Since the newer fluorescent light bulbs use less energy...?

Question

...can you safely use a higher wattage fluorescent bulb that gives the wattage value of an equivalent incandescent bulb that is higher than the max wattage posted on the bulb socket?

For instance, a 13W fluorescent = 60W incandescent. If my bulb socket says that the max wattage bulb is 60W, can I use - for example - a 26W fluorescent that might yield the same light of a 120W incandescent bulb?

Answer 1

Yes as long as the input wattage is lower than the fixture rating.The output equivalency is just a candle power rating.

Answer 2

yes, you can use it. I am not a green person, but I have changed to them at work. They do not only use less energy but last ten times longer than a regular bulb. The reason way is that they put out a whole lot less heat. This keeps them from burning out and heat is another reason some lamps or fan lights have a rated wattage.I am a maintenance person for a big building, and like I said these bulbs last a whole lot longer which means I don't have to change them very often. A lazy man will find the most effective way to stay lazy. That's me.

Answer 3

by all means yes .

the socket s designed to calibrate the wattage of the bulb by other means not brightness.

u can even use a 50w fluorscent bulb in that socket.

and congrats on going green and using cfl.

Answer 4

Yes you can.  The fixture is normally rated in wattage of the bulb due to the heat it dissipates.  You are staying well below the maximum wattage rating of the fixture so go bright if you want to.