http://cdonner.com/power-factor-and-compact-fluorescent-bulbs-cfl.htm We know accurately only when we know little, with knowledge doubt increases. (Goethe) Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:33:30 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 http://cdonner.com/power-factor-and-compact-fluorescent-bulbs-cfl.htm/comment-page-1#comment-4344 Christian Donner Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:49:56 +0000 http://cdonner.com/?p=192#comment-4344 Bruce, a 60W incandescent bulb is typically replaced with a 15W CFL bulb, and the Wattage limit is a non-issue. CFL bulbs usually have an incandescent-equivalent Wattage rating printed on the package - based on the light output. You can certainly replace a 75W incandescent bulb with a 42W CFL that has a 150W equiv. rating. The purpose of Wattage limits on fixtures is to limit the current (Amps, not Volts) on the wiring. Higher currents cause heat in wires due to resistance and are a fire hazard. As long as the actual Wattage (not the equiv-Wattage, which compares light output) of the bulb is below the rated Wattage of the fixture, you are fine (but factor in a 50% safety margin for the power factor). Bruce, a 60W incandescent bulb is typically replaced with a 15W CFL bulb, and the Wattage limit is a non-issue. CFL bulbs usually have an incandescent-equivalent Wattage rating printed on the package – based on the light output. You can certainly replace a 75W incandescent bulb with a 42W CFL that has a 150W equiv. rating. The purpose of Wattage limits on fixtures is to limit the current (Amps, not Volts) on the wiring. Higher currents cause heat in wires due to resistance and are a fire hazard. As long as the actual Wattage (not the equiv-Wattage, which compares light output) of the bulb is below the rated Wattage of the fixture, you are fine (but factor in a 50% safety margin for the power factor).

]]> http://cdonner.com/power-factor-and-compact-fluorescent-bulbs-cfl.htm/comment-page-1#comment-4343 Bruce W. Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:36:36 +0000 http://cdonner.com/?p=192#comment-4343 A question. I am not an engineer and would like to know if using a CFL will allow me to use a bulb of greater wattage since I understand the CFL draws less power. For example, a lamp fixture has a label that says not to use more than a 60W bulb. I assume that means an incandescent, which draws a certain voltage and generates a certain amount of heat. If I use a CFL, can I increase the size (wattage) of it since I understand it draws fewer volts? If so, is there a table that compares incandescent with CFL bulbs as it pertains to volts drawn for specific wattage values? Thanks. A question. I am not an engineer and would like to know if using a CFL will allow me to use a bulb of greater wattage since I understand the CFL draws less power. For example, a lamp fixture has a label that says not to use more than a 60W bulb. I assume that means an incandescent, which draws a certain voltage and generates a certain amount of heat. If I use a CFL, can I increase the size (wattage) of it since I understand it draws fewer volts? If so, is there a table that compares incandescent with CFL bulbs as it pertains to volts drawn for specific wattage values? Thanks.

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