GE Plant light fixture with CFLs

13 years ago

Hi ... i have a few GE plant light 'spotlights' that have been very useful for growing plants. However, the lights that come with them are incandescent, which is an energy hog and generates a lot of heat. I'd rather use a CFL.

I've been using it with the widely-available screw-in spiral CFL light bulbs, and so far, no problems. But is it safe? Since it uses so little power, I've always assumed that it's safe.

The fixture calls for an R30 bulb. I'm not sure what that means.

Here's a link to the GE fixture I'm talking about: http://www.elightbulbs.com/GE-44848-PLK-1-Plant-Aquarium-Terrarium-Light-Bulb

Specs:

Part #: GL 44848

UPC Code: 043168909105

Manufacturer: GE

Manufacturer Code: PLK-1

Energy Used: 65 watts

Average Lifetime: 2,000 hours

Volts: 120

Bulb Type: R30

Base Type: Medium Screw (E26)

Filament Type: CC6

Length: 5.37 inches

Width: 3.75 inches

Any advice on understanding all this electric jargon would be much appreciated.

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Comments (6)

taz6122
13 years ago
Voltage, wattage and base size are the only things important IMO. As long as you plug them into 110, Don't go over 65w and the bulb fits you're all set. Those are really expensive fixtures IMO. Personally I would go for something like the fixture in the link below that is much cheaper, rated for higher wattage bulbs, reflects more light and much more versatile. There's also a 5 1/2" model for even less.

I completely understand if you are going for a more permanent fixture though.

Here is a link that might be useful: Clamp light
curt_grow
13 years ago
I agree with taz.Good info. Of course some want a little style with there grow set up and will pay for it. Me? I have and old Kitchen, Style?------NOT!
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sgmd
Original Author
13 years ago
Taz and Curt_grow,

thanks very much for your comments. I suspected as much, but wanted to hear from some real experts! Yes, they are expensive fixtures. I bought them a long time ago when i was just getting started and didn't know better. They are, however, quite durable and have lasted a long time. I've also got some of the clamp-on lights from Home Depot (got them later, when i was a bit smarter, LOL!).

I had emailed my question to the GE lighting support people, and got the same answer.

Again, thanks so much! :)

cheers,
shireen
earlypan
13 years ago
As to lamp fixtures, I use a homemade one I found described on YouTube. It's a reflector made from a two foot length of aluminum drier vent with a double lamp socket in which I've mounted two 42 w Feit Electric CFL's, from Amazon, each of which is supposed to duplicate a 150 w incandescent. I've got eight bush bean plants very happily producing with only that as light. First meal is tomorrow.
colokid
13 years ago
I second earlypan. Mine works great.
KennyP
deburn
13 years ago
earlypan, thanks for mentioning the youtube instructional video. I've been thinking of getting a grow light and definitely looking for an inexpensive option, which this is and it also seems easy enough for me to do, which is saying a lot :-)

including a link for anyone else who might be interested

Here is a link that might be useful: YouTube DIY grow light video