Maximum Bulb Wattage

[Misky]

I've never even noticed this before when buying lamps but this time I'm looking online and so have read the bits and pieces. The lamp I want says it has a maximum bulb wattage of 40w, which is no good for what I want. Is this maximum thing important? If I'd bought the lamp in a shop I'd have put in a 100w bulb without thinking about it...

[gingejbee]

It's all about the heat output fron old-style incandescent lamps...the heat could discolour some shades (even cause a fire?). If you want a really bright light in that particular shade, go for a cool/cold- running lamp eg LED or CFL).

[woofgang]

its the heat that the bulb puts out. maximum wattages are set to stop the lamp or shade melting or burning.

[Misky]

Thanks for that both of you - I might give it a go with a higher watt bulb and keep an eye out for damage to the shade, but in the meantime I'll go on the hunt for the bulbs mentioned by gingejbee. I thought it would be more to do with the electricity. Actually, I could get a bigger shade.... Thanks for your advice x

[Old_Geezer]

I'd have said heat from incadescent bulb heat was the limiting factor too. But if designed for 40w ensure the wiring/connections can cope with the larger current before slamming in a 100w incandescent. Probably not an issue for higher light efficiency bulbs though.

[Misky]

Thanks Old Geezer - I do tend to slam them in everywhere....

[The Builder]

Go for LED direct replacement (same pin settings.) For 100watt equivalent ........... roughly 10w LED ............ no heat problems.

[Misky]

Thanks Builder - I've copied that out to take to the shop.. x