Is it safe to go 40w over the maximum wattage for a ceiling fan light fixture?

Question

The ceiling fan light fixture in my room has a maximum wattage of 60 and I'd like to put a 100w bulb in there so I can have more light. I think at one point I had a 120w bulb in there and I'm sure a few times I went over the maximum, but i don't remember for how long.

I'm pretty sure all the wiring is safe, as almost our entire second floor was remodeled and extended in 2000, including half of my room.

If I do start using a 100w bulb, should there be any signs I should be looking for showing that it's causing a problem?

Answer 1

Better not, could get to hot 75w would be as much as i would go

Answer 2

Yes, you can sneak in a 100W bulb.  Be mindful of heat build-up.  See if you can get a different globe, and go with a floursent bulb,,,they give off more light with less watts.  

Answer 3

A light fixture is rated at a specific wattage for one reason - Your Safely. If you choose to go with a wattage that is higher thant what the fixture is rated for, then you will compromise that safety at some point. No matter if it works a 100 times eventually your luck will run out.

Don't forget electricity flowing through a wire gives off heat. If you draw more than what it is rated for, then the wiring and all the components will be heated far above what they were intended to be - The potential for a fire now exist.

Also, don't forget if a fire happens and it is determined the components failed because of excess heat ( operating at higher wattages) then there is a good chance your insurance may not pay off. You cannot deliberately do something, and if it goes wrong get paid for it.

If you truly need greater wattage bulbs at this location then just buy & install a fixture that can handle the higher wattage..it is really that simple. You must thnk, is it worth saving a few dollars at the expense of your home and the safety of those who reside there.

Answer 4

No that is not safe.  They label the fixture with the max wattage for a purpose.  It has nothing to do with the wiring in your house.  It is the light fixture itself that could burn up and create a hazard  

If you want more light use a energy effeicent compact florescent bulb.  Get one that puts out the equivalant of a 100w bulb but uses much less actual watts

Answer 5

No, you probably get more light if you use a 60 wattage bulb because it's specially mad for this wattage.

Also the light will probablt not lasting for a long time!

I found this information here:

http://www.ceiling-fan-wizard.com

Answer 6

NO.  It isn't the electricity you need to check for.  It is the light fixture that will get too hot.  Try for one of those new long-life bulbs.  You should be able to get more light with the 60 watt.

Answer 7

Don't go over the recommended wattage per bulb.  If you want more light use CFLs.  They also hold up with the vibration of the fan.  However don't use CFLs with a standard dimmer switch.  If you have a dimmer switch on it change it to a toggle if you are changing to a fluorescent bulb.