Can You Use CFL Bulbs In Enclosed Fixtures? Is It Safe?

The nemesis of CFL or LED light bulbs involves heat. The LED circuits within the bulb aren’t all that dissimilar from the circuits in your pc or other gadgets, even though Led lighting may resemble conventional or fluorescent light bulbs in appearance.

They aren’t suitable for use in microwaves or heaters just because of that, while some of the bigger Lightbulbs may have an inbuilt fan or indirect heat sink to prevent the chips from overheating. The CFLs are also subject to the same limitations.

We will attempt to comprehend the enclosed fixtures in this post, as well as how to use them correctly and select the appropriate bulbs for the appropriate fittings. It will save time & expense in this way.

An Enclosed Fixture Definition

Any fixture or operation in which the bulb is contained in a way that prevents sufficient airflow or circulation is referred to as an enclosed fixture. This comprises, but isn’t confined to, porch lights with sealed Mason jar light fittings, lensed recessed light fittings, and patio lights with a bottom made of plastic or glass rather than open air.

The temperatures of the Led light bulb can be significantly affected by enclosed fixtures that don’t allow for adequate ventilation, overheating the bulb, and reducing its lifespan. Because of this, some bulbs will warn you against using them in fully enclosed patio light fittings or covered ceiling fans. To assist you to get the most light out of the bulbs, we’d like to answer some frequently asked queries about closed fittings or enclosed fixture rating bulbs now.

Utilizing CFLs in Enclosed Lighting

You should review the product labels before installing a CFL or LED bulb inside a completely enclosed fixture. Completely enclosed fixtures prevent airflow around the light, which leads to heat buildup and potential performance problems.

Despite producing less heat than incandescent light bulbs, CFLs and LED lights are more susceptible to heat, which can impair their effectiveness. A few of the parts can’t endure extreme heat unless they’ve been specially designed to. The additional heat produced in a completely enclosed fixture may reduce the light output, speed up the appearance of the bulb “dimming,” and shorten the bulb’s lifetime.

Checking the package or getting in touch with the original manufacturer is currently the best approach to confirm if the specific product you’re interested in buying is made to handle high-heat situations. For bulbs that are advertised for use in recessed or enclosed installations, high heat testing is required for ENERGY STAR certification.

What to Look for When Choosing a Light Bulb for Enclosed Fixtures

The bulb could be used in covered fixtures if the setting for “Enclosed Fixture Rated” is “yes.” The bulb should never be used in enclosed fixtures if the value is “negative.” When a Leds bulb is used in an enclosed fixture for which it was not intended, it may overheat, possibly damaging both the bulb and the socket.

Even a tiny bit of excess heat might reduce the bulb’s lifetime and prevent you from getting the most out of your purchase. If the goods page you’re seeing doesn’t have this information, you may contact an account manager by phone or by sending an email to customer service.

Use of Open Fixture Certified Bulbs in Enclosed Fixture

Yes, a light bulb need not utilize an enclosed fixture merely because it is certified for enclosed fixtures. A bulb needs to be made to manage the temperature of the enclosed environment to be used in a fixture. That is not an issue while you are outside. The ability to utilize enclosed fixture-rated lights outside is another justification for acquiring them.

You could have enclosed street lights or yard lamps that require an enclosed fixture-rated bulb. The bulb does not need to be certified for wet regions to use in an outside enclosed fixture since the bulbs are completely shielded from rainfall and other factors.

And get the most light out of your bulb, it’s critical to know which bulb is certified for a particular use, be it outside or in an enclosed fixture. If you’re still not sure if you need a bulb certified for enclosed fixtures, don’t be afraid to give us a call. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Types Of Bulbs Are Suitable For Enclosed Fixtures?

Halogen and incandescent lights work well in enclosed fixtures because, although being much warmer, they don’t even have any components that are sensitive to heat. Any LED bulbs that have been officially certified as “Enclosed Rated” will work flawlessly within enclosed light fixtures. You may use regular LED lights, but they will rapidly get broken or lose their effectiveness.

The appropriate choice for completely enclosed installations and moist areas, each dusk to dawn light bulb is suitable for both indoor and outdoor situations. Using these incandescent fixtures is safe as long as sunlight can pass through the fixture.

Why Is It Recommended Against Using Led Lights In Enclosed Fixtures?

The heat of the LED bulb can be significantly affected by covered fixtures that just don’t permit enough ventilation, overheating the bulb and reducing its lifetime. Because of this, some bulbs will warn you against using them in enclosed porch light fixtures or covered ceiling fans.

What Kind Of Lighting Fixture Is Regarded As Enclosed?

Any fixture or use where the bulb is contained in a way that prevents sufficient airflow or circulation is referred to as an enclosed fixture.

Conclusion

Most of the earlier issues have been resolved by modern technologies. One of the simplest and most efficient methods to reduce your energy costs today is to use CFLs. It’s as simple as turning a switch and putting in a light bulb. Many CFLs may be bought for $3 or even less, and some utilities provide consumers who buy them coupons or rebates.

Despite this, purchasing and utilizing CFLs may be challenging. If enclosed, a CFL that is not intended to be used in an enclosed light fixture risked burning out sooner. Therefore, before installing a CFL bulb in the enclosed fixture, remember to read this post. You might save both time and money in this way.