Is it safe to use Compact Fluorescent lightbulbs in enclosed light fixtures?

Similar questions: safe Compact Fluorescent lightbulbs enclosed light fixtures.

Compact fluorescents generate less heat for the same amount of light, but GE recommends against it. A compact fluorescent converts about 7% of the electricity it consumes to light, the other 93% is lost as heat. For an incandescent bulb, the numbers are about 2% light and 98% percent.

Thinking of it the other way around, for the same amount of light, the compact fluorescent uses about 1/3 or less the electricity. So it generates about 1/3 or less the heat, and there would seem to be much less risk of overheating the enclosure. Nevertheless, GE's consumer FAQ recommends against using them in completely enclosed, recessed fixtures.

They say that they "create temperatures that are too high to allow the use of a compact fluorescent bulb"; I saw no more details on the exact reason. The Federal Energy Management Program says that overheating can lead to reduced light output and shorter bulb lifetime. The implication (not stated) is that safety is not an issue.

The Seattle City Light page on Residential Conservation says that there are enclosed fixtures designed specifically for CFLs. So it might be safe, but approach with caution. Independent of the fixture, there is also the issue of a small amount of mercury in CFLs.

The main concern about this is providing for proper recycling. If a CFL should break in your home, the elemental form of mercury is much harder for the body to absorb than the mercury compounds in, say, tuna fish. Just don't use a vacuum cleaner for cleanup, as this could vaporize the mercury into the vacuum's exhaust, making it easier to absorb by breathing..

They are absolutely fine in enclosed fixtures. They won't overheat. They generate about 1/4 the heat of incandescents, and anyway, a little heat doesn't hurt them.In fact, in freezing temperatures, they produce a little less light, and take a little longer to start.

So an enclosure might help them maintain a good operating temperature. Every lightbulb in my house, with the exception of the ones in the refrigerator and microwave, is a compact fluorescent. Some of them have lasted for more than five years.

Some of them actually help clean the air, believe it or not.

It is relatively simple: the heat will not likely be a problem a 100 W Incandescent bulb puts out about 1330 Lumen's, or measures of light. The Fluorescent that puts out 1330 lumems will generate about 55W - W - or Watt - is a good measure of heat. That being said, you can expect lower levels of heat.

The problems are: getting the bulb to fit in a fixture made for incandescent bulbs - the size that will fit will probably not be as bright - that is, put out as many lumens. Plus Fluorescent bulbs put out a different light spectrum, which lights differently. Try it somewhere first, is my suggestion Sources: Joe Sent me .

It should not be much of a safety issue Enclosed fixtures come with heating problems for any type of bulb. I think the CF bulbs run cooler in general, but have more complicated electronics. Most fixture are tested for heat resistance in any case.

Starting should not be a problem, enclosed or not. I have been using them, enclosed and not, with no problems. Hope this helps..

1 I don't know the answer.. All I know is you're not supposed to do it. Here is a great website on the benefits of CFLs onebillionbulbs.com .

I don't know the answer.. All I know is you're not supposed to do it. Here is a great website on the benefits of CFLs onebillionbulbs.com.

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