low energy bulbs: simple question...

docmarty

I have many light fittings that specify 60W max (standard) bulbs. I have, of course, put in 11W low energy bulbs. These are pretty good, but give off
slightly less light. So my simple question is this: can I put 18W low energy
bulbs into standard "60W max" fittings? (Hope so!)

I'm sure this must have been asked before but after searching the forum I couldn't find any threads, so any advice welcome.

docmarty

amcluesent

Yep, the wattage limit on normal bulbs is due to the heat they give off. Low energy bulbs run cool. I prefer 30W low energy bulbs with daylight colour balance.

docmarty

Thanks amcluesent - I'll be into the shops tomorrow to get some higher W bulbs to brighten this place up. Thanks!

Contains_Mild_Peril

amcluesent wrote: »

I prefer 30W low energy bulbs with daylight colour balance.

Don't think I've seen those. Are they very expensive? I've only tried cheapo low energy bulbs, and I'm not sure how they measure the brightness but they always look to me to be dimmer than their supposed tungsten wattage equivalents.

TimBuckTeeth

You can get 30W daylight (6400K) lamps from CPC:
http://cpc.farnell.com/LP02793/electrical-lighting-security/product.us0?sku=pro-lite-helix-30w-bc-64

I personally think the light given off by the daylight types is a rather cold and blue, especially when compared to a standard incandescent lamp.

I use 25W warm white (2700K) lamps and the brightness compares well with a 100W incandescent bulb.
http://cpc.farnell.com/LP03017/electrical-lighting-security/product.us0?sku=unbranded-25w-spiral-b22

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/34214/Lighting/Energy-Saving-Lamps/Bayonet-Clip-Lamps/Low-Energy-Compact-Fluorescent-Lamp-BC-25W-240V

The colour temperature of a compact fluorescent lamp depends on the coating inside the tube. The light can range from warm-white (2700K) which is slightly yellow (similar to an incandescent bulb) to cool-white (4000K) to daylight (6500K) which can appear quite blueish indoors.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_temperature

In answer to the original question - it is fine to use any compact fluorescent lamp that will physically fit in the light fitting or shade.
A normal 100W bulb used in a 60W max fitting can melt the lampholder, wiring or lampshade due to the heat given off.
Since the maximum rating is due to the heat, in theory up to a 60W compact fluorescent lamp (if manufactured) could be used but it would be too large and bright.

hewhoisnotintheknow

yup as the previous posters said, its down to heat output

youll be fine with any energy saving bulb in there

Mutton_Geoff

It's usually the shade that says "Max 60W" for, as others say, the max heat rating. Low energy bulbs chuck out more light than heat. At worst case with your lighting circuit wired in 1.0mm cable, you could stick 20 old type 100W bulbs in the same place without reaching the power limit. You could (technically but not physically) stick over 130 low energy 18W bulbs into one fitting (or 200 if it's wired in 1.5mm cable) provided no other lights were on the same circuit.

Of course, you'd generally have a 5A fuse or 6A MCB in the lighting circuit so you're limited to around 1400 watts total energy on each of your circuits before the breaker would trip.

docmarty

Thanks to everyone for your quick and informative responses - I knew
this would be the place to get answers. I've started replacing my 11W
bulbs with 17W and can already see a good improvement in light levels.
But also good to know that I could safely go even higher if I wanted.

docmarty