My lamp calls for a 60W bulb. Can a higher wattage compact be used seeing that they operate on a lower wattage rating?

Andy, September 2007

If you use low energy lamps, an 11 watt lamp will give equivalent light to a 60 watt filament lamp, it will be safe to use a 20Watt low energy lamp giving you an equivalent light output to a 100 watt filament lamp. Low energy lamps give out a lot less heat,which is the restricting factor in lamps and lamp fittings.

Pete, October 2007

Generally speaking - no. The reason is that higher wattage bulbs produce more heat and take more current - either can cause a fire. You can use lower wattage but not higher.

t, September 2007