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Thu, Sep 29, 11 at 10:54
| I have a pair of 60W-rated sconces flanking my bathroom mirror. Can I safely boost the amount of light by using the new 'curly' bulbs? Please tell me what 'equivalent wattage' I can use in these sconces (presuming they will fit inside the glass globes)? |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| The 60W limit is based on the heat generated by an incandescent bulb. You can use any size compact fluorescent that fits. |
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| Good. I figured the rating was only about heat generated. Gosh, now I'll be able to see every wrinkle! Thank you. Two related questions: Do I remember that you need to leave fluorescents 'on' for a while or they will burn out quickly? Are they 'dim-able'? These sconces are on a dimmer switch. (I can leave it full on, of course.) |
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| Some CFLs are dimable, most are not. I'd recommend replacing the switch to preclude accidental supplying of partial voltage. 'Flickering' a fluorescent will cause it to burn out faster, as it will an incandescent bulb, but that's due to the number of on/off cycles rather than the amount of time it's left on. |
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| "Some CFLs are dimable, most are not. I'd recommend replacing the switch to preclude accidental supplying of partial voltage." Even when fully ON a dimmer distorts the voltage to a light. If the CFL is not rated for dimming it is likely to be damaged from overheating the ballast if a dimmer is supplying the power. |
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| OK, I give up. This actually involves TWO separate switches and TWO sets of sconces (over my sink and DH's sink). Would I be courting a fire if I put 75W incandescents in these sconces? I just need a leetle bit more light. |
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| "Would I be courting a fire if I put 75W incandescents in these sconces?" What does the label on them say? |
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