re: #416 lawhawk

Wattage is the electric power required by an appliance or device. That figure represents the max that the recepticle/fixture can handle.

Lumens is light output. That’s why you compare output between bulbs using lumens. A 12w LED can produce 800-900 lumens, which is equal to what a 16-20w CFL produces, or a 60-65w indandescent.

So, you can replace the bulbs with the same lumen output, or you can increase the lumen output while staying below the wattage max.

Handy dandy comparison chart.

OK, so since the 75W equiv CFLs are only 18W, I can use them in normal 60W incandescent fixtures, amirite?

Meanwhile, since I don’t need to buy bulbs except for that 6 light, 40W, strip in the bath, I will buy LEDs for it (I already have 2 CFLs in it, the rest are incandescent). They are the globe type, not the curlies.

LEDs do sound preferable to CFLs, so thanks for the information! After xmas, I will probably look for some LED xmas lights on sale as well for next year.