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silkzipp · Joined: 12 Jun 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Canada

I just installed a ceiling fan that calls for 2-40W max B base bulbs. Rather than use incandescent bulbs I thought I'd use CFL's. I bought 9W bulbs because they are supposed to be a substitute for 40W incandescent bulbs, but there just isn't enough light. I know that I can't use higher wattage incandescent bulbs, but what about CFL's. I got this info off the GE site, but am still a little sceptical, I don't want any problems later.

"Because the wattage of a CFL bulb is much lower than that of an incandescent, you can use higher wattage CFL giving you the equivalent light of a higher wattage incandescent. For example: If your fixture says not to exceed 60 watts, you can use a 15 watt CFL to get the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb or use up to a 42 watt CFL and increase the amount of light."

Do you agree with this information and if so, what would the max. wattage of each of the two CFL's I could use without causing any problems? By the way, exactly what damage/harm does it cause to use higher wattage than the maximum recommended?
Thanks in advance.

vince knight · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 8:38 pm Post subject:

The only real reason it is limited to 60w is the heat produced by the lamp.
CF lamps dont produce anywhere near the same amount of heat and will not give you a problem.

Vince

silkzipp · Joined: 12 Jun 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Canada

The ceiling fan calls for "B" base bulbs. Unless I'm mistaken, "B" base refers to the candle shape bulb as used in chadeliers etc. and "A" base refers to the typical mushroom shaped bulb. The lights will not be totally enclosed as there is a dome shaped shade covering them, but not tight to the fixture. Is there any reason why the fixture would call for "B" bulbs and is there any danger to using either "A" base incandescent bulbs or CFL's.

Thanks again

b · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:54 am Post subject:

The 'b' base refers to the size of the screw part of the light bulb.