How far can I push her (voltage for lighting)

joey_d1119 · Post by **joey_d1119** » Mon Aug 15, 2005 4:33 am

Hello,
I just wired up my Reliant Ive been working on. I have 8 smaller light bulbs rated at 12 volts, and 2 larger light bulbs rated at 6.3 volts. I have it hooked up to a 12 volt ac adapter. The light coming from the bulbs is alright, but not bright enough. I am thinking of hooking it up to a 14 or 16 volt ac adapter. With the power spread out over 10 light bulbs how much voltage can I pump into it safely

Scott Hasty · Post by **Scott Hasty** » Mon Aug 15, 2005 6:03 am

Depends on how they are hooked-up. I would trash the 19th century technology (bulbs) and get LED's. Also, check the voltage coming off the wall wart. If it's a cheap one, you probably have more than 12V coming off of it.

Scottie

Umi_Ryuzuki · Post by **Umi_Ryuzuki** » Mon Aug 15, 2005 12:39 pm

Running the bulbs on higher voltage will burn them out faster.
The 6volt bulbs may not handle it at all, and may need a voltage regulator to prevent instant burn out. Additional heat also becomes a factor.

Bladerunner wrote:Tyrell: The light that burns twice as bright burns for half as long and you have burned so very, very brightly Roy.

joey_d1119 · Post by **joey_d1119** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 1:15 am

Ok, but if you have 10 light bulbs and your putting 12 volts onto those 10 bulbs, each bulb is only recieving 1.2 volts. The 12 volts are spread out among the 10. Which means that I could go to a higher voltage. Lets say I get a 60 volt ac adapter...which I wont, but at 60 volts, and 10 light bulbs, each bulb is only getting 5 volts a piece, well under the rated voltage for the bulb.

Umi_Ryuzuki · Post by **Umi_Ryuzuki** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 3:28 am

For some reason I just assumed you had them wired in parallel.

Scott Hasty · Post by **Scott Hasty** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:29 am

Ummm, why would you get a 60V adaptor? And why AC? I've never seen miniature bulbs rated for AC.

If need be (since LED's appear out of the question), I suggest you wire your bulbs in parallel. Of course since you have bulbs with two different voltage ratings, it will become complicated to get each bulb it's maximum voltage.

It would be far easier to use LED's....

Scottie