In a ceiling light fixture rated for a "60W Max" lamp, what if I use a fluorescent-type energy saving lamp rather than incandescent? Is the rating based on the current draw or the heat produced by the lamp? What would be the conversion for a fluorescent energy saving lamp?
Light fixture & lamp rating
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Re: Light fixture & lamp rating
Ah good question. Would the use a lamp other than what the fixture is rated for violate the listing? I suspect the fixture rating is based on heat.
I don't know lets see who else answers.
For a compact floresent lamp, multiply its wattage by 4 to get an approx incandescent wattage.
Ah good question. Would the use a lamp other than what the fixture is rated for violate the listing? I suspect the fixture rating is based on heat.
I don't know lets see who else answers.
For a compact floresent lamp, multiply its wattage by 4 to get an approx incandescent wattage.
electricman2
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Re: Light fixture & lamp rating
JMO but I think it is based on heat produced. In my carport I have two recessed fixtures (luminaires, sorry) rated 75 watt max. I am using 25 watt CF lamps with a light output equivalent to 100 watt incandescent. A violation of the listing?, I dont know.
JMO but I think it is based on heat produced. In my carport I have two recessed fixtures (luminaires, sorry) rated 75 watt max. I am using 25 watt CF lamps with a light output equivalent to 100 watt incandescent. A violation of the listing?, I dont know.
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Re: Light fixture & lamp rating
In a luminaire rated for a 60 watt lamp, you are looking at a maximum current of one half an amp. That will not produce any significant I*2R losses in the wire, and will not risk exceeding the ampacity of the conductors used to construct the luminaire. Therefore, the only concern is with the heat released by the lamp. The amount of useful light that you get from a CF bulb is irrelevant.
What is needed here is a statement from the luminaire?s manufacturer, giving us the limits of the UL listing when a CF is used in the fixture (I prefer that word ? my spell checker doesn?t recognize ?luminaire?
).
In a luminaire rated for a 60 watt lamp, you are looking at a maximum current of one half an amp. That will not produce any significant I*2R losses in the wire, and will not risk exceeding the ampacity of the conductors used to construct the luminaire. Therefore, the only concern is with the heat released by the lamp. The amount of useful light that you get from a CF bulb is irrelevant.
What is needed here is a statement from the luminaire?s manufacturer, giving us the limits of the UL listing when a CF is used in the fixture (I prefer that word ? my spell checker doesn?t recognize ?luminaire?
).Re: Light fixture & lamp rating
The compact florescent I used today said on it not to be used in completely enclosed fixtures, which is practically all ceiling mounted fixtures. Plus they don't fit right cause they are to large.
I say if the fixture does not list the rating of a certain style lamp it is because it is not designed for that style lamp. This application does not need a calculation , it needs a phone call to the manufacturer or a new lamp
[ August 27, 2004, 12:32 AM: Message edited by: jes25 ]
The compact florescent I used today said on it not to be used in completely enclosed fixtures, which is practically all ceiling mounted fixtures. Plus they don't fit right cause they are to large.
I say if the fixture does not list the rating of a certain style lamp it is because it is not designed for that style lamp. This application does not need a calculation , it needs a phone call to the manufacturer or a new lamp
[ August 27, 2004, 12:32 AM: Message edited by: jes25 ]
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