What's the rule with light bulb wattage?

Question

Is it too high a wattage bulb is a fire hazard or too low a wattage bulb? Like if I have a lamp that uses 60 watt bulbs is using 40's dangerous or 100's?

Answer 1

Too high a wattage is a fire hazard as opposed to too low. if you have a lamp rated at 60 watts you can use anything UNDER 60 watts safely; anything over 60 watts would create too much heat (therefore causing the fire hazard.)

Answer 2

The maximum wattage of 60 watts means up to 60 watts, 40 is fine. It is based on the gauge (thickness) of the wire (the one with the plug) in the lamp, the higher the wattage bulb, the more the amperage draw (current), the more the wire will heat up (due to the natural resistance of the wire plus the thinnest of it), and you could have a fire/melt down. Always go low, 40 watts, save on electricity, save money. Better yet get Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CLRs), the ones that are twisty looking. You get the same amount of light for less the price, they last longer, are cool to the touch, and in the case of a lamp, if it tips over onto your couch (via help from a pet) a fire won't likely start. If you read allot by the lamp or do fine detail work (sewing, painting models) choose a daylight balanced bulb (same light as natural sunlight), you won’t have a color cast (yellowish tint) to what you are viewing.

Answer 3

Using the hundred watt bulb in a 40 watt lamp would start a fire. It is always good to use lower wattage. I use the new Compact Flourescents. They are only about 7 watts and are as bright as a 40 or so. Plus they do not get hot at all which helps in the summer!

Answer 4

"It is based on the gauge (thickness) of the wire (the one with the plug) in the lamp"

It is based upon how much heat the lampshade and holder can tolerate.