When you replace an light bulb in a ceiling fan, it is important to make sure that the new light bulb match the specifications of the ceiling fan. Ceiling fan light kits are typicaly different than the light fixtures that are common in most homes. Thus, it is important to read the specifications of the ceiling fan to ensure that the purchased light bulb will match the requirements of the ceiling fan.
If the requirements of the ceiling fan isnt met during the replacement of the ceiling fan light bulb, there can be a lack of convenience in the ceiling fan and a safety risk for the individual in the home. The first requirement to meet with the ceiling fan light bulb is the base of the light bulb. The base of the ceiling fan light bulb must match the type of base that are common with ceiling fans.
How to Choose the Right Bulb for Your Ceiling Fan
Most ceiling fans use light bulb with a candelabra base, though some may use a standard medium base for there bulbs. If an individual force a medium base bulb into a ceiling fan with a candelabra base socket, the ceiling fan socket will be damaged. Additionally, some ceiling fans use twist-lock sockets for their light bulbs, which require a type of light bulb that can be twisted into the ceiling fan socket rather than simply screw in.
Thus, it is important to determine the type of base that the ceiling fan socket uses before replacing the light bulb. The second requirement for the ceiling fan bulb is the physical shape of the bulb. Many bulb will fit into the ceiling fan, but some bulbs may be too tall to fit into the shade of the ceiling fan.
If the shade of the ceiling fan touches the light bulb, the shade will begin to heat up and the ceiling fan light bulb may burn out. Additionally, some ceiling fans may use bulbs of specific shape, like a B10 torpedo shape, an A19 pear shape, or a globe shape for shades that diffuse the light, as opposed to a bullet tip shape that is used in open ceiling fan kits. The third requirement for the ceiling fan bulb is that the wattage of the light bulb must be correct.
The label inside the canopy of the ceiling fan will indicate the maximum wattage that the ceiling fan can use. The wattage of the light bulb is not the same as the brightness of the light bulb. For instance, LED light bulbs may be rated at a sixty watt equivalent, but use much less wattage than a sixty watt incandescent bulb.
If an individual installs an incandescent bulb that reaches the maximum wattage of the ceiling fan, the ceiling fan may overheat, which could lead to potencially fires. The fourth requirement for the bulb is the resistance to vibration of the ceiling fan. Because ceiling fans are constantly rotating, they create vibration that can snap the filaments inside a standard incandescent light bulb.
If an individual discovers that the light bulbs in a ceiling fan are constantly burning out, the individual may be experiencing vibration fatigue from the ceiling fan. To avoid vibration fatigue, you can use fan-rated LED bulbs that are built to handle the vibrations of the ceiling fan motor. The fifth requirement for a ceiling fan light bulb is the color temperature of the bulb.
The color temperature of the bulb will determine the appearance of the lights in the room. For example, a cool white light bulb may be associated with a bedroom, while a warm white light bulb may be desired in the living area of the home. If the ceiling fan has multiple light bulbs, it is recommended to replace all of the light bulbs at the same time to avoid creating a ceiling fan with different color temperatures within the same ceiling fan fixture.
If only one of the light bulbs is replaced, the ceiling fan may appear unevenly and mismatched. By measuring the depth of the shade of the ceiling fan and reading the label inside of the ceiling fan canopy, the individual can ensure that the ceiling fan will have a bulb that match each of its requirements. Thus, the ceiling fan will both function correct, and endure for a long time.
You should of checked the base first.