Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - CFL in Tub ceiling light

I usually use Lightolier insulated cans for recessed lighting in insulated ceilings. The 1100 series has a restriction of 40 watts in the closed shower baffle. It is clearly limited due to restricted venting of heat. What would be the maximum wattage if using a CFL?

Since the CFL ratings are like 18 watts for a 60 watt amount of lumens, I would think you could go with the CFL wattage rating for increased light. Just a thought.

thanks for the suggestion. I wish there were a chart of the heat equivalencies of cfl vs. incandescent.

A 60 watt-equivalent CFL only draws 13 watts, so that should be fine, as Chandler said.

the other thing i just want to head up about the shower trim and CFL is that some of the CFL do not work in enclosed lumiaires so just check the label on the bulb if you plan to get it [ i know some case the mild heat can kill the electronic circuit system ]

I have few service call related from this situation so it will be wise to check it out before you get the CFL bulb some did stated that not to used in enclosed lumiaires at all.

and the sizewise as well most CFL bulbs are slightly larger than A-19 or A-21 run of mill bulb size so check that one as well so that way you dont get caught if the bulb is bigger than A-21 size [ this size typically seen like 100 watt or larger size wise ] so look around with size and get the smallest size with high wattage rating many big Box store will stock few diffrent size so you have to look around a little.

Merci, Marc

Yes, I too wish there were some sort of heat comparisons between CFL and incandescent. The wattage used isn't the whole story. It's really the heat we care about. And although there is certainly some correlation between heat and wattage, the correlation isn't the same for the two types of bulbs. I also don't know how ambient heat affects the operation of a CFL (the concern that Marc pointed out about what environment different CFL bulbs can operate in).

Thanks for the replies, guys (you have to love a rhyme on a beautiful spring day). I haven't heard back from Lightolier on this matter but I will pursue it. Let you know if I hear anything.