Question about real wattage vs "equivalent"

9 years ago

I have three new outdoor lights with specs that they take up to a 60w maximum bulb. I have a 60w equivalent (uses 43w) in there now and it seems a little dim. I have a 75w equivalent bulb (uses 53w). Could I use it, since technically it's not greater than 60w? I won't use it if it's a bad idea, but more curious about the numbers.

Featured Answer

ionized_gw

9 years ago

If they are not on very much, why invest in LED. It is probably not that cost effective unless you forget to turn them off. You could use a 15 minute timer to prevent that.

Something is wrong. A "60-watt equivalent" LED should use more like 9 W.

Please do keep in mind that although LEDs don't produce nearly as much heat, they produce sufficient heat to kill themselves if they are enclosed and not rated for enclosure. Even if rated they may have a shorter life compared to lamps that are in open luminaires.

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Comments (10)

toxcrusadr
9 years ago
Yes you can use it. The actual power consumption is the important thing, and in this case that's 53W.
Bunny thanked toxcrusadr
ionized_gw
9 years ago
The above advice is good. In addition, if you want similar light output, check the lumens output to compare the old and new lamps.
Bunny thanked ionized_gw
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Vith
9 years ago
It involves how much the socket can handle, as well if this is an enclosed fixture it has to do with how hot the old bulbs used to get. Usually the socket and wiring can handle higher wattage bulbs but putting a 100w bulb in a 60w fixture was not safe due to the heat the the bulb made.
Bunny thanked Vith
Bunny
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thank you all very much. I have three identical enclosed outdoor fixtures.

Right now I have 60w LED (Philips) with 800 lumens in them. They're not in areas that need strong light so the current setup will probably be okay.

Here's another thing: As I was looking at the bulbs, inside the fixture it says A15. Well, I have A19 bulbs in there. I bought these lights from a lighting design store and these were the bulbs they recommended. The bases are the same.

I went to Home Depot and looked at EcoSmart 60w LED A15. They looked like the A19, but a smaller bulb. Also only 500 lumens, compared to 800 with the A19. I asked a HD guy about it, but he couldn't say why.

These lights are not going to be on for extended periods.
ionized_gw
9 years ago
It is harder to find higher output LED lamps for totally-enclosed luminaires. Yes, LEDs make less heat, but they tolerate much less heat. I have some Cree lamps, equivalent rating 60, 75 and 100W. Only the 100W is not rated for enclosed use.
Bunny thanked ionized_gw
Bunny
Original Author
9 years ago
I'll have to see how it goes. These lights are in my back and side yards and really aren't turned on much at all, only if I have to fetch something at night.
Vith
9 years ago
The difference between the A19 and A15 is the width. Socket is the same. Basically if it will fit in there it will be fine. The wattage rating is for the heat of an incandescent bulb which is always more than an LED bulb. LED bulbs can get warm also but never as hot as incandescent.

http://www.mapawatt.com/light-bulb-codes-shapes-sizes-and-bases

Not sure why they call it a 60W equivalent if it doesnt output similar lumens. 800 lumens is a 60W equivalent typically.

https://energy.gov/energysaver/lumens-and-lighting-facts-label
Bunny thanked Vith
Ron Natalie
9 years ago
I suspect the OPs bulbs are probably halogens rather than LEDs or even CFs.
Bunny thanked Ron Natalie
Bunny
Original Author
9 years ago
I'm the OP and I have had Philips LED 60w bulbs in there since the lights were installed. Maybe overkill since they're not on that much, but the bulbs are paid for and it didn't put me in the poor house. :)