What about a 100 in a 40 or 60? What is the danger?
2006-06-12 03:09:02 · 10 answers · asked by Maldives 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
You can, but there is a danger of overheating and fire. Here's why.
The power of a light bulb in watts is determined by the equation P=V^2/R where V = voltage and R = resistance. The higher power (higher wattage) light bulbs actually have lower resistance, so they draw more current.
That same current must pass through the wires, socket, etc. These also have resistance. The greater the current that passes through the wire, socket, etc. generates heat from the equation P = I^2 * R. So, if the current is doubled, there is 4 times as much heat that is generated by the wires, socket, etc.
Sockets and wires have different ratings depending on their ability to handle high current and heat. You may have seen ceramic light sockets - they provide better heat resistance that lightweight sockets with plastic that can melt.
2006-06-12 03:26:15 · answer #1 · answered by volume_watcher 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A bulb is just a metal coil that glows due to heat when current is passed through it. If you put a 60 watt bulb in 40 watt socket, there is no danger except the fact that you have wasted money but if you put a 40 watt bulb in a 60 watt socket, there is a risk of fire.
2006-06-13 06:56:41 · answer #2 · answered by harsh_bkk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do it and it will work BUT the reason it is rated for 40 watts is because a higher wattage bulb will produce more heat, and you will have a greater fire hazard. Personally I wouldn't do it. Just get a 40 watt bulb. Another option is to get a fluorescent bulb which is more efficent producing more light and proportionately less heat. I doubt if you would have any problems at all with a compact florescent bulb, although they do tend to be slightly larger if you have a very small space.
2006-06-12 10:16:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might burn something... usually its the lamp shade. Your best bet is to use a Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb... they don't get nearly as hot and you can find them with the same light output as the regular incandescent bulbs you are talking about.
So a typical 60 watt incandescent bulb gives off about 800 lumens of light... so when you are in the store, look for a compact fluorescent bulb with the same 800 lumens output. Its stated right on the packaging.
The main advantage of compact fluorescent bulbs is that they use 66% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. They cost more to purchase but will save you money over time.
The compact fluorescent bulbs never get hotter than 100 degrees F so they can't burn anything.
2006-06-12 14:52:33 · answer #4 · answered by truckee_dark 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can, but the extra heat is likely to set the fitting on fire.
why are you still using 60 or 40w incandesent bulbs? Low energy bulbs will cost you less in the long run and create less pollution.
2006-06-12 10:31:10 · answer #5 · answered by fred 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have put a 100watt bulb in 40 watt table light, after an hour hood of the table light(plastic) melt and deformed.now what do you think.better stick to your 40 watt
2006-06-12 11:22:40 · answer #6 · answered by moonmoon 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
socket is used only to consume the electricity
no metter the bulb is 25 w,40w,60w,100w,200w,
the only thing is to decide that the wire u used can manage the heavy duty of such kind.
2006-06-12 10:18:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can.
But it is not bright enough.
If you put any bulb that is less than 40W, it will be too bright and burn unexpectedly faster.
2006-06-12 11:34:25 · answer #8 · answered by Ho K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no i dont think you can put 60 wat bulb in socket of 40...may be it will work for short but for long term its not adviceble...i am not expert...just let me know if i am wrong....thnx.
2006-06-12 10:13:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stick to 40Watt
2006-06-12 10:47:22 · answer #10 · answered by java 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋