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Maximum Wattage Spec??

Discussion in 'Growing Marijuana Indoors' started by dragonsfire1988, Sep 21, 2009.

  1. #1 dragonsfire1988, Sep 21, 2009
    Wasn't sure whether to post this here or in the GrowSetup thread, so if it's in the wrong place, please feel free to move it.

    The issue is this...I have a Heat&Light Reflector Dome meant for reptiles and other animals. We've all seen them...it's a black dome with a ceramic light socket, and a hook at the top for hanging...

    This dome's instructions state that it has a 60Watt Maximum. HOWEVER, when I take it apart and look at the socket itself, it says "250Volt/660 Watt Maximum"

    What's with this discrepancy? It's one hell of a difference. Which number should I follow?

    I have searched around google, yahoo, pet stores, etc and found no valuable information.

    In the past I have placed higher wattage bulbs in there (don't remember the exact number) and the piece still works like a charm and is in good condition, capable of holding up for a while longer (until a replacement can be bought, anyway).

    I would like to place two 42w CFL (that's 24 more watts than suggested) under this dome so I don't have to bust out the cash for a new one. Would it be safe to do such a thing?

    Specifics: Brand name is ESU REPTILE/HEAT&LIGHT REFLECTOR DOME, model number is RP672, 5.5" DIA. (small, I know, but it's all I've got)

    Thanks in advance :smoke:
     
  2. #2 kaBLAM, Sep 21, 2009
    whats the black dome made of?

    i'm guessing that they reccomend a 60 watt bulb b/c the heat from a 60watt would be the max amount that that dome or any other surroundings could handle before becoming a fire/burn hazard.

    the lamp kits i posted in that other thread on cfl's say they are 250 volts/660 watts. when i searched around i found that this was a rating...and that as long as the materials we were using could stand the heat of the bulb, then the socket and the parts it came with were safe as well.

    i think with cfl's you do not have to worry about so much heat affecting that dome...BUT i would keep a close eye on it just in case. or maybe try to make/buy another one made of a safe material.

    in short, the sockets ability to safely distribute 660 watts does not guarantee the dome's ability to withstand that much heat. if you have good airflow i would use up too 100 or even 150...but i'd still check the area for hot spots occassionally.
     
  3. #3 dragonsfire1988, Sep 21, 2009


    Thanks for the quick reply/information, and for the link to that DIY lamp kit. I was considering using that to replace the socket in this dome, until I actually looked at it's current socket...thus this post :)

    I was thinking the same thing about the wattage/heat thing. The dome is just metal, I think...or some kind of metal, anyway. It really doesn't get that hot, not with two 26w CFL anyway (did that a while back and it worked out okay).

    Being that this dome was meant for Incandescent when it was made, it's understandable that the max watt refers to heat rather than energy output.

    Thanks. I'd +rep you again, but I can't since I just did a lil bit ago for that link :)
     

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