Halogen Light Fixtures And Bulb Wattage

[Ratsima]

I have no experience with halogen lighting.

I recently bought some exterior halogen light fixtures which I have yet to install. The fixtures came with 220 volt 50 watt halogen bulbs. I asked the shop if I could use a lower wattage bulb as I think the 50 watt bulbs will be brighter than I really want.

I was surprised when they told me that I could only use 50 watt bulbs and that using a lower wattage bulb would require the use of a ballast.

To me this makes no sense. Halogens are really nothing but fancy incandescent bulbs. I can see obvious problems with using a bulb with a higher wattage (heat) or a lower voltage (burn out). I can see no technical reason why using a lower wattage bulb of the correct voltage would cause any problem whatsoever.

Will someone please explain....

[Crossy]

Moved to DIY where the electrical experts hang out.

AFAIK if it's a 220V 50W Halogen lamp replacing it with a smaller one would be just fine.

BUT is it halogen or is it Low-energy (CFL)? If it's CFL then yes, you will need a different ballast. 50W seems small for a halogen floodlight but would be about right for CFL.

Post pictures so we can be sure