I'm pretty handy with DIY projects, but I hit a snag when wiring up this lamp. It's blowing the bulbs, and I've narrowed it down to three components. The lamp plugs into a standard home outlet (120V), but I'm not sure which part might be causing the issue. Here's what I've got:
1. **Cord + Plug**: I picked this up from a thrift store, cut it off from an old lamp. It tested fine before—it's tinned copper, SPT-2, rated for 105°C and 300V.
2. **Socket + Wires**: This is a G4 bi-pin ceramic socket, it can handle up to 2A and is rated between 12-250V, with a maximum wattage of 100W.
3. **Bulb**: I'm using a G4 LED bulb that operates on 12V and pulls 1.5W, compatible with both AC and DC stable 12V inputs.
The bulb seems to be the problem since the others are rated for higher voltages. I'm not seeing any markings for polarity on the wires, so I considered switching them, but I want to check in first before making it permanent. I used electrical tape to test the connections, but I plan to use butt splicers for the final setup. Any insight would be appreciated!
3 Answers
Yep, the problem is definitely that 12V LED bulb on a 120V supply. The cord and socket should be fine as they're rated for higher voltages. You'll need to either get a proper bulb for your setup or use a transformer to safely step down the voltage. Just be cautious out there!
The main issue here is that you're trying to use a 12V bulb with a 120V outlet. The bulb isn't designed for such high voltage, which is why it's blowing out! You'll need to get a bulb that’s compatible with 120V to prevent this from happening. Be really careful with mains voltage; it can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing!
Honestly, it's risky to mess with mains voltage if you’re unsure of what you're doing. You have a 12V bulb, which is designed for a much lower voltage than what your outlet provides. Definitely look into a transformer or get a bulb that can handle the 120V. Please read up on electrical safety; it's really important!