I want to make some accessory lights on my car brighter. They're made for a 12V battery. My limited knowledge of physics tells me that if the voltage stays the same and the resistance stays the same (no change to wires), then I'd have to increase the current. How do I do this? Would a higher power output make the light brighter at all? I can't wrap my brain around any correlation between power and luminous flux (perceived brightness).

Or would simply moving the bulb closer to its reflector help? Right now it's close to the edge of the reflector.

3/27/2008 10:02:20 AM

Quote :

"f the voltage stays the same and the resistance stays the same (no change to wires)"

V=I*R

If you don't change the voltage or the resistance, the current will stay constant. If have to change at least one.

3/27/2008 10:05:58 AM

Why not just get a bulb with a higher wattage?

3/27/2008 10:10:16 AM

So would I need something like an amplifier? Does that increase voltage?
^I don't think the bulb comes in any higher wattage.

[Edited on March 27, 2008 at 10:11 AM. Reason : ^]

3/27/2008 10:10:50 AM

lamps dim over time

just replace them more frequently if you want them brighter

3/27/2008 10:49:54 AM

or find bulbs with filaments that produce more light per watt.

3/27/2008 10:52:44 AM

^ (typically results in thinner, shorter lasting, but brighter)
(or replace with LED's)

[Edited on March 27, 2008 at 10:58 AM. Reason : l]

3/27/2008 10:57:35 AM

Most likely the light you're using is not a filament bulb if it's in a car. It's probably halogen. Xenon or LED lights will be a good deal brighter for the same power- well good ones that is. Anyways, get a high efficiency (lumens or candles per watt) light like some of these:

http://www.superbrightleds.com/led_prods.htm

or

http://www.eautoworks.com/html/lbu-Light~bulbs-Signal.Corner.Tail~and~accessories~bulbs.htm

Or wherever. Again, higher wattage isn't going to help if you end up blowing fuses in your car. Make sure it'll opperate in the same voltage range as whatever your replacing. Try to get something that draws similar current but gets more lumens or candles per watt.

[Edited on March 27, 2008 at 11:11 AM. Reason : ]

3/27/2008 11:11:13 AM

check out these guys

http://www.oznium.com/

3/27/2008 1:30:18 PM