What would happen if I put a 60 watt bulb in a 40 watt lamp? I'm a bit frightened it may cause a fire!?

Answer 1

Your insurance probably won't cover you for this in the event you have a house fire. I would use one of those energy saving spiral bulbs. I use the 150 watt output bulb that uses 42 watts. A 100 watt output bulb uses 26 watts.

Answer 2

Where is the 40 watt rating stamped?
It should be on the socket itself.
If it is on the lamp, and you need more light you could use one of those fluorescent bulbs which give you more light at about half or less wattage.
1- Fluorescents take a while to warm up and are not at all pretty.
2- Unless it's a Tiffany lamp, it's probably cheaper to get a new lamp.
3- You could use the 60 watt bulb for about ten minutes safely and then turn it off to cool down - not a good plan either.

Answer 3

I wouldn't worry about a fire hazzard on the lamp, but the wiring in the lamp may not be able to carry the additional load. This could lead to blowing some internal fuse, to melting insulation off the wire and potentially shocking yourself. I'd stick to the 40's or shop for a new lamp.

Answer 4

you should not use a 60 w bulb in a 40 w lamp it could very well start a fire .

Answer 5

never overload an appliance. you could start a fire! if a light says max 40 watts never go higher. you will eventually overheat the wiring and that could cause you to have a fire. One that could easily be frevented

Answer 6

Probably nothing. However, these lights are rated for a reason.
The most I would see happening is that you would overload the socket & may cause it to malfunction/burn out. You, in rare circumstances may even trip a breaker.

Conclusion: Use a proper lightbulb, they aren't that expensive & much less expensive than being lazy.

Answer 7

Never install a lamp with a higher wattage rating than the fixture is rated.

Answer 8

Don't do it. These things are rated for a reason.

Answer 9

yeah ...dont do it