120 Volt Vs. 130 Volt

Voltage Output

Light voltage in the United States is typically 120 volts. However, 130-volt lamps are still manufactured.

120 Volt Light

A 120-volt lamp is considered a standard lamp. These lamps are designed for sockets in buildings and homes. Although a 120-volt lamp directly plugged into a 120-volt socket may be susceptible to power surges, surge protectors are available.

130 Volt Light

All 130-volt lamps can be plugged into a socket like normal. However, the light will be dimmer because of the inefficiency of the voltage. But this also means the bulbs will last longer. They are also less likely to burn out when there is a power outage. If a 120-volt socket surges to 125 volts, then a 120-volt lamp will burn out the bulb. On the other hand, the 130-volt lamp will not. Although 130-volt lamps may last more than twice as long as 120-volt bulbs, but they will produce about 10 percent less light than 120-volt bulbs of the same wattage.