Enclosed, or Not Enclosed, That is the Question

OK, so you're finally a convert! You're on board with changing all your light bulbs to LED versions for cost savings, longer life, and great light quality. But wait! Can you replace every light bulb in your space with LED? The answer may be no, depending on the type of fixture and the application. Let's take a closer look at instances where you should not utilize LED bulbs, and why.

In most cases, it's simple, quick, and safe to simply replace old incandescent or halogen bulbs with the latest and greatest LEDs and reap the benefits. But if your fixture is considered "enclosed," you can't replace it with any old LED lamp. LEDs have advanced circuitry and electronic chips, similar to other electronics, that are super sensitive to excess heat. And while they are designed to operate at a lower wattage and generate less heat, not all LEDs can operate adequately in enclosed fixtures. If there is not enough ventilation surrounding the LED bulb to dissipate heat, it may dim, flicker, shut off completely, or even begin to smoke! Prolonged use of some LED bulbs in enclosed fixtures may cause them to overheat, potentially causing damage to the light bulb and fixture. Even a little extra heat can shorten the bulb's lifespan and prevent you from enjoying the full benefits LED has to offer.

So, what's considered an "enclosed" fixture? Some are obvious, such as a porch lamp with glass panels surrounding the bulb to protect it from weather, or those trendy mason-jar pendants where the bulb is suspended within the confines of the jar. But some are less obvious—track lighting fixtures that are open on one end and surrounded by housing on the other sides and even table lamps with close-fitting shades may be considered enclosed if there isn't enough room for adequate ventilation.

Does this mean you can't use LED bulbs in these fixtures, period? Fortunately, the answer is no! Many options now available that employ LED technology are specifically designed and rated for use in enclosed fixtures. This rating means the bulb has certain safety features to prevent overheating and provide continued optimal output. Just check out the specifications and detailed information on the pages of 1000Bulbs.com. From LED bulbs that resemble traditional incandescents for your lamps to chandelier-style bulbs for your on-trend pendants, you'll find the same bulb to complete your transition to LED.

And in other good news, bulbs rated for enclosed fixtures can actually be used in any fixtures! Just because it is rated for use in an enclosed fixture doesn't mean it HAS to be used in an enclosed fixture.

Understanding which light bulb is rated for which application, outdoors or an enclosed fixture, is essential for getting optimized performance and cost savings from your bulb. Reach out to one of our 1000Bulbs.com lighting experts at 1-800-624-4488 to review which bulbs are suitable for you.