35 -0600, wrote:


In addition to that, I think Don Klipstein said the heat produced by
CFLs does not radiate out of the fixture as well as the heat from
incandescents.

Why would that be? Heat is heat!

Incandescents get a lot hotter than CFLs. A higher percentage of the IR
would be shorter wavelengths, closer to red. My guess is that the
Hi,
IR has longer wave length. Longer than red. Not short.

shorter wavelengths radiate better.

On 1/16/2014 12:27 PM, Tony Hwang wrote:
bud-- wrote:
On 1/15/2014 1:37 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 15 Jan 2014 11:13:35 -0600, wrote:


In addition to that, I think Don Klipstein said the heat produced by
CFLs does not radiate out of the fixture as well as the heat from
incandescents.

Why would that be? Heat is heat!

Incandescents get a lot hotter than CFLs. A higher percentage of the IR
would be shorter wavelengths, closer to red. My guess is that the
Hi,
IR has longer wave length. Longer than red. Not short.

shorter wavelengths radiate better.


Correct.

But hotter lamps likely produce more IR toward red which is shorter
wavelength end of the IR band. Cooler CFLs would likely have IR
emissions at the longer wavelength end of the IR band.

On 1/16/2014 12:27 PM, Tony Hwang wrote:
bud-- wrote:
On 1/15/2014 1:37 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 15 Jan 2014 11:13:35 -0600, wrote:


In addition to that, I think Don Klipstein said the heat produced by
CFLs does not radiate out of the fixture as well as the heat from
incandescents.

Why would that be? Heat is heat!

Incandescents get a lot hotter than CFLs. A higher percentage of the IR
would be shorter wavelengths, closer to red. My guess is that the
Hi,
IR has longer wave length. Longer than red. Not short.

shorter wavelengths radiate better.


But hotter lamps likely produce more IR toward red which is shorter
wavelength end of the IR band. Cooler CFLs would likely have IR
emissions at the longer wavelength end of the IR band.