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G8MNY > TECH 26.01.90 09:00l 59 Lines 2292 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 50504_GB7CIP
Subj: Christmas Mains Light Chains
Path: IZ3LSV<IW0QNL<HB9ON<DK0WUE<PD0LPM<VE3CGR<VA3BAL<VE2PKT<VE3KPG<GB7CIP
Sent: 260126/0745Z @:GB7CIP.#32.GBR.EURO #:50504 [Caterham Surrey GBR]
From: G8MNY@GB7CIP.#32.GBR.EURO
To : TECH@WW
By G8MNY (New Dec 06)
(8 Bit ASCII graphics use code page 437 or 850, Terminal Font)
If you are having problems with those plug/screw in Christmas fairy lights
after getting them out from last year here are some tips.
FINDING DUD LAMPS
Use a DIY metal/mains detector to show the mains field along a chain of lamps..
ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿
Fuse ³Detector³
Lamp ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ live dead
LiveÄÄÄ(x)ÄÄÄÄ(x)ÄÄÄÄ(x)ÄÄÄÄ(x)ÄÄÄÄ( )ÄÄÄÄ(x)ÄÄÄÄ(x)ÄÄÄÄ(x)Ä¿
dud lamp ³
NeutralÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ
Provided it is wired correctly and the live wire goes to the first safety lamp,
then the detector will fail when the LIVE electric field disappears at a dud
lamp.
SHORTED LAMPS
Normal chain lamps have shorting link around the oxidised internal lamp wires,
if the lamp sees too high a voltage such as when the filament blows the oxide
layer breaks down the link welds the lamp short. If too many lamps go short the
whole chain will blow in a few seconds, that is why you must have a fuse lamp!
SAFETY FUSE LAMPS
As shown above the 1st lamp in the live circuit should be a fuse bulb. These do
not have the shorting link, and they also have a thinner longer filament. They
are identified with a white frosting on them.
LAMP VOLTAGE
When swapping/changing lamps it is important to get the same current & voltage
lamp. This is easily worked out by counting the number of lamps in the chain &
dividing the supply volts by that. Often 20, 30 or 40 lamp sets are standard,
giving 6, 9 or 12V for 240V mains.
LIFETIME
Lamps run properly will last a long time (500 hours), for longer life, if you
can use more lamps than standard e.g. a 22 chain set instead of 20, may last
twice as long but 20% dimmer.
SAFETY
Do not put these light chains near metal objects like tinsel or metalized
Christmas trees as there is always a chance that bare wire contact can be made.
Also note lamps do get quite hot and any material used nearby must be flame
proof!
See my TECH buls on "LED Test Screwdriver". "Fairy Light Flasher" & "Night
Light Switch".
Why Don't U send an interesting bul?
73 De John, G8MNY @ GB7CIP
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