It's for a step light. The writing on the fixture that showed the model number and watt size is faded so much that I couldn't read it.I was told that it needs to be the exact wattage as the original by a salesman. Why can't I use a different watt bulb? What would happen if I use a different watt bulb?
Thanks.
2006-12-09 12:37:58 · 3 answers · asked by Elbert 7 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Did the bulb break, it should have been on the bulb also.
It looks like that style of bulb come in 13 18 and 25. I'm petty sure you can use a smaller bulb watt wise, you might overheat the fixture if you use too big a of bulb.
Here's what I would try. Open the fixture and see what the ballast says. A lot of times the ballast will tell you what wattage you need.
Hope it helps.
2006-12-09 14:14:18 · answer #1 · answered by Richard 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ballast will only take up to a certain wattage, also the lamp may over heat the fitting and burn out the lamp holder. In most cases the size of a PL lamp dictates the wattage, take your globe in and ask him to match the size.
2006-12-09 20:14:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anna 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the ballast that runs the bulb is rated at that wattage only.
2006-12-09 15:16:55 · answer #3 · answered by dewhatulike 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋