Forum Discussion

Beer_Belly's avatar
Beer_Belly
Explorer
Jun 03, 2019

Be careful when replacing Porch Light Bulb

We had our Porch Light Bulb burn out, went to Auto Parts store for a replacement. Old bulb had no markings and was single filament, so replaced it with an automotive single filament......wrong move, it was too high of a wattage and started to melt the lens cover. Got out my flashlight and could barely see the engraved writing on the inside of the assembly instructing to use a 1003 Bulb:S. Since then, ordered a new LED assembly, and will either replace entire unit, or just use the lens cover.
  • If you need/want a new lens then get a whole new fixture, or will be more waterproof.
  • pianotuna wrote:
    I prefer to use LED replacements. They run far cooler.


    This. Get the brightest LED you can find that will fit. It will run cooler and it'll probably be brighter to boot.
  • Yup... low-voltage LED replacement is the way to go... LEDs are extremely energy efficient relative to every other commercially available lighting technology. There are several reasons for this to include the fact they waste very little energy in the form of infrared radiation (heat), and they emit light directionally (over 180 degrees versus 360 degrees which means there are far fewer losses from the need to redirect or reflect light). Plus, the new LEDs can last 50,000 to 100,000 hours or more. The typical lifespan for an incandescent bulb, by comparison, is 1-5% as long at best (roughly 1,200 hours).