More lighting help needed

[Manilaboy]

I have a Track Light head that will make an excellent adjustable reading lamp.
The rating printed on the head reads: 120V 60Hz 20 Amp. My question before I buy a
MR16 50 Watt lamp is:

Is there any way to test the ballast with a multi-meter?

Also, is there any way to use a dimmer switch/potentiometer/variable resistor with this ballasted lamp?


Thanks, Manilaboy

 

[john monks]

The MR16 50w light is a 12 volt bulb.
By the ballast I assume you mean the transformer.
If this is the case you just need to plug it in and check the output, where the bulb plugs in as verify that you have 12 volts.

120V at 20 amps is 2400 watts. Something is wrong.

 

[CocaCola]

The MR16 50w light is a 12 volt bulb.

Or 120V bulb...

The MR16 designation is more a description vs a specific designation...

MR = multifaceted reflector
16 = the diameter

The sockets have different spacing depending on the rated voltage...

 

[CocaCola]

Back to the OP question this is a mains rated bulb, there should be no 'transformer' or 'ballast' in the lamp for this bulb, it runs directly off the mains... Thus any over the counter light dimmer will work...

Now if it's running 12V bulbs that is a different story, but most of them can be dimmed as well with just a regular dimmer...

 

[Manilaboy]

Thanks John & Coca Cola

The sticker that is on the back of the light head should be on the inside of the track.
After researching on internet, I found images from E bay + a phone number to Cal Lighting whom I will call regarding this after they open and after I test w/ multi meter.
Thanks again guys!
Manilaboy