Which energy saving light bulb...

) | asked April 15th, 2007 | 7 responses | “Great Question” (0

is okay to use if the lamp says maximum wattage is 40? The actual wattage of a 60watt equivilant ESLB is around 20, so is that okay to use or not? My guess is it is ok because the lamp rating is a limit based on the heat generated by the bulb. Any definitive knowledge? Thanks.

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Topics: energy, heat, light bulbs

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Lamp maximum wattage is based on amperage, and probably heat output, although with non-halogen bulbs that's not so much a problem.

bpeoples (2376

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So as long as the actual wattage of the bulb (not the equivalent lumen output) is less than 40watts, you'll be fine

bpeoples (2376

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(Oh: In other words, your 20 watt bulb will be fine in the 40 watt maximum)

bpeoples (2376

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I use a 60w ESLB in my 60w lamp (for more light). I've had no problems.

andrew (12866

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Can someone explain how you know if you are using an energy saving light bulb? Are they flourescent? Something else? What makes them energy saving?

sarahsugs (1523

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The most common "energy saving lights" are compact florescent and they generally have a curly cue look: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Compact-Flourescent-Bulb.jpg

ben (5293

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They are energy saving because instead of the very inefficient process of electricity traveling through a thin filament (which loses a lot of heat... I think around 90% of normal incandescent light bulb energy goes to heat), they excite certain gases, which then emit light. Because of this different design they use much less energy (about 75% less), and last much longer (about 10 times).

ben (5293

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