RE:Rough Service Bulbs?

[esox49]

We purchased our new home, and in the kitchen there are 8 recessed lights that have 75 watt "rough service" bulbs in them. They look like a regular bulb, except they say "rough service". My question is, can I take them out and replace them with 75 watt compact flourescents, or do I have to use "rough service" bulbs?

Thanks

[jeffreyd]

rough service bulbs have a coating on the inside to make them less fragile than a regular bulb. we use to use rough service in our shop, they would handle a drop a tad better but will still break. i would replace them with the compact flor. no problems.

[DrKen]

You can take them out. These are bulbs designed with a thicker filament and more supports to the filament for use in trouble lights and outdoor situations. Makes no difference if you want to use CFL's.

[BobT]

Be aware of CFLs in recessed fixtures. It's hard to find them rated for that application.

[JohnMickish]

As mentioned rough service bulbs have a coating that holds the glass together should it break. They also have a heavier duty element inside and take more vibration.

In a kitchen I'd say that the rough service was used to keep any broken glass out of food. In comercial kitchens glass lamps have to have some kind of enclosure to keep glass out.

A flood CFL is an excelent choice for this application and yes, you can use it as long as the style you choose matches what is listed on the trim.

[BobT]

When I've used flood CFLs in my kitchen recessed fixtures they don't last. In fact, I began to suspect this and so I dated them when I replaced them and proved it to myself that the incandescent floods outlasted the CFLs. In one case I contacted Sylvania and was told that they were not recommended for recessed applications. The flood lamps restrict too much air flow and trapped heat reduces the light bulb life. At the time, Sylvania didn't offer a flood CFL rated for recessed fixtures. That was a few years ago so maybe there is something today.

[Muskiefool]

If your going to live there awhile it may be worth going to LED and save the rough service for your garage door openers that's where those shine well there and elevator cars.

Ive never like the Flouro lights in a scewshell base.

[CJH]

Save the rough service for the garage.

I have used CFL floods in my recessed cans for the last several years and have not had any problems. Go for it.

Personally, I would wait on the LED's until they come down in price, but that's just me. You are still going to save alot of money with the CFL's and they don't cost that much, especially if you buy the multipacks.

[lovebigbluegills]

I don't remember what the quantity/price was, but I found that Sam's Club is the cheapest around for getting CFL's. Considerably cheaper than walmart (figure that one), kmart, etc. I think it was 10 to a package for about $15, but don't quote me.

[JohnMickish]

Was that CFLs or flood CFLs? The ones I purchase have the frosted glass which hides the unsightly pigs tail.