Heat Lamp Heat Question

[ourltlflock]

I was wondering, I have a regular Home Depot Lamp (with the clamp on it) when I have a 100W bulb in it, the socket part is cookin'. I couldn't even imagine a 250w bulb in it. Is that normal? The lamp itself is new. I'm a little scared to leave this thing on and leave the house. My chicks will be here this Friday the 21st.

 

[Alaskan]

Mine gets pretty hot too.

I would wonder if it isn't faulty...... I think I can still touch the base on mine after it has been on for awhile, even though I can't get anywhere close to touching the bulb.

 

[red horse ranch]

If the socket that the bulb screws into is the brown plastic it shouldn't have higher than 150 watt bulb in it. If it is a ceramic socket it is rated for up to 300 watts. There should be a sticker inside the lamp that gives the bulb size rating. And yes, a 100 watt bulb will get everything around it hot.

 

[ourltlflock]

Yes, it is the brown plastic socket. So, a 100w won't burn the house down? It's placed on the screen over the top of the brooder..

Maybe I can find a ceramic one before tomorrow night...

 

[Alaskan]

I would get the ceramic one, much safer.

 

[ourltlflock]

Thanks for the info! I think Petsmart/Petco has them in stock.

 

[red horse ranch]

It shouldn't burn the house down if it is setting on a wire screen. Just don't let it contact anything else. I use some of them like you have but usually only with 60 watt bulbs in my chick nursery which is in the house.

 

[ourltlflock]

I have mine in the house also. Been testing the lamp to get the right amount of heat at the floor. Using a 75w bulb, it gets really hot and I've only left it on for a few hours for testing purposes.

 

[Sonya9]

If you end up going into (or passing by) a hardware store I would pick up a dimmer cord too. It will allow you to adjust the output on the heat lamp up or down without moving it. They are only a few bucks and they will make your life easier!

 

[jenniemig]

Yes, it is the brown plastic socket. So, a 100w won't burn the house down? It's placed on the screen over the top of the brooder..

Maybe I can find a ceramic one before tomorrow night...

I would be worried about an electrical fire if the clamp light overloads/overheats too much. I bought the wrong light at first too, then went back and got the one with the ceramic specifically for the heat bulb rather than the plastic. I also bought the 125w heat light instead of the 250w.