Originally Posted by Arthur P. Bloom:
It's just math and common sense.
All lamps have a maximum voltage rating.
Step 1: determine what that rating is. (the manufacturer usually will provide that info)
Step 2: do not exceed that rating when installing the lamps.
Use a voltmeter to measure the supply before blowing out any more lamps.
Use a variable supply (either AC or DC) and gradually increase the voltage, while watching the voltmeter, and set the supply at a level that is appropriate.
My experience is that very few accessory lamps are rated at 18 volts. Most are rated at 10-12 volts.
Thanks Art. I have a small transformer that would let me set a lower voltage on all the lights so I will try that as well the variable DC.
