01-03-2007, 06:00 PM
Mavic, they aren't really outside rated (as in cold) unless they say so on the package, or possibly screened onto the base as well.
Also, most CF bulbs aren't for closed enclosure use unless they say so.
When you use fixture of this type, they hold all the heat inside, and it will build up. Incandescent bulbs are obviously built to take high heat, but the circuitry in the average CF bulb isn't.
These actually have insulation in their base to insulate the ceiling from the heat of the bulbs. This causes all of it to stay inside the fixture.
I have a normal CF bulb in my enclosed porch light. But since it is so cool 8 months out of the year here at night, it isn't that big of a deal, and the metal acts as a decent heat sink anyway.
Also, most CF bulbs aren't for closed enclosure use unless they say so.
When you use fixture of this type, they hold all the heat inside, and it will build up. Incandescent bulbs are obviously built to take high heat, but the circuitry in the average CF bulb isn't.
These actually have insulation in their base to insulate the ceiling from the heat of the bulbs. This causes all of it to stay inside the fixture.
I have a normal CF bulb in my enclosed porch light. But since it is so cool 8 months out of the year here at night, it isn't that big of a deal, and the metal acts as a decent heat sink anyway.