Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    sunniebgi's Avatar
    sunniebgi Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Dec 10, 2007, 04:43 PM
    using Compact Fluorescent blub in a medium base socket
    I am creating my own light strand to use under a 20 x 20 foot tent. I have medium base sockets and am trying to use Compact Fluorescent bulbs. They will not thread into the socket properly. I've tried the regular bulbs and they work. Can someone help with this. Shouldn't all bulbs fit the sockets? Please note I did consult someone about doing this before I started and I'm sure they told me it would be fine.

    Thanks
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Dec 11, 2007, 03:11 PM
    The design of the opening at the lamp socket, combined with a large base on the CFL lamp is causing this. You need to find a CFL lamp that fits the socket, or change the sockets to fit the available lamp.

    Silly question, you may think, but check that the sockets are not left hand thread.

    These sockets are available for construction sites, where large wattage, odd voltage rated lamps are used. And to prevent any taken to be used at home.
    sunniebgi's Avatar
    sunniebgi Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Dec 13, 2007, 08:06 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by tkrussell
    The design of the opening at the lamp socket, combined with a large base on the CFL lamp is causing this. You need to find a CFL lamp that fits the socket, or change the sockets to fit the available lamp.

    Silly question, you may think, but check that the sockets are not left hand thread.

    These sockets are available for construction sites, where large wattage, odd voltage rated lamps are used. and to prevent any taken to be used at home.

    I ended up using regular bulb.. 5 on each strand.. 60W.. and it worked.. provided great lighting.. although it pulled more current.. and I didn't take the bulbs out till the next day.. but my set up actually worked.. and I'm pretty happy with what I did..

    I don't think the sockets are left hand thread but I'll double check them again.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

CFL Blub and timer switch [ 1 Answers ]

I have been using CFL bulbs in three outside lights that are on two different circuits and controlled by SPST light switches. I'm going to replace both switches in their respective circuits with timer switches, however, the timers do not support the CFL ballasts. According to the instructions, I...

New 3 wire socket replacing two wire socket [ 5 Answers ]

We have a room that had a 2 wire socket, originally installed, and a three wire socket that was changed from a two wire socket by myself, called "Socket A". Recently an electrician installed two small fans in the same room and changed the 2 wire socket "Socket B" into a 3 wire socket. He did not...

Light blub [ 1 Answers ]

How do you change the rear light blub on a 1997 GMC suburban. Bob W

Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs Flickering When Off [ 5 Answers ]

Hi, I recently changed my two outside lights by replacing the bulbs with compact florescents to save money. The weird thing is that they kind of flicker a little bit even when the switch to them is turned off. I figured it might be the wiring but it never did it with the previous lightbulbs....

View more questions Search