New Flush Mount Lights Question

[Rich M.]

I ordered and received two different style flush mount (hallway) lights. Both came with warnings that these lights may not be used with pre 1985 house wiring. One would hope this would have been mentioned in the light description. My house was built in 1963.

So I did a little research and the warning is for the wire heat rating. I now understand the warning label, but stirred up questions.

So the question that I have is I am replacing a flush mount light with another flush mount light, so was the old light just as likely to cause the melting of the wire insulation as the new light? Heat build up is heat build up or am I missing something. The new light does have some thin barrier insulation between the light base and the wires, unlike the old light.

So if you use the correct bulb wattage bulbs, in my case three 25 watt incandescent bulbs, is this okay? Also, to lower the wattage (heat) I am guessing LED bulbs could be used.

Looking at “This Old House” video, they cut the wires to the light box about 6 feet back, added a junction box, ties the wires together and run the new wire to the light.

Any electricians out there?

Thoughts

 

[rktinc]

This is an interesting question. I have just purchased an old building and plan on adding a lot of modern LED lighting including LED flat /can style lighting. My electrician said he would run all new wires for them inside flex conduit. Must be something to this.

I look forward to the answers ahead.