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From: Don Dement (no email)
Date: Wed Aug 18 1999 - 23:02:12 EDT
I've used halogen bulbs for other purposes, not running lights. Sounds like a
very good deal you've described.
However -- there's always a however -- I've had three halogens of various types
burn out after only a few minutes (!) on a fresh battery. That was a few years
ago, so maybe there's some industry experience by now to make them a bit more
voltage-rugged.
I'd be concerned that they might be designed with a lifetime based on a 12.6v
or less battery, but when you're running the engine your system will be
operating at 13.6 to 14.4 if your batteries are in a charging part of the
cycle. That would surely shorten life, but it would apply to any bulb.
So the real question seems to be whether halogens are more tolerant of higher
voltages, agiven equal situations otherwise. Even if they pop quickly, at that
price you might come out ahead if replacement (at night in an awkward place) is
not too difficult.
Speaking of lifetime, you can't touch the bulb's glass as you probably know.
Your fingerprint will cause rapid failure, so factor that into the replacement
scenario. You just wear rubber gloves or use a paper towel if you have to press
them into place.
Be sure your light fixtures can stand the additional heat. Yes, I know, they're
using less power, but the bulb surface gets a lot hotter and can melt plastic
if its too close. Running lights being outside should alleviate this situation
as long as there's some room inside the fixture.
But, back to money. Why do "ordinary" bulbs cost $13? And as to "energy hogs,"
comparison of the numbers you gave don't show a lot of difference. 23 watts
versus 20 watts -- 15 percent? Used four at a time (port, stbd, steaming,
stern) that's only 12 watts more for ordinary bulbs; or at 12V, a 1 amp excess
(over a load of 6.7 amps for halogens). Minor.
The replacement sockets and your labor must be considered zero value for this
to be a bargain; but bottom line, if they last, the conversion really could be
a bargain over the long haul.
Regards --- Don Dement -- Annapolis
Jim Isbell wrote:
> The 23 watt 21CP 12 volt tungsten lights in my side lights are $13 a pop
> and they are energy hogs.
>
> I have aquired some 20 watt 25CP 12 volt halogen bulbs ($1.00) that put out
> more light for less current and have a very long lifetime. I am now
> retrofitting my running lights.
>
> Anyone out there ever use halogen bulbs?
> Cheers
>
> Jim Isbell
>
> http://members.tripod.com/~Jim_Isbell/
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