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I have a light fixture that lists the maximum bulb wattage as 60W. Right now, I have a standard incandescent bulb in place. Since there is only one light in the room, a single bulb is not bright enough. Can I safely switch to CFLs or LEDs with a greater Lumen output than the standard 60 incandescent as long as I don't go over the 60W draw?

Tester101
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Steve Salowitz
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    http://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/64107/is-there-such-a-thing-as-an-actual-60w-draw-led-or-cfl-bulb - Related question – Freiheit May 05 '15 at 17:53

1 Answers1

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Yes. The more efficient bulb will also produce less heat, so it should be fine. The only concern is that if there is a dimmer you need a dimmable bulb, and if there is a touch switch or other circuit that was powering itself via a trickle current thru the bulb that may not work -- but neither it nor the bulb will be harmed by the experiment, so go for it.

keshlam
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  • Frequently, cfls and leds need the newer dimmers,otherwise low dimmer settings result. Again, not dangerous, just annoying to have to replace both. – HerrBag May 05 '15 at 15:50
  • Older bulbs yes. Newer leds are more tolerant. – keshlam May 05 '15 at 15:52