CFL bulbs do better (but not perfect) in enclosed fixtures, as the heat rises away from the base. Still, the entire fixture is likely to be warmer if enclosed, and the failure rate of capacitors accelerates along that temperature gradient.

Can I put a CFL bulb in an enclosed fixture?

Before using a CFL or LED bulb in a totally enclosed fixture, you should consult the product packaging. Because totally enclosed fixtures do not allow air to circulate around the lamp, it causes heat to build up, which can lead to performance issues.

What light bulbs can be used in enclosed fixtures?





Only LED bulbs that are officially ‘Enclosed Rated’ will operate without any problems inside enclosed light fixtures. Regular LED bulbs may be used but they will become damaged or lose their efficiency quickly.

Can CFL bulbs start a fire?

A CFL uses electricity to heat an element in the lamp’s base that excites the mercury vapor gas in the coils so that they emit light. When a CFL can no longer produce light, the electronics in its base will still try to function, sometimes leading to overheating, smoke and fire.

Are LED bulbs in an enclosed fixture a fire hazard?

With safety in mind it is not recommended that LED light bulbs be placed into an enclosed light fixture. An enclosed light fixture can trap heat which is a fire hazard. So, even though enclosed light fixtures are great stylistically, they are not the best choice for ensuring the safety of you and your family.

Why do LED bulbs say not for use in enclosed fixtures?

Enclosed fixtures that don’t allow for proper ventilation can drastically affect the temperature of the LED bulb, causing it to overheat and shortening the lifespan of the bulb. That’s why some bulbs will tell you not to use it in an enclosed ceiling fan or fully enclosed porch light fixture.

Can you use LED bulbs in totally enclosed fixtures?





Yes, but only some brands. The issue is the amount of heat that can build up in the enclosed fixture. LED bulbs are very sensitive to heat; if the air in the enclosed fixture becomes too hot, it will shorten the life of the bulb.

Do LED lights get hot enough to start a fire?

LED lights are unlikely to start a fire. The bulbs don’t get hot enough to ignite anything. The biggest risks are faulty wiring or overloaded circuits. This is often caused by the way they are installed, rather than an issue with the light itself.

Can you put an LED bulb in a regular recessed light fixture?

What Kind of Light Bulb Do You Want to Use? A recessed fixture with a medium screw base lamp holder can take an incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, or LED light bulb. There are also fixtures available with special lamp holders, or sockets, that can only take certain light bulbs, usually fluorescent or halogen.

Can Philips LED bulbs be used in enclosed fixtures?

No. It is clearly stating on the package that they are not to be used in an enclosed fixture. Philips stated this because the trapped heat will decrease durability of the bulb.

How hot do CFL bulbs get?



179.2 F

And not just for fire hazards. Incandescent and CFL bulbs get so hot because most of their energy is being released as heat, not light, making them much more ineffeicient. Proprietary tests show 100W incandescent lights burning at 335.4 F, CFL lights burning at 179.2 F and LED bulbs burning at 87.2 F.

Is it worth replacing CFL bulbs with LED?

If your CFL bulbs are working, it’s usually not worth replacing them with LEDs immediately – LEDs are more efficient, but the savings aren’t huge. Only replace them now if your CFLs aren’t suited to the fitting or are damaging fabrics. Otherwise, wait until they’re burned out.

What is considered a totally enclosed light fixture?



Enclosed fixtures are lighting fixtures which keep a tight seal around the light source. This could be for many reasons, such as keeping water out or simply to protect the circuitry underneath. However, even with LEDs, the lighting is also a heat source and in enclosed fixtures the light has less space to spread out.

Do light bulbs need ventilation?

Yes, as long as the fixture does not have a rubber gasket. LED bulbs need ventilation and a rubber gasket would prevent proper ventilation.

Why do LED bulbs flicker in some fixtures?

What makes LED lights flicker? Well… put simply, LEDs flicker when their light output fluctuates. This fluctuation happens because your dimmable light-emitting diodes are designed to switch on and off at very high speed.

Can light bulb touch glass?

Re: Why is it bad to touch the glass on a light bulb? The “oils” will evaporate/ burn off (those things run hot). But the salts in the sweat will kill the bulbs. The bulbs are made from fused silica and it is always trying to turn back into crystalline silica.

What type of light bulb should not be touched using bare hands?



Halogen bulbs, tubes and capsules are made of quartz, rather than ordinary glass, so they can withstand the higher temperatures. If you touch the bulb with your fingers, the salts and oils from your skin will damage the bulb and cause the heat to concentrate.

Do LED light bulbs get hot to touch?

LED light bulbs don’t get hot to the touch, but they do produce some heat, as all lights do. All light sources produce some level of heat and LEDs are no different. However, the technology of LED lights allows for less heat creation and for the heat that does build up to escape.