Bulb voltage question
 

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

Re: Bulb voltage question
 

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

Re: Bulb voltage question
 

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?

Re: Bulb voltage question
 

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.

Re: Bulb voltage question
 

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

Re: Bulb voltage question
 

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

Re: Bulb voltage question
 

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.

Re: Bulb voltage question
 

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.


[IMG]http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o.../Image0193.jpg[/IMG]



http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o.../Image0183.jpg

Re: Bulb voltage question
 

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, which would be about 35mm diameter?

Re: Bulb voltage question
 

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