This is a small chandelier with 12 (globe) bulbs, G16.5 in size. Seems that whenever I replace bulbs, a few of them very quickly go out. Is this because there may be a mix of bulb wattage (some 25w, some 40w)?
2007-10-27 04:38:09 · 6 answers · asked by HeavyD 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Yes, it's a problem of different dissipation of energy, so use the same power rating all throughout in the circuit.
2007-10-27 04:45:48 · answer #1 · answered by rene c 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Your chandelier is wired in parallel, so the voltage is constant to all the bulbs, however in any application with 12 bulbs it might be wise to use the lesser wattage. If you still have the paperwork for the lamp it would be wise to check its recomended limits. It would be wise to look at the wattage of the bulbs that burn out I wouldn't be surprised if they were the larger wattage, if they are not, I suspect the smaller bulbs are the older ones. Smaller bulbs generally last longer as they don't get as hot. But if you feel the wires where they are insulated, away from the actual bulb, of course, after the lamp has been on for a while, and they are noticably warm,,, go back down to the smaller wattage, because the wires are too small for the bulbs you are using and this is burning them out, and you are also risking a fire.
2007-10-27 06:32:42 · answer #2 · answered by johnseastep 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most light fixtures have a suggested bulb wattage. Chandeliers usually require small wattage bulbs. Don't know what kind of bulbs you use but if possible change to low watt florescent bulbs. These last a really long time and I love not having to climb up on something to change them all the time.
2007-10-27 04:47:15 · answer #3 · answered by Diane M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check to see the voltage of the bulbs. If they aren't 120 volts, they may be wired in series in which case you cannot mix wattages. They may still be wired in parallel but only if a transformer is used in which case you can mix wattages but not exceed the limit. But why would you want to mix. That will give you uneven lighting which won't do justice to the fixture.
2007-10-28 03:06:58 · answer #4 · answered by len b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not a problem to mix wattage as long as you don't exceed the design wattage for the fixture. The lamps won't burn out any sooner or later mixed than they would if they were all the same. That is based on the basic electric theory of parallel circuits.
Don't take electrical advise from untrained and unqualified people.
2007-10-27 18:32:44 · answer #5 · answered by John himself 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think so, it will have something to do with the
electricity the different wattage may not blend
with each other, and blow out. I think all of the
same watts is safer too.
2007-10-27 04:48:48 · answer #6 · answered by Joan Sandverysmart 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋