Can I use a lower wattage fluorescent bulb in a higher wattage fluorescent fixture?

Question

I recently had a fluorescent fixture installed in my kitchen. It uses two 20 watt bulbs. However, it is a bit brighter than I had hoped (I just want to leave it on all the time as light to see in kitchen at night.) Is it possible to use two 15 watt bulbs instead or will that cause problems? Or could I take one of the 20 watt bulbs out and leave the other?

Answer 1

Remove the fixture cover so you can see the ballast. The ballast is a rectangular block with wires connecting to the AC power and to the tube holders. The label on the ballast should state the type and watt rating of fluorescent tubes it will accept.

Answer 2

The rating on the lamp is the maximum that you can safely install. The 15 W bulbs will work wonderfully for you. The fixture can safely provide a maximum of 40 W with out over heating, a 15 W bulb will only draw 15 W, whether it is installed in a 15 W fixture or a 100W fixture.

Answer 3

not a good idea, you can put a higher watt bulb in a low watt power but not the other way around the bulb will pop. Remember fluorescent bulbs are filled with gas so be careful you don't want to breath that stuff.

Answer 4

the reason at the back of the 60 Watt decrease is warmth. a customary bulb places out a lot of heat so the size concerns. so a techniques as fluorescent easy, they do no longer produce lots warmth in any respect. i could say it could be secure to place a '100W' fluorescent bulb in a 60W rated socket.