Is voltage important replacing halogen bulb?

[Dugie]

Hi,

My wife has a halogen desk lamp with SBE e101956 stamped on it. That's the
only indication of make or model. It takes one J type bulb, up to 100W, and
states 120 volt. It also has a dim & a bright setting.

The new bulb I bought is 130 volts, type J, and it fits and works.

Questions:
- does using 130 v, rather than 120, matter?

- the new bulb states, "Use in systems that do NOT feature a voltage
transformer connected directly to the main volt supply. (110/120V)."
I don't understand what this means, and don't know how to determine if the
lamp has such a transformer.
How can I tell about the transformer? Does having a two-setting switch
indicate a transformer? I measured the voltage (without a bulb) at the
contacts, and it doesn't change when the switch is moved. I think it was
around 109v.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Dugie

 

[Dugie]

Thanks! As long as it's safe.

Dugie

The voltage of the bulb being a bit higher is OK, provided it does not
exceed 100 watts. The dimmer is probably an electronic one that reduces
duty cycle, even a simple diode will act as a lamp dimmer. I doubt there
is a transformer. Those are usually 12 - 14 volt applications.

I think you are fine.