CF Bulbs In Enclosures

 

Hi, Everybody,

My understanding is that compact florescent bulbs
shouldn't be placed in recessed ceiling fixtures(?)  I
guess because the heat build-up will degrade them, or
because of a possible fire hazard(?)

Anyway, I have an outdoor light socket that is pointing
straight down from an overhead surface.  There is a
screw-on glass globe cover, maybe 8 or 10 inches
diameter (of the globe, with the screw-on diameter
maybe half that.)

Would it be a bad idea to put a CF bulb in this?  OTOH,
I could simply leave the glass globe cover off
(sacrificing appearance for efficiency.)  It is a
somewhat sheltered area, where the bulb won't get
direct rain, but would have some moisture and wind
funneling through the alley.

Thanks...


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     The best advice that anyone could possible give you is to read the package
before you buy the lamp.  It should tell you about any limitations in its use.

     That said, it is difficult to understand how a CF (which produces only a
tiny amount of heat compared to an incandescent bulb) could be a problem in any
normal light fixture.  I have been using two CF bulbs for several years now in
sealed porch light fixtures with no failures.  Also, right over my head is a
"100 watt equiv" CF lamp inverted under a ceiling fan and sealed in a class
globe.  I have had no problems.  Further, I five recessed ceiling fixtures that
I use reflector-type CF lamps in, also with no issues.

Vaughn

 



package

I had a "150 equivalent" fail in three weeks, no enclosure, mounted
inverted.
Chinese components can be quite frail.

 

Greetings

I had the same sort of light fixtures at a house from which I have
just moved - about 8 inch diam screw-on glass spheres.
I figured that with a 12 watt bulb (all that would fit in it 6 years
ago - they didn't have the spiral ones here then), there would not be
more than about 4 or 5 watts of heat. The bulb was fine over that time
and is still there. Since the light fitting was on cement board (the
soffit), I figured there was no great fire risk.
At the front door, where I wanted more light I used a 20 watt and just
left the glass cover off. Brilliant light and never had to replace it.
Its probably true that the 20 watt ones would get pretty hot in an
enclosure - and it would shorten the life of the electronics at least!

Eric Sears

On Tue, 4 Oct 2005 13:40:43 -0700, Antipodean Bucket Farmer

 



What heat? These things run much cooler than incandescents.  The warmer the
CF bulb, the brighter the output, up to 38C (100F). They usually run cooler
than that.
http://irc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/practice/lig3_E.html
I doubt your enclosure will do anythng but bring the bulbs up to near the
optimum operating temperature.