I'm hanging a four bulb light fixture over my 9' table. It being 2008, and with a million different bulbs to choose from, any suggestions?
Light bulb choices
- Thread starter coastal_tony
- Start date
flourescent
If you are talking about a 4-headed light fixture that uses standard round bulbs, you should look for soft-white CFLs (compact flourescent)...you'll save energy & money and they'll last a lloonngg time.
BTW, avoid those labeled "bright white" or "daylight" as they are too "hot" in color. You'll feel like you're playing in a hospital.
Also, be careful who you buy them from. There are some manufacturers that have shorter lifespans and longer warmup times. I happen to like N:vision which can be bought at Home Depot. The cool-white is in the green package and they light off instantly with a nice color.
You'll probably need to experiment with wattage ratings to get to the light level you want. I use (4) 4' bulbs over my table, so (4) 14W (60W) CFLs may be a good starting point for you. If you want more light, replace with (4) 19W (75W) bulbs. If you want less, replace with (4) 9W (40W) bulbs. Just use the excess bulbs somewhere else in the house. Maybe brighter bulbs in the outer two heads would light the corner pockets better?!?
http://www.nvisioncfl.com/color-temperature.aspx
BTW, avoid those labeled "bright white" or "daylight" as they are too "hot" in color. You'll feel like you're playing in a hospital.
Also, be careful who you buy them from. There are some manufacturers that have shorter lifespans and longer warmup times. I happen to like N:vision which can be bought at Home Depot. The cool-white is in the green package and they light off instantly with a nice color.
You'll probably need to experiment with wattage ratings to get to the light level you want. I use (4) 4' bulbs over my table, so (4) 14W (60W) CFLs may be a good starting point for you. If you want more light, replace with (4) 19W (75W) bulbs. If you want less, replace with (4) 9W (40W) bulbs. Just use the excess bulbs somewhere else in the house. Maybe brighter bulbs in the outer two heads would light the corner pockets better?!?
http://www.nvisioncfl.com/color-temperature.aspx
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I use the "daylight" CFLs and like them a lot. I like bright light. I have only a three bulb fixture over a nine foot table and need the extra brightness. Just be careful with them. If they break you will have one real mess on your table. And be sure that the switch does have a dimmer, as CFLs will burn out very quickly.
Anything wrong with 6 500w halogen worklights? I have them over my table...I just put my sunglasses on, take the shirt off....play pool...and work on my tan all at the same time....only thing I hate is the raccon eyes I get from not getting a tan around my eyeballs:thumbup:
Thanks, I'm heading to H.D. as we speak.
Are they the spiral or globe or spot?
there might be danger
I am a retired electrician....pay particular attention to the limitations indicated on your light fixture about wattage maximums....most will have a 60-watt maximum (some are less)....if you go over that wattage in your bulb choices, you are risking burning up the fixture wiring and possibly an electrical fire.......as they say, a word to the wise is sufficient...
ftgokie said:
I am a retired electrician....pay particular attention to the limitations indicated on your light fixture about wattage maximums....most will have a 60-watt maximum (some are less)....if you go over that wattage in your bulb choices, you are risking burning up the fixture wiring and possibly an electrical fire.......as they say, a word to the wise is sufficient...
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I think the globe style cf ls warm white in the green package at HDcoastal_tony said:
23 watts(= 100w) or 19 watts(75w) in globe would look nicer and less glare!
FYI you go by watt rating of cfls .
the heat generated by a cfl is less then a incandescent lamp and allows you to put a larger lum watt rated cfl in a lower rated fixture!
IE. 23 watt cfl= 100w light output incandescent you could put this in a 60 watt maximum rated lamp!
Master 35 year retired elect. who works pt at depot!
This thread might help a lot on new pool table owners. I went to H.D. and asked if I might return bulbs that are not what are needed. I bought 4-packs of 75W spiral bulbs, the soft, day-light, and brights. WOW. I installed the green packs tonight (soft). They are nice. I'll give it till Sunday night and install the Day-Lights. Then in about three days later install the brights.. I'll post pictures at the end, of each combo used. My table looks BAD under light!
Anything In A Soft White Should Work. Your Housings Are The More Important Part Of This Equation. I Prefer Long Flourescents, But If You Have A Standard Bulb Housing, That Suggestion Won't Be Of Any Help.
Thats a good point. At my crib, it's only adults, and highly skilled players.
BRKNRUN said:
He has a four bulb lamp style fixture with no ballast !
That is why compact fluorescents are compatible!
The reason I suggested globe style cfls was due to better breakage protection, less glare as well as they look nicer!
These spiral lamps are enclosed not exposed.
