Fluorescent light bulbs vs incandescent?

Question

I have a reading lamp which only allows for up to a 40W incandescent globe. I want to replace it with a fluorescent, probably an 18W which is supposedly the equivalent of a regular 90W. Can I do this? I'm assuming that since these bulbs allegedly save up to 80% energy, they draw less power, and won't burn out the lamp. The reason I want to go to an 18W is because the equivalent of a regular 40W simply won't be bright enough. I've tried these globes, and they definitely do not give out as much light as an incandescent. Thanks to those who reply.

Hi, I evidently haven't made myself clear. Obviously, in a lamp which states that I must not place a bulb greater than 40W (incandescent) I couldn't, for example, place a 60W incandescent. That would cause the lamp to blow up. However, what I want to know is can I place an 18W fluorescent, which just happens to be the equivalent of a 90W incandescent. Would that make the lamp blow up?

Answer 1

Yes, you can swap in a compact fluorescent that doesn't draw more than the rated amount for the lamp.

Answer 2

You can install an 18 watt or 19 watt CFL globe to replace the incandescent. When you choose the CFL, you want to compare the lumens rating (also known as light output in regular terms). You will find a fairly significant difference. There are globe CFLs that are rated at 18 watts bulbs but range from 800 lumens to 1300 lumens in light output. If you can not find a globe type that gives enough light, consider either a twist type or if you do not like the look of a twist, consider an A-type CFL. It looks like a regular incandescent lamp. You might consider contacting your local electrical distributor as they usually have access to a larger selection of bulbs then most hardware stores.

Answer 3

The watt limitation is to prevent overheating of the electrical socket and wiring with rapid deterioration and electrical shock resulting. You should be able to put any screw in fluorescent [CFB] up to 40 watts and probably beyond (if they exist) because they give off much less heat per watt of electricity.
If you look on the 40 watt bulbs you have been using, you will find a lumen rating (it is required by law, but may be on the carton and not on the bulb box) and you can compare lumens which is brightness and not watts. CFB do start off dimmer and brighten over the first few minutes.
Also, if you are using clear 40 watt incandescent, then you are getting harsh glare and shadows which you may consider to be brighter - CFB's are like a Soft White, which I am not sure they even make in 40 watt incandescent.

Answer 4

You will go maddd! Check the lumens a 40 watt puts out and you will see that a small 7watt will do the job the18 watt will put out too much light but even if you put in 26 plus watts of flurescent it will still be ok and not hurt the lamp or cause a hazard...

Answer 5

I think so , I would just keep an eye on it for the first three hours, if it hasn't scorched the shade in that time I would feel it was safe.

Answer 6

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