Can a compact fluorescent lamp get wood on fire?

Question

What is the minimum temperature for wood to ignite and will a screw-in compact fluorescent lamp less than 50 watts reach that temperature?

The reason I'm asking is because I mounting 2 15 watts CFL's to a wooden hood I made myself with 1/4" plywood and I'm scared it might catch fire.

I'm making something like this but with wood http://homeharvest.com/homeharvest2000pics/HFCompactFixture350.jpg

Answer 1

Those compact lamps develop very little heat,
but it can build up over time if not vented.
As long as there is some air flow, you
should be all right.
A few 1/2" holes in the top of your fixture
should do it.

Answer 2

Fluorescent Wood

Answer 3

A flourescent bulb uses high voltage, different gases and just a touch of mercury to light. Wattage doesn't really matter. There's really no heat involved.
The only thing that does heat up in a flourescent light fixture is the ballast and it doesn't heat up enough to start a fire.

A regular incandescent bulb works by the same principle as a heating element. It's a direct short running through the filament that creates light when it heats up and will easily catch wood on fire.

So, no problems.

Answer 4

i almost caught a door on fire with a light bulb it was a par20 not sure about cfl though to be safe make sure there is a couple of inches of space between the ligh bulbs and the wood

Answer 5

touching one with my hand as I speak. The base is slighty warm to the touch, the bulb itself is room temp. Go for it!

Answer 6

You could hold onto the lightbulb with your hand for a year and not get burned. So, no.