Ask LiveJournal Electrician: light fixture maximum wattage?

[randomness]

We have this old swing-arm lamp that takes three position bulbs. The socket is stamped 250W 250V, but I can't tell if it's just describing the socket or if the wiring in the lamp itself is rated for 250W.

Most modern swing-arm lamps I've seen have a tag that says they're limited to 150W. I figured I'd ask around before I put a 250 watt bulb in it and started a fire. :)

Anyone have any thoughts?

Comments

[r-ness.livejournal.com]

The socket has a UL stamp on it, but it may have been installed later.

Currently I have a 8/26/18W CF in it, but we need to do some fine work and throw some more light. I've seen what a 300W incandescent can produce, and the max on the 3 way CF I've seen is a lumen rating somewhere around what a 150W incandescent produces, so I'm looking around at all my options.

Thus far I've examined some high wattage 3 way halogens as well as CFs and incandescents.

Thanks!