posted
The hallway outside my apartment is in need of a lightbulb.* I used a 60 watt incandescent bulb last time, but it died within a month because it stays on almost constantly.
I've got an equivalent compact fluorescent bulb handy, but the fixture is a little small. If I install the bulb, it will touch the glass fixture. My question is...is this bad? I'm not sure it's a fire hazard or not, but maybe it would shorten the life of the bulb to be in contact with something? The bulbs get fairly hot.
* Yes, I said apartment. I'm renting. But there's no need to wait on a landlord to install a light bulb.
Posts: 1813 | Registered: Apr 2001
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posted
I'm having a hard time picturing. Do you mean a glass cover over the fixture?
If so, it isn't bad. But it might be expensive: The compact fluorescent's circuitry might burn out considerably faster than it says on the package. Or normal heat expansion might put enough. pressure between the cover and the bulb to cause the bulb's glass to crack. I can't see how either would be dangerous beyond the normal hazard of an incandescent, which puts out a LOT more heat per given amount of light.
You can probably buy a slightly larger glass cover, if leaving the cover off isn't an option. They are usually inexpenxive, and even an eight of an inch more clearance is enough to eliminate the possible hit to your pocket book from overly fast burnout or cracking of a fluorescent bulb.
Or try looking for a slightly smaller fluorescent bulb. I've noticed a great deal of difference between different manufacturors for bulbs that put out the same amount of light. eg The 8packs of fluorescent bulbs I buy at CostCo are around a half inch shorter and thinner than comparable bulbs available at the hardware stores I've gone to. And at less than half the price.
Posts: 8501 | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted
I should've been more descriptive. It's a glass, half-sphere cover, approximately 10 inches in diameter. The bulb would easily fit inside, except that the socket is at a weird angle and not adjustable.
Basically, the light fixture is cheap...just like the construction of the rest of this building.
I don't think heat will be too much of an issue, but time will tell. Sorry, but I got tired of waiting on Hatrack earlier and went ahead and installed it. The glass cover feels warm to the touch where the bulb touches the glass, but it's relatively cool elsewhere.
The suggestion of finding a smaller bulb is excellent. I need a brighter fluorescent bulb in my living room anyway, so I have good reason to go looking.
Posts: 1813 | Registered: Apr 2001
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I think your really overestimating the amount of thermal expansion in a cool fluorescent bulb, and underestimating the strength of the glass.
Posts: 1621 | Registered: Oct 2001
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Otherwise, I can't tell what you mean. Yes, a fluorescent bulb heats up. I don't have any hard data on exactly how hot the bulb gets, but I'd vote for "too hot to touch." The glass cover is quite thick. I'm guestimating 1/4" at least, maybe more.
1. Whether that extra heat in a closed area is going to shorten the life of the bulb is one matter.
2. Whether the heat source on the glass will cause the glass to weaken and break is a completely different issue. How much expansion and contraction can the glass handle before it breaks? (Granted, the bulb is ON most of the time, but it can be turned off.)
Posts: 1813 | Registered: Apr 2001
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posted
Using CFLs in an enclosed fixture is not recommended. While they don't generate nearly as much heat as an incandescent bulb, they do generate heat and they are known for being extremely sensitive to heat. They will work fine, but it will limit the life of the bulb.
Now, I'd be more concerned about your light fixture. Leaving lights on doesn't limit their lifespan, it's turning them on and off that causes problems. Something else is causing that light to burn out bulbs. I wouldn't throw your money away on an expensive CFL if the lamp is faulty and is blowing bulbs.
Posts: 4753 | Registered: May 2002
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Apparently, I'll either waste money on incandescents, or struggle to unlock my door in the dark. My landlord probably won't spend the money right away, but I'll ask next week if they can replace that fixture with a fluorescent version.
Posts: 1813 | Registered: Apr 2001
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posted
Good thought. A while back, I had something similar to that...but it didn't last long. Stuff has to be durable around me. Posts: 1813 | Registered: Apr 2001
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