Electric lamp with 4 G4 Capsule bulbs. The wattage is not marked on the bulbs. The transformer say 12v 20VA output, so with 4 bulbs in parallel this should mean 5watts each. When using 5W replacements they are substantially dimmer. If I try 10W replacementsthe light seems the same but the transformer cuts out after a while through overheating. While it does reset itself it makes the lamp impractical.
Where have I gone wrong ?
2007-02-12 00:02:43 · 2 answers · asked by theconstantgardener 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
12 volt G4 lamps are available in 5 and 10 watt versions so your transformer will be ok with 4 x 5 watt. 4 x 10 watts would indeed overload and cut out the transformer and they will be less bright due to the voltage drop from the transformer, till it cuts off. I suspect that you have got the lamps mixed up? They are usually marked but the writing is hard to see without a magnifying glass. If you have space fit a new 50/60va transformer then use whichever lamps you prefer.
2007-02-12 00:11:00 · answer #1 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
G4 capsules are available now in 5, 10, 15 and 20 Watt. If your transformer overheats with 10 watt bulbs in, then they would have to be 5 watt originals. The difference in light output could be due to the bulb quality. Try some General Electric G4's and you will see a higher output over say B&Q Generic. (Price is also much higher!)
2007-02-12 09:27:51 · answer #2 · answered by WavyD 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋