Operation of MR16 Lamps

MR 16 lamps that are rated at 12 volts must be operated at 12 volts (+/- 5%) for best performance. Over or under voltage operation of the lamps can result in reduced lamp life. Over voltage causes the lamp filaments to fail early due to excess tungsten evaporation. Under voltage causes the lamp filaments to fail early due to excess tungsten evaporation. Under voltage can cause the lamp's bulb wall temperature to drop, which will cause an upset in the in the halogen cycle resulting in a blackened bulb wall and short life lamp. Socket damage can be caused by poor contact between the lamp base and fixture socket. Poor contact can result in electrical arcing which can damage the lamp base and fixture or both. Lamp contacts and fixture sockets must make firm mechanical contact to avoid arcing. Fixtures should not be mounted in such a way that ventilation is restricted to lamp or fixture. Poor ventilation may result in early lamp failures. Lamps and fixture sockets must be protected from moisture to prevent early failure or damaged fixture sockets.

CREDIT: Dave Fritz, Philips Lighting Company