My 85 W 2700K CFL lamps are heating. Should it be like that? Could it be socket or wire problem? It makes constantly 25 degress C in my grow box. I can`t hold them, because they are too hot.
Those are Apollo CFL`s from Poland.

they're 85 watts bro. don't be surprised those little buggers get hot.

First grow I did 3 years ago, I used 65 watts, they were the biggest CFLs on the market. I could burn one for 5 weeks non-stop and still hold it in my hand. Then in 2006, I saw 85s. WOW, but they did get warm. Not too warm, no where near the HID lights, but they got warmer. I can still touch a 85 CFL and not get burnt. When you get 4 fo them buring, they do make heat. Then I found 105s. Gosh ! what HEAT ! 105s really do
get hot. I can touch a 105, but not hold it.

Also, when a bulb gets about 600 to 800 hours on it, they start getting even hotter yet put out less lumens. They look the same, but they do not perform the same.

I wish I could find some FACTUAL info on when CFLs need replacing.

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So - 85w cfl`s bulbs could be less hotter. I will try other wires and sockets, because I have a feeling, that they are too week for 85w bulb.

Thank You for you`re help!