In a message dated 6/4/03 9:46:47 AM, freeholder@STARBAND.NET writes:

<< Using relays provides more voltage to the stock lights and makes them
brighter. >>

. . . and just like a nova, they burn brightest right before they go kaboom.
One trick the hucksters use when selling "long life" incandescent lamps is to
package standard duty130 V. lamps for the consumers to light their back
porches from 120 V. mains.  Oh, they do last much longer . . . at about 40% less
intensity.  The question which comes to mind is what is the true operating
voltage rating of an automotive lamp?  Is the 12 V. nominal or actual?  If the
power, intensity and life ratings are based on 12 V., then running a lamp at 13.5
volts will certainly produce more light.  But, will a trip through a pothole
also make the lamp more likely to succumb to the lure of the Dark Force?

George