When there is sticker on a light canopy stating 60 watt max., or 100 watt max., is it the socket or the gauge wire used on the socket that limits the wattage of the bulb to be used in the lamp?
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Wire or socket?
When there is sticker on a light canopy stating 60 watt max., or 100 watt max., is it the socket or the gauge wire used on the socket that limits the wattage of the bulb to be used in the lamp?
Neither. It is the fixture.
I have a 12" stem for a pendant light, 3' of 18ga. wire running down the stem to the canopy and the socket, then the bulb and glass shade. This is the fixture. So what exactly limits the bulb wattage?
The fixture design.
The socket design.
The socket placement.
The glass shade.
ETC............
Incandescent lamps give off a fairly large amount of heat. The fixture is rated by how much it can safely radiate without melting, warping, or breaking anything or presenting a fire hazard.
Jim DeBruycker
Important note - I'm not a pro
Retired Defense Industry Engineer
A good rule of thumb is a bulb produces 5% light and 95% heat
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