I just installed a ceiling fan that calls for 2-40W max B base bulbs. Rather than use incandescent bulbs I thought I’d use CFL’s. I bought 9W bulbs because they are supposed to be a substitute for 40W incandescent bulbs, but there just isn’t enough light. I know that I can’t use higher wattage incandescent bulbs, but what about CFL’s?
I got this info off the GE site, but am still a little skeptical, I don’t want any problems later. “Because the wattage of a CFL bulb is much lower than that of an incandescent, you can use higher wattage CFL giving you the equivalent light of a higher wattage incandescent. For example: If your fixture says not to exceed 60 watts, you can use a 15 watt CFL to get the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb or use up to a 42 watt CFL and increase the amount of light.”
Do you agree with this information and if so, what would the max. wattage be of each of the two CFL’s I could use without causing any problems?
By the way, exactly what damage/harm does it cause to use higher wattage than the maximum recommended?
[ad#block]We have CFL’s in our ceiling fans and have reduced our electric bill and receive more light output as a result.
The Watt limitation is mainly to prevent the lamp socket form overheating and causing damage. In some cases I suppose it has to do with enclosure space as well. Fixtures are designed and limited to this heat factor produced by the lamps, which is based upon incandescent lamps – I’m sure we will see new labeling to accommodate CFL’s.
CFL’s should not be used in totally enclosed fixtures.
Read all the Specifications that comes with the CFL.
Do not use Dimmer Switches on CFL’s unless they state that they are designed for your type of dimmer.
The following may also be helpful for you:
Electrical Wiring Video #2
Home Electrical Wiring Videos about this Topic and More
Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits! Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
I think your site offers the the clearest and best electrical information for homeowners I have ever seen on the net.You have given me confidence to do my own projects which I never had before. THANK YOU! Paul, from Foxboro, Massachusetts
I wish I found this site earlier, it is by far the best electrical related resource I have found on the web. George, from Scranton, Pennsylvania
I love this site for an office worker that does not know anything about electric wiring. Bill, from New York City, New York
This site is so much better than the 3 books I just bought, I wish I came here first. Collin, from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Thank you for answering my question.
I was able to get this done. This site is perfect. I am glad I found it. Please keep it going. Mike, from Chicago, Illinois
Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:
Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.
