Wire or socket?

[monipit]

When there is sticker on a light canopy stating 60 watt max., or 100 watt max., is it the socket or the gauge wire used on the socket that limits the wattage of the bulb to be used in the lamp?

[HayZee518]

usually the makeup of the fixture itself. bakelite is normally used for 60 and 75 watt bulbs. higher wattages use porcelain for its bases. say there was a bulb rated 300 watts. it would only draw 2.5 amps so the pigtails are probably 18 or 16 gauge. and 300 watts generate more heat than 60 watts.

[monipit]

Thanks HayZee.

[HayZee518]

Also remember, heat rises so if your fixture mounts base up, it will be subjected to more heat than a base down mount.