Light Wattage/Fixture Question?

Question

I have a 2 foot fixture with two 20 watt fluorescent lights.
Ive been wondering if I can put a 400 watt bulb in it. Do they make 400 watt 2 foot bulbs or would i have to get a bigger fixture?
Electricians welcomed to answer.

Also is it a fire hazard to do this? I mean putting a 400 watt in a two foot fixture.

Answer 1

Nothing to worry about because it will never happen.

I assume you are talking about a 40 watt fluorescent not a 400 watt.

To run a 40 watt you need a 40 W ballast and a pair of sockets that are the right distance apart. That is not going to happen in a 2 foot fixture.

If it could happen the extra 20 watts would not raise the risk of fire.

Answer 2

flourescent lights run ona ballast they are rated for a certain wattage, they only way to up the wattage is to replace the ballast, however you might be able to find a brighter 20 watt bulb

Answer 3

Fluorescent tubes are only made in certain wattages. 2foot are usually 20watts. 4foot are usually 40watts. You can get 4foot fixtures with up to four tubes, but these are usually for commercial or industrial buildings. For domestic applications I would not go above two 40watt tubes