How bright is a 16v bulb compared to a 12volt?

[JaniceG]

Is a 16 volt bulb less bright than a 12 volt when hooked up to the same transformer? In the living room of the Bobbi, I have a chandalier with a 12 volt bulb. I also want to have a hurricane lamp in the staircase nook. Right now the lamp has a 12 volt bulb and it is so bright, it's just not creating the ambience that I want.

My only thought was to try a 16 volt bulb, which I'll have to order. Can anyone advise me on created different levels of light? The hurricane lamp had a clear glass shade which I frosted to try to tone it down. It worked a little, but not enough. Thanks for any ideas.

[jujurodgers]

I dont know but in RL i had a ceiling light that was frosted white and i didnt like it so i actually took acrylic and lightly washed it so it was more amber colored and it works, so assume it would also work for your DH light? I did it on the outside of the shade thingy

[mesp2k]

According to HBS - How To Guide:

Excessive operating voltage shortens the long term life of a 12V bulb. Most transformers start with a higher voltage (between 13 and 14V) with no load, and reach the stated output voltage when supplying the rated output voltage. When using Mid-size Transformer, which will handle 20 to 26 light bulbs, at least 10 bulbs should be in use to maintain the long life of the bulbs. While you are attaching your lights, do not leave the lights on for any length of time until you have at least 10 lights installed. If your project calls for less than 10 lights, purchase a smaller transformer. Your lights work best and last longer when they are using the voltage output of the transformer.

:thumb:

[JaniceG]

Okay - so this is what I found on the Cir-kit web site:

The 12-volt bulbs should be used in locations where bright illumination is necessary and the 16-volt bulbs in areas where a soft, non-glaring light is preferred. The grain-of-rice (GOR) bulbs are ideal for those applications where minimum bulb size is desirable.

Although all bulbs are warranted for 5,000 hours it should be noted that a 16-volt bulb will last immeasurably longer than a similar 12-volt bulb when connected across 12 volts. This is because the 16-volt bulb draws less current and thus generates less heat, the prime detriment to long bulb life.

So I am going to order some 16v to have on hand. In the meantime, I am tearing up one of those craft "octopus" lights and am planning to run all of my "mood lighting" pieces to the battery pack. The LED lights have just the right amount of glow, and my soldering iron is burning a hole in my pocket, ha.

My transformer is a 10 watt, but I guess I shouldn't be using it with just the two lights I already have wired :thumb: I'd better hurry up and finish!