Is it really risky to put a 100W lightbulb in a 60W socket?

[GasX]

I am looking at light fixtures and a lot of them are rated for 60W. Am I really going to blow up the place with a 100W bulb?

 

[MacBaine]

I just think it won't be as bright... right?

 

[FrustratedUser]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
I am looking at light fixtures and a lot of them are rated for 60W. Am I really going to blow up the place with a 100W bulb?

The problem is that the 100W bulb creates more heat ---> fire hazard.

 

[tranceport]

Originally posted by: FrustratedUser

Originally posted by: Mwilding
I am looking at light fixtures and a lot of them are rated for 60W. Am I really going to blow up the place with a 100W bulb?

The problem is that the 100W bulb creates more heat ---> fire hazard.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: MacBaine
I just think it won't be as bright... right?

Um, are you being serious???

 

It's rating had to do with what is safe to put in the fixture.
The wattage of the bulb determines the "brightness".

 

[GasX]

So, am I going to blow up the place with a 60W bulb?

 

[NTB]

You risk actually ruining the socket itself, rather than the lightbulb - I did this once, and something must've melted together - after leaving the light on for a while, a)I couldn't turn it off (had to unplug it) and b) the bulb, if I remember correctly, was stuck in the socket. Now if I want more light - and because it's more engery-efficient anyway - I use CFL bulbs rather than incandecent. You get the same amount of light from a 20- or 25W compact flourescent that you do from a 100W standard bulb.

EDIT: And, as has been said, if the difference is big enough, it creates quite a fire hazard, too.

Nate

 

[flamingelephant]

more watts = more light....
but more light = more heat.....
more heat = more risk of fire depending on the fixture and where it is

 

[Amused]

I overclock all my light sockets.

 

[NTB]

Originally posted by: Amused
I overclock all my light sockets.

LOL . I never actually thought about it that way...

Nate

 

[arcenite]

i have 100w halogens in my 55w hella lamps

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: flamingelephant
more watts = more light....
but more light = more heat.....
more heat = more risk of fire depending on the fixture and where it is

No, more power = more heat, more heat = more light.

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

I have a 100watt in my ceiling light rated at 60watt because I like the extra light. It does however burn out fairly often (maybe once every 5 months).

 

[XZeroII]

Originally posted by: Amused
I overclock all my light sockets.

Overclocking genereates more heat. How are you dissipating that heat? Watercooling?

 

[cavemanmoron]

use a 23 watt screw in flourescent instead,

less heat,less electricity used,Usually they last longer.

cost a little more at the start.


Check Home Depot.

 

[Ornery]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
So, am I going to blow up the place with a 60W bulb?

In the OP, you asked about 100Watt bulb in a 60Watt socket. In a lamp like this, it might be OK, because there is good ventilation, and the heat can escape out the top. In this lamp, the socket is above the bulb, so the heat goes right into it. That can melt the jacket of the wires connected to the socket. It becomes brittle and can flake off, which would allow the wires to short.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: XZeroII

Originally posted by: Amused
I overclock all my light sockets.

Overclocking genereates more heat. How are you dissipating that heat? Watercooling?

Of course. I submerge all my overclocked electronical stuff in water. Don't you?

 

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: XZeroII

Originally posted by: Amused
I overclock all my light sockets.

Overclocking genereates more heat. How are you dissipating that heat? Watercooling?

Of course. I submerge all my overclocked electronical stuff in water. Don't you?

I find that urine works better.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: SampSon

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: XZeroII

Originally posted by: Amused
I overclock all my light sockets.

Overclocking genereates more heat. How are you dissipating that heat? Watercooling?

Of course. I submerge all my overclocked electronical stuff in water. Don't you?

I find that urine works better.

mmmmm... Electrocuting urine

 

[thomsbrain]

Originally posted by: cavemanmoron
use a 23 watt screw in flourescent instead,

less heat,less electricity used,Usually they last longer.

cost a little more at the start.


Check Home Depot.

yeah, that's the best way to get more light.