Dim Lightbulbs

[kwerges]

When turning the lights on in my 1975 42' Convertible's engine room, the two rear bulbs come on, but only very, very dimly. I recall reading previously that it could be corroded connections, but the connections look good. Couldn't find any related threads on the forum with a search. The boat is all 12v, so I don't think I confused any bulbs. Any thoughts?

[luckydave215]

I saw the thread title and thought it was about me.......
You have low voltage or high resistance connections (or both) somewhere.
OR,,,24v bulbs in those sockets.

[Fanfare]

Or, if the filament is just barely glowing red, it is a 120v bulb in a 12v hole. Guess how I know this...

[REBrueckner]

I would guess fanfare has the answer...

Take out one of the dimly lit bulbs, screw/insert it in a location where an existing bulb is nice and bright....if it glows dim in the new spot, it's the wrong voltage bulb....could also be a 32 volt in a 12 volt system, for example...

[kwerges]

Okay, the 120v bulb in a 12v socket has the best probability. And here comes another dumb question, but the bulb and socket look like a standard household screw-in bulb. Do they make a 12v bulb that looks like a standard 120v bulb? I ask only because I don't ever recall seeing one...

[StratPlan61]

Yes, various manufacturers produce light bulbs in numerous voltages using a standard household size socket. Many of us could relate with your problem 'for reasons I dare not disclose' ha, ha, ha, . . . . . . . . .

[luckydave215]

Yeah, how do we know??
And I personally can attest that 12V bulbs glow real bright when you insert them into a 110V socket.....for about a millisecond.

[Pascal]

yep, DC bulbs look the same and have the same sockets. Mine is 32v but i'm always careful to check voltage when replacing a bulb...

otherwise, corrosion in teh switch, or elsewhere in the circuit. and make sure your batteries aren't low and that everything else work.

few weeks ago i foudn low voltage on a light bulb, checked around, voltage was low everywhere. quickly found a loose terminal on one of the batteries

[kwerges]

Thanks for the info, and the help. Glad to hear I wasn't the first, or second, or.....

[REBrueckner]

Having blown my share 12volt bulbs in 120 volt outlets over the years, as soon as I bring 12volt bulbs aboard I now label the bulb glass with magic marker "12 V" and also encircle the screw base with the red or black marker....But once in the correct voltage outlet, they last a good long time....

And I have not blown one since starting the labeling....

[kwerges]

Okay, I guess I was the dim bulb. Put 12v bulbs in and everything works! Thanks for the help. I can see again...