What is the effect of full voltage on the lights in M.T.H. switch stands and passenger cars?
The bulbs used in the switches are rated at 18v. They can operate at slightly higher voltages, but continuous operation at higher voltages (20-25v) will reduce the average life of the bulb and generate a lot of heat. MTH took the precautions of ensuring that our passenger cars bulbs would work at high constant voltages some time ago. Most passenger car bulbs are rated at 18 volts and so will have full lives running at constant 18v loads or less; others are rated at 14 volts, so will have slightly shortened lives if running at constant voltages higher than that. All passenger cars bulbs made in the last few years have been protected against overheating in a high constant voltage environment.
