Incandescent vs. Fluorescent Power Rating

Incandescent bulbs have a lower maximum power rating than fluorescent bulbs.

Incandescent bulbs generate light by heating a narrow tungsten filament inside the bulb. Fluorescent bulbs generate light by sending electrical discharges through ionized gas. This difference in operating mechanisms corresponds with differences in power and longevity.

Power Rating

Incandescent bulbs have power ratings ranging from 40 to100 watts. Fluorescent bulbs have power ratings ranging from 15 to 215 watts.

Longevity

Incandescent bulbs last up to 2,000 hours, while fluorescent bulbs last 12,000 to 34,000 hours and sometimes longer.

Issues

Fluorescent lightbulbs are considered more energy-efficient than incandescents because they produce more light using less power, and they don't need to be changed as often. However, fluorescent lights have problems with flickering, and their life spans decrease in proportion to how frequently they are switched off and on. Fluorescent bulbs are also temperature-sensitive and can perform below capacity in lower temperatures, while incandescent bulbs are sensitive to voltage and can double in longevity if the voltage supply is increased.

References

• Greenjoyment: Lighting For Plant Growing - Incandescent vs Fluorescent Lights
• "WorldNetDaily": Congress Bans Incandescent Bulbs
• Diffen: Fluorescent Bulbs vs Incandescent Bulbs