36W bulbs in a 55W fixture?

[the_deeb]

I recently built a DIY light fixture where I combined 2 55W compact fluorescent kits from AHsupply into a single strip with the bulbs end to end. Unfortunately the 55W bulbs are a little bit too long for the strip and their ends overlap and are pressed together under more pressure than I'm comfortable with.

Can I swap out one of the 55W bulbs for a shorter 36W bulb? Will the balast overheat the bulb or should it be ok?

 

[Wolf3101]

it should be fine. I've changed wattages plenty of times without effect.

 

[Bderick67]

Take a look at the ballast, alot of ballasts will work with multiple wattage lamps and should say what it will work with on the ballast.

 

[Nic]

it will over drive the light and the bulb will burn out pretty quick

 

[Lil_Stinker]

can you see the specs on the balast?

 

[the_deeb]

Unfortunately, with the way I built the enclosure the ballast is mounted behind the reflector. I would have to take the whole thing apart to be able to read the specs on the ballast.