High Efficiency Light Bulbs and Wattage

[Iceblink]

My wife asked a question, and I didn't know the answer.

We've been switching over to high efficiency light bulbs lately... the corkscrew-looking ones.

They say that they are the equivalent of 50/100/150 watts but only use 12/23/29 watts worth of energy.

Some of our lamps have maximum wattages of 30/70/100. Can we use these light bulbs in those lamps?

They use so much less energy and are quite bright. They also give off less heat. I don't really know why those maximum wattages exist.

So, does anyone know?

Thanks!

P.S. Hurry! I was supposed to post this last week!

[spejic]

The internal wiring and structure of a lamp is designed to take up to a certain amount of watts/heat before they melt/catch fire. I don't see any reason why you can't use a florescent bulb that puts out more lumens than the maximum allowable incandescent bulb.

[wallacegrommit]

http://www.dannylipford.com/diy-home-improvement/electrical-and-lighting/using-cfls-in-light-fixtures/

[Iceblink]

Thanks!!!

That's just the info I needed.

I told my wife... "Honey, this may sound strange, but I'm going to post the questions on BigSoccer. Someone will know."