LED light bulbs are becoming more popular in the UK and other European countries. Latest statistics reveal as of 2024, roughly 20% of UK households have switched to LED lighting. This is great news since LED light bulbs are significantly more energy-efficient than incandescent or CFL bulbs.
Even though more and more people are embracing LEDs, one question we get asked regularly is: Can I use bigger wattage LED in my light lighting?
The answer is YES, provided the LED bulb’s actual wattage is within the limits of the fixture or socket.
At this point, you might be wondering: What is actual wattage and what is equivalent voltage? Are they not the one and the same thing?
No, they are not the same. Let us explain.
The main attraction of LED lamps is there energy efficiency. They use only a fraction amount of electricity to give the same light output as traditional bulbs.
Since the proof of the pudding is in eating, here’s a practical example:
The Liquid LEDs 5.5W Candle LED Bulb consumes only 6 watts yet matches the brightness of a 60-watt bulb.
The main purpose behind socket and fixture manufacturers specifying a "MAX WATTAGE" limit is to minimize the risk of fire, which can result from excessive wattage passing through the socket's wiring and the heat generated by incandescent bulbs.
This means as long as the LED lamp's wattage and heat are below the socket or fixture's rating, it should be safe. While LED bulbs do warm up, they generate much less heat than incandescent bulbs.
Keep in mind many lamp fixtures and sockets were produced prior to the widespread adoption of LED bulbs and consequently do not clearly specify whether they pertain to LED, CFL, or incandescent bulbs. If uncertain, we recommend reaching out to the socket or socket manufacturer for confirmation.
Another commonly asked question is: What makes LED light bulbs so energy-efficient?
The reason lies in how LED bulbs operate without relying on direct heat to produce light.
Traditional incandescent bulbs generate a much broader spectrum of radiation because they heat metal to produce illumination.
While an incandescent bulb does emit visible light, it also produces non-visible radiation like infrared and UV light, consuming significantly more energy.
In contrast, LED bulbs primarily emit radiation as visible light, resulting in a much narrower spectrum, which contributes to their increased energy efficiency.
We’ll round up this post by answering what we believe is the third most-commonly asked question regarding LEDs: How to be sure if an LED light bulb will be bright enough?
Well, with LEDs think Lumens, not watts. To give you an estimate, an LED light bulb with 800 lumens gives off the same brightness as a standard 60-watt incandescent bulb.
If you're looking for something brighter, you can safely opt for a 100-watt, 125-watt, or even a 150-watt LED equivalent, as they all use less than 60 watts of power. For example, a 150-watt LED equivalent offers around 2,600 lumens of light while only using 30 watts.
This essentially means you can use a 150-watt LED equivalent in a 60-watt socket and enjoy more than three times the brightness of a regular 60-watt incandescent bulb.
Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, LED light bulbs deliver a more balanced light. However, the quality of light from LED bulbs can vary. Not all LEDs are created equal. For the best light quality, look for LED bulbs with a CRI rating of 90 or higher. At LiquidLEDs, all our bulbs are rated CRI 90+, so that you can enjoy the best possible colour accuracy.