That’s Watts Up
June 20, 2018
Light fixtures, lamps and light bulbs are concealed causes for electrical fires. Installing a bulb with a wattage that is too high for the lamps and light fixtures is the number one leading cause of electrical fires. Always check the maximum recommended bulb wattage on any lighting fixture or lamp, and never go over the recommended amount.
Light bulbs in enclosed fixtures are also at a high risk for fire because heat is not able to dissipate as well. Bulbs inside a glass scone or globe can be more prone to fire than other bulbs.
Light bulbs in enclosed fixtures are also at a high risk for fire because heat is not able to dissipate as well. Bulbs inside a glass scone or globe can be more prone to fire than other bulbs.
Follow the chart below to make sure you are using the right bulbs.
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent Bulb | CFL Bulb | LED Bulb | |
| Wattage | 40 W | 9 W | 7 W |
| Lumens | 550 lumens | 550 lumens | 400 lumens |
| Lumens/Watt (Efficacy) | 14 lm/W | 61 lm/W | 57 lm/W |
If a bulb overheats, it can damage a fixture and melt the socket inside of it, starting a fire. Preventing a home fire can be easy if you make it a priority to set aside extra time (and sometimes money) to properly provide your house with the recommended equipment.
If you would like to take the extra step for home safety, make a service request to Metro Electric for a home safety inspection. It’s always good to be safe than sorry.