We've already assessed that in this apartment, we are getting about 124 volts at the box.
I've had a big problem with regular incandescents blowing, but will soon be replacing them with 130v bulbs (as soon as the current 120v ones burn out). So that problem should be solved.
However, my girlfriend has an iguana that requires two different heat lamps. A 75 watt heat lamp, which is on all the time. Also, a 160 watt sun simulating lamp (which is a self-ballasted mercury vapor lamp), which is on approximately 14 hours a day. The 75 watt bulb has a tendency to blow at least every 2 months, and costs about $5-8 to replace. The 160 watt bulb blows almost every 5-6 months, and costs a whopping $70 to replace.
As you can see, this adds up real quickly. I need to find a solution to this problem.
I have heard someone mention some sort of insert that you can put into a light socket and then put a bulb in it that lowers the output voltage, but I can't seem to find anything about it (I'm not so sure it exists).
The other option we've thought of is plugging both bulbs into a dimmer, and manually lowering the voltage. I've heard though, that some dimmer switches can cause rf interference with other electrical devices. Is this true?
What would be the best way to prevent these bulbs from blowing? Any and all input would be appreciated.
