Are CFL bulbs safe and sound for enclosed fixtures
I just received 3 dozen CFL bulbs for free, and was setting up on changing each of the non-downward exposed fixture lights in my property with these bulbs. Before I have not even deemed switching to CFL because of the light temperature, but soon after seeing the 2700K bulbs and barely being able to inform a difference I was sold, at the least free of charge.

I accepted the bulbs based on word-of-mouth that they are fine in enclosed fixtures, using the caveat of the “possibly diminished lifespan”. But, after scouring the net I have identified all the things from “bulbs under 20W are fine” to “these bulbs aren’t to get used in fluorescent fixtures“.

Specifically, I have Earth bulb 13W Micro T2 bulbs. The manufacturer’s site says nothing at all about them. Many of the fixtures I would be putting the bulbs in are regular dome lights like this.

I can cope with a shorter lifespan, at the very least, I am ready to give it a check out. But I’m ultra-paranoid about threat of fire. So, does anyone have any greater guidance than I have been in a position to discover to reply the question are CFL bulbs harmless (from danger of fire) in enclosed fixtures?

Approximately two years ago I had a CFL in a hanging bar fixture, open on the bottom. I am not positive how lengthy it had been in there but, the CFL bulb exploded while in the fixture. The part that exploded was among the base along with the glass light component. It startled all of us, but thank goodness we didn’t need to take care of mercury splattered all over the place and there was no fire. So I am afraid to put CFLs anywhere they may be even somewhat enclosed. What helps make me so angry about purchasing these new bulbs is having to search to determine what form of fixtures they could securely be used in. This should be details that’s listed prominently on every single light bulb pack, including LED’s.

The CFL light bulbs have a tendency to produce significantly less heat; on the other hand, they are way more sensitive to heat. In the event the extra heat are not able to escape in a timely method, at some point the electronics within the light bulb will burn up out, though the fluorescent tube will probably be fine. Due to the fact they’re not bulbs with replaceable ballasts or starters, proficiently you are going to should throw out the entire bulb.

Occasionally you will get one particular that does very well together with the additional heat, but you can see reduction in advertised bulb lifespan. Will not anticipate these bulbs for being economical in an enclosed fixture, they will just burn out too rapidly. You might be in a position to improve your outcomes with higher good quality CFL bulbs.

I’ve mentioned that CFLs used in fixtures with closed tops and sides (even when the bottom is open) have extremely brief lifespan. six months to a yr is all I’ve seen out of people. Open prime fixtures (even with closed sides and bottom), haven’t had to change any of those despite running them for a long time. Heat seems for being a major difficulty in lifespan. I have not heard of any fire problems even though. I suspect that it can be essentially much less very likely with CFLs, as another person described, the total consumption and heat dissipation is less than an incandescent.