Feit Electric’s General product line offers energy-saving lighting products, including LED bulbs, fixtures, and smart home lighting solutions. The lineup ranges from basic replacement bulbs to motion-activated smart models, targeting contractors who need affordable lighting options but face documented reliability trade-offs.
Smart Features Meet Basic Bulb Design
The standout in Feit’s General line is model OM605CCTCAMMLED — a motion-activated A19 bulb with 800 lumens output, adjustable white color temperature, and a 17,000-hour rated lifespan. This bulb detects motion and automatically illuminates, making it practical for Montana’s unheated garages, workshops, and exterior fixtures where leaving lights on wastes energy and shortens bulb life.
Feit Electric emphasizes its smart home compatibility and energy-saving features, with smart bulbs controllable via apps and voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. The company’s “no hub required” approach means these Wi-Fi-enabled bulbs connect directly to home networks — simpler installation than competing systems that require separate bridge hardware.
These smart LED bulbs provide convenience through remote management, scheduling, and automation, with WiFi-enabled models that are color-changing and compatible with smart home systems. For contractors installing in rental properties or commercial spaces, the motion-sensing models reduce callbacks about lights left burning.
The Quality Reality Check
Many consumers report significant quality issues, including early failures, flickering, and dead units shortly after installation, especially with products purchased from Costco. Experts highlight that LED failures often stem from heat-related damage to internal drivers rather than the LEDs themselves, and improper installation or use in enclosed fixtures can exacerbate this problem.
A review on ComplaintsBoard from November 2023 mentions that some customers have experienced short lifespans with Feit Electric bulbs, especially low-energy recessed ceiling lights, which failed earlier than expected compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. The company maintains an average 4.8 star rating based on reviews and complaints, suggesting satisfied customers exist alongside the vocal critics.
On Trustpilot, the company has a low TrustScore of 2.2 out of 5, with some customers reporting issues with product quality. The pattern is clear — Feit delivers on features and price but struggles with longevity compared to premium brands.
General Line Specifications
The General purpose lineup covers standard residential applications:
| Model Type | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|
| A19 Motion-Activated (OM605CCTCAMMLED) | 800 lumens, 8.8W, 17,000 hr lifespan | Motion sensor, adjustable white, enclosed fixture rated |
| CA10 Flame Tip Candelabra | 500 lumens, 60W equivalent | LED filament design, classic appearance |
| A19/A21 Standard Bulbs | Energy-efficient LED, long-lasting performance | Standard sizes compatible with most fixtures |
Key products include smart RGB color-changing bulbs with tunable white light, highly rated for Wi-Fi connectivity and ease of use, and energy-efficient dimmable LED options like the 5000K daylight bulbs and soft white floodlights.
Their products are designed for easy DIY installation, offering features such as voice control compatibility, customizable color and brightness settings, and significant energy savings (up to 84%). Most products are backed by warranties of 1 to 5 years.
The Bottom Line for Contractors
Feit Electric operates as a family-owned business emphasizing innovation and affordability, with one of the first companies to bring CFL and LED technologies to market. Their “affordable pricing - products everybody can afford” philosophy drives the value proposition but also explains the quality compromises.
Feit Electric is recognized for offering affordable and versatile LED lighting options with widespread availability in major retail stores. While they provide a broad product range suitable for budget-conscious consumers, their focus is primarily on affordability and variety rather than premium quality.
For Montana contractors, Feit’s General line works for non-critical applications where upfront savings matter more than 10-year reliability. The motion-activated models solve real problems in cold-climate utility spaces. Smart features add genuine value for tech-forward customers. But for installations where callbacks cost money — high-end homes, commercial work, hard-to-reach fixtures — the documented failure rates suggest spending more on proven brands.
The bulbs carry DLC ratings and work in both indoor and outdoor applications, handling Montana’s temperature swings. Just don’t expect them to last their rated lifespans in demanding applications. Price them accordingly, set customer expectations, and keep warranty documentation handy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Feit Electric bulbs suitable for enclosed fixtures? Yes, specific models like the OM605CCTCAMMLED motion-activated bulb are rated for enclosed fixtures. However, improper use in enclosed fixtures can exacerbate heat-related failures in LED drivers, so verify each model’s rating before installation.
Q: How long do Feit Electric LED bulbs actually last? The motion-activated A19 model claims a 17,000-hour lifespan, but customer reviews report early burnout and failures, especially with recessed ceiling lights that failed earlier than expected compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Real-world lifespan varies significantly based on application.
Q: Do Feit smart bulbs require a hub? No, Feit’s smart bulbs feature “no hub required” Wi-Fi connectivity. These Wi-Fi-enabled bulbs connect directly to home networks and work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant through the Feit Electric app.
Q: What causes Feit LED bulbs to fail prematurely? LED failures often stem from heat-related damage to internal drivers rather than the LEDs themselves. Improper installation or use in enclosed fixtures can exacerbate this problem. The driver circuitry fails before the LED chips in most cases.
Q: Are Feit bulbs worth buying for rental properties? Feit Electric delivers affordable LED options with widespread retail availability, focusing primarily on affordability and variety rather than premium quality. For rental properties where low upfront cost matters most and tenants handle replacements, they’re acceptable. For owner-maintained properties, consider higher-quality alternatives.
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