As more households switch to LED bulbs, a growing concern about the equivalent wattage develops. Is it possible to place a 100W product in a 60W fixture?
Since a 100W LED bulb delivers less wattage than what a 60W incandescent offers, the idea seems to make sense on the surface. Is it safe to take this approach?
Although exceptions exist, it is typically safe to place a light bulb that consumes less wattage than what the fixture was designed to accommodate in homes. That means a 100W equivalent bulb using LED technology could fit into a 60W fixture.
What Could Interfere with This Process?
The wattage transfer usually works fine when you have a standard fixture without any other features or components. Not only could you place a 100W equivalent bulb into a 60W fixture, but you could also go up to 150W without much worry.
The only problem would be the light bulb size. 60W fixtures typically accept A19 designs, but larger wattage products use A21 instead.
You'll need to ensure that the installation point can accept the bigger measurement. Here's why that works.
| Incandescent Wattage | LED Bulb Wattage | Lumens Rating |
| 25 Watts | Up to 5 Watts | 250 Lumens |
| 40 Watts | 6 to 9 Watts | 450 Lumens |
| 60 Watts | 8 to 15 Watts | 800 Lumens |
| 75 Watts | 12 to 17 Watts | 1,100 Lumens |
| 100 Watts | 15 to 19 Watts | 1,600 Lumens |
| 125 Watts | 20 to 25 Watts | 1,850 Lumens |
| 150 Watts | 30 Watts | 2,600 Lumens |
When other components consume power, you might not have the total wattage available to use.
Although this issue doesn't usually apply when using a 100W equivalent LED bulb in a 60W fixture, you'll need to think of what a ceiling fan or other features offered.
If the fixture is on a dimmable switch, you'll need to purchase a bulb that works with that feature.
Can I Use 60 Watts Instead of 100?
There usually isn't a problem when you step down on the wattage requirements for a fixture. If you wanted to place a 25W bulb in a 60W fixture, it would work fine if the shape worked at the installation point.
The same issue would happen when substituting a 60-watt bulb for a 100W one. As long as the fixture accepts the size, the product will work.
More wattage doesn't equate to a brighter bulb, although it is often that way. You'll need to verify the lumens rating before proceeding to ensure you receive the correct levels for your interior environment.
This option doesn't work as well for incandescent bulbs. If you substitute LEDs for an incandescent product, you can update your home's illumination quickly and safely by following these principles.
