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Is it OK to put a 60 watt bulb in where I had a 40 watt bulb before?

It's in the light above the stove.

11 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    you should never use a 60 watt bulb in place of a 40 watt bulb especially if the fixture says max rating is 40 watts.....the reason for this is the wiring might not be big enough to handle a 60 watt load and catch fire or the fixture has plastic pieces which cannot handle the heat a 60 watt bulb would generate and catch fire...it is better to go buy new 40 watt bulbs than to take the chance and burn your home down..

    Source(s): 40 years master electrician.
  • 1 decade ago

    If the only reason you want to put in a 60 watt bulb is because you don't have a 40 watt one, go ahead and do it for now. Next time you're out you can get a 40 watt and put it in. It will be best to have the 40 watt, since that is what is in there now and that is what is recommended for a range hood. 60 is OK, you'll just have to replace them more often.

  • 1 decade ago

    A 60 should be ok, but I wouldn't go any higher. If this fixture is enclosed, as ours is above our sink, the higher wattage bulbs produce more heat and therefore burn out faster. Also most of the sockets in these type fixtures are rated only for up to 60 watts. You should be alright there.

  • Jim W
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    No, it is not safe. Check for the maximum wattage rating for the fixture, it should be stamped in the area of the socket. If you need more light, use a CFL lamp, not a larger incandescent bulb. The sockets will burn and may cause a fire if they have too large a wattage lamp installed.

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  • Mike A
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    It is probably okay but you might want to consider buying one of the spiral fluorescent bulbs. They make a 26 watt fluorescent that puts out the same lumens as a 100 watt bulb.

  • 1 decade ago

    It depends on the rating of the light fixture. If the maximum rating is 40...then no you can't. It overheats the fixture, the wattage draw for the wire size can't handle the extra amperage. Goodluck!

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    As long as the fitting doesn't say 40W Max then it will be ok, if it does say 40W Max then do NOT fit a 60W bulb

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Yep. Nexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxt.

  • 1 decade ago

    that is not a problem. I would not do anything any higher though because it may blow the bulb quickly.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    I would not do it. If it overheats, it could cause a fire if left on.

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