Electrical – Bulb replacement in a car 12V 60mA vs 14V 65mA

automotiveincandescentlight

The climate control in my car needs to have some backing lighting bulbs replaced. Can I use a 14V 65mA bulb instead of the 12V 60mA bulb that is suggested by other people who have replaced these bulbs? Not sure but I believe the orginal burnt out bulb is a 12V 70mA. Anyone forsee any problems using the 14V bulb. Thanks!

Best Answer

I don't see a problem in using that 14V bulb just so long as its current rating is about the same as the one to be replaced. It may not be quite so bright but I doubt if you will notice.

But consider this: an automotive bulb may be rated at 12V but it is designed to work across the range of voltages present on the car electrical system. With the engine running fast the alternator will output at least 14V. With the engine stopped the battery provides a voltage between 11V and 13V depending on its state of charge. Your 12V bulb is designed to work across this range of voltages. You could even call a 12V bulb "14V" because for most of the time it is working at 14V. An automotive grade bulb should also be sufficiently robust to withstand the shocks and vibration in a car. A 14V bulb probably isn't automotive grade and may not be quite so robust. Personally I do not see any advantage in using a 14V bulb. Get a good quality 12V bulb and as an instrumentation backlight it should last the life of the car.