14.4volt bulb run it on 12 or 24 volts??

[johnjem]

the bulbs in my shifter console that light up are GE 53 bulbs i cked it out and they are 14.4volts what would be best hooking them up to 12.   or 24, where they are 14.4 v i could almost go ether way any ideas?? john   4905

[Barn Owl]

Bulbs are very sensitive to overvoltage. A 14.4 bulb will blow quickly in a 24 volt system. However, it will last a long time at 12v which is what you want when it's in a dash.....HTH

Laryn

[DrivingMissLazy]

And typically the voltage when the battery is charging will be somewhere around 14 volts. Float charge is typically 13.8 volts. So the voltage of 14.4 is correct for your nominal 12 volt vehicle.
Richard

Bulbs are very sensitive to overvoltage. A 14.4 bulb will blow quickly in a 24 volt system. However, it will last a long time at 12v which is what you want when it's in a dash.....HTH

Laryn

[Barn Owl]

I hope I wasn't confusing when I when I use the term 12v so loosely. I use it as a generic term for the voltages you would see in an automotive 12v system.

[gus]

The bulb will be dim on 12v, probably not enough to notice. And, as already said, it will be really bright for about one eye blink on 24v.

True 12v bulbs are rated at 12v. Aircraft bulbs are usually rated at 14v to match the ratings of the avionics.