Use Of Led Bulbs

[nigelf1234]

Hi
If I buy a light fitting & it says maximum 40W bulb, could I put say an 8W LED in it, which should give around a 60W normal brightness? So my wattage is much less than the limit for the fitting. Or is it not as simple as that? Any advice most welcome

[Old_Geezer]

Assuming it is a 230v bulb, I'd suggest you go by the lumens rather than the wattage for determining light output. Normally I'd suggest a lower than rated wattage is fine for mains powered lighting.

[TheChair]

Yes. The guide of 40W refers to popwer consumption, and heat from an incandescent bulb.

[Old_Geezer]

Ah right. Having re-read the question it is really about heat given off by the bulb isn't it. LED are far cooler than incandescents and more efficient at creating light. It'll be fine.

[Clanad]

Just to illuminate (ahem) further; Here's a Watt-Lumen conversion chart:

How Much Light Do I Need?
Incandescent Bulbs

WATTS Minimum Light Output

LUMENS
40 450
60 800
75 >1,100
100 1,600
150 2,600


More info: LED Lightbulb brightness in general is measured in lumens (not watts). Light bulb manufacturers include this information and the equivalent wattage right on the packaging. Common terms are "soft white 60," "warm light 60," and "60 watt replacement."

To save energy, find the bulbs with the light output you need, and then choose the one with the lowest wattage. You can also look for an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb that is labeled as equivalent to the incandescent bulb you are replacing.

(I'm in the U.S., BTW.

Most folks like the "yellowish candle colored" light produced by the venerable incandescent bulb... to replicate this in the LED, look for the "soft white" information.

Additionally, make sure you are not replacing the incandescent bulb in a fixture that is "dimmable". If you are assure the replacement LED bulb is compatible with the type of dimmer switch installed.

Finally, LED bulbs do produce a significant amount of heat... they just do it in a different way by running the heat through a "heat sink" at the base of the bulb and then it's dissipated. So... assure that part of the LED bulb isn't obstructed else the life of the bulb will be severly shortened. OG is correct in that the heat is less than that produced by incandescent but still significant...

[Clanad]

I see my carefully cut and pasted chart didn't paste very well... the first coumn of numbers is the wattage, while the second number is the equivalent lumens...

[gingejbee]

Just a point on nomenclature....an elecrician friend would always "correct" people using the word "bulb"...." a bulb is planted in the garden, a lamp lights up the dark". I think that's what made him a "qualified" electrician!

[The Builder]

Yes, it's as simple as that, Nigel. Also, an 8W LED will give more lumens that a 60W incandescent. A good quality 6W would equate to 60W.