Lamp question

Hi guys, I have a quick question. Unfortunately my reliable heat lamp's cord got chewed up by my rabbit, but I have a backup. Thing is it says on the lamp it should only be used for 75w and under, and I have 150w CHEs. Other people I've asked said that it should be fine since it's not a bulb, but being my anxious self I want other opinions. As you know I have a fear of fire, so I'd stick to the safest route possible. What do you think?

That is an excellent question, and one that I have come across many times.

The short answer is....You should NEVER use any bulb or heat emitter that is rated higher than the fixture is rated. Wattage does not refer to brightness. It refers the the amount of energy being used. If a fixture is rated at 75 watts, then it means the wires and everything else are able to handle up to 75 watts.

Placing a CHE or incandescent bulb that is rated at 150 watts will still draw 150 watts worth of energy (even if it doesn't put out light) causing an overload on the smaller fixture. Which, in turn may cause some pretty negative side effects!

Even though you may be able to get away with it for a little while, your best bet would be to get the appropriate wattage CHE that the lamp is rated for!

best of luck and I hope this helps!

No i would Not use 150 watt in a 75 watt max housing Ever. Whoever told you it doesn't matter because its a CHE has no basic knowledge of electricity/wattage or safety for that matter. Wattage is Wattage no matter what your using.


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