Bulb voltage question

[Speedy Claire]

This might sound a daft question but I don`t like ignorantly messing with electricity/voltage/wattage.

Anyhow (clear my throat and risk looking daft) one of my xmas trees is fibre optic and the bulb seems to be broken. It needs a 20V 10W bulb but I can`t seem to find one in the shops. Would it be safe to put a 20V 20W bulb in? don`t want it blowing up or my house burning down :D

Many thanks

[-Ralph-]

Is there a transformer (power brick) with the tree. It should have a sticker on it which says what output it can handle.

[Speedy Claire]

Is there a transformer (power brick) with the tree. It should have a sticker on it which says what output it can handle.

Good job you asked that:D

ok (said sheepishly) it`s a 12V not 20V

The sticker says Bulb: 12V 10W and rated voltage/wattage 12V 12W so i`m guessing that means that I can`t put a bulb higher than 12W in?

[-Ralph-]

Good job you asked that:D

ok (said sheepishly) it`s a 12V not 20V

The sticker says Bulb: 12V 10W and rated voltage/wattage 12V 12W so i`m guessing that means that I can`t put a bulb higher than 12W in?

You might get away with it, or you might burn out the transformer. I doubt it would catch fire if so, just smoke a bit, then stop working.

Personally I wouldn't draw 20W from a transformer topping out at 12W, on something that is left unattended and switched on for a length of time. I'm no expert on what would happen, but my gut tells me it's not a good idea.

[keith_d]

If the transformer is only rated at 12VA, then I'd expect it to get rather hot with a 20W bulb. So I wouldn't recommend it.

Try taking the dead bulb down to a car parts shop (not Halfrauds) and see if they have a suitable replacement. You could also put a couple of photos of the bulb on here. Someone might be able to identify it for you.

Keith

[Speedy Claire]

Thanks Keith.. it`s the same sort of bulb as goes in a halogen spotlight and has 2 prongs. I think i`ll do as you suggest and try a car parts shop as there`s one nearby. I do have a 12V 20W halogen bulb but as you say I won`t risk it

[timwilky]

We need a bit more information

Look on something like the CPC web site search for lamp bulbs, halogen and then low voltage. Try to identify it there. I assume it is going to be a capsule lamp bulb but you need to know exactly which fitting.

[Speedy Claire]

Thanks Tim. I`ve been to car parts shop and they didn`t have one. This is a pic of the bulb and where it goes.


http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo148/SpeedyClaire/Image0193.jpg



http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo148/SpeedyClaire/Image0183.jpg

[timwilky]

You need to measure the diameter of bulb. Mr16 ones tend to be 50mm, but I haven't seen any rated at 10w

Is it this, (http://cpc.farnell.com/osram/m200/decostar-35s-10w-wide-flood/dp/LP01313)which would be about 35mm diameter?

[Specialone]

Right Claire, its your lucky day.
Also, the wife has sent you a message on FB about another place she found, but i changed our bulb which was identical to that, got mine from screwfix.
If you have a trade counter by you just take it in there otherwise you will have to order one which may get pricey.

HTH

[Speedy Claire]

Yep thats the one Tim, many thanks. Phil thanks for the advice and i`ll take a look at Claires link

Have just tried 3 supermarkets and 2 shops and none of them have the bulb in stock!

[appollo1]

why go to all the hassle of trying to find a new bulb?


just buy a new tree!!:smt039

[Speedy Claire]

Lol it was considered yesterday after trawling around trying to buy a bulb!!

Have now ordered a couple online so tree should be sparkly again very soon :D