Maximum wattage for mirror light?

usignuolo

I recently bought a touch sensitive mirror for my bathroom from bathstore and have just got around to having it fitted. It has a small tube light on top which didn't seem very bright so we looked at the mini halogens provided (little pronged ones which fit in each end of the glass tube) and they are 10w each.

I was sure I had specified a brighter light when ordering it so I got out the original order. It is clearly printed on it - 2 x 20w bulbs. The easiest thing is to buy two replacement bulbs, they won't cost much.

The thing is I have looked in the bathstore catalogue and it says 2x10w are the standard fitting.

Is it OK to replace the 2x10w supplied with 2-20w bulbs? We are on standard 220-240v mains electricity.

ThrifTE

have you checked the paperwork that came with it or contacted the maker? try the web? it should say the max wattage on a sticker somewhere on the fitting its self.

ormus

are the bulbs 240v? if so the wattage will not matter to the mains supply.

what will matter is the makers max wattage for the unit.
if it says 10w then thats the max.
the unit will be designed for a certain heat/temp max.

TimBuckTeeth

If it states 10W max. then you shouldn't use 20W bulbs as they will cause the fitting to overheat, possibly cracking the glass tube.
I assume they are 12V bulbs, if so the transformer in the unit will also be overloaded by 20W bulbs.
If it is not bright enough then I would return it asap for a refund, stating not as described.

usignuolo

The problem is it says one thing in the catalogue (2x10w bulbs) and on the light itself but another - it clearly states 2x2Ow - on the order confirmation.

As for changing it, I have had it stored in my house for about 6 weeks waiting for the plumber to come and fit it so am not sure if bathstore will give me a refund. Also they might say the order confirmation was just an error by the salesperson and I should have checked out the catalogue myself. I have thought about trying to exchange it for a brighter light in the same range, (bathstore mirrors and lights are mix and match) but looking now at their catalogue specifications for mirror lights, none of their mirror vanity lights look very powerful.

The other problem with the bathstore lights is, (apart from their low wattage), that they fit onto the top of the mirror and so sit very close to the wall. So if you hang the mirror above the wash basin you are standing some distance away from the mirror's down light. And this then casts your eyes into shadow.

Can anyone recommend the best light to install over a bathroom mirror to provide a bright light for putting on make up etc?.