How do light bulbs rated under 25W differ from those over 25W in fire scenarios?

Light bulbs rated under 25 watts typically maintain a vacuum inside the bulb, which plays a crucial role in their operation and safety. The vacuum helps to prevent the filament from oxidizing and burning out quickly, contributing to a longer lifespan for the bulb. In fire scenarios, this characteristic of having a vacuum is significant because it reduces the likelihood of the bulb shattering or exploding upon failure, which can be a risk with higher-wattage bulbs.

Higher-wattage light bulbs, on the other hand, may generate more heat and are often designed with different materials and mechanisms that could lead to different failure modes. While these bulbs can produce more heat, their construction may include glass that is less tolerant of thermal stress, and they might be more likely to shatter or cause ignition when they fail.

Thus, the inherent design differences based on wattage ratings, particularly the maintenance of a vacuum in bulbs under 25 watts, directly influences their behavior in fire scenarios, making this answer the most accurate.