flashers&lube for light bulbs

[bill@usps06492]

I am looking for a flasher that can wired into a 120vac circuit for "stop&go" lights used on a loading dock.We are using these small button flashers now that go into the bottom of the screw shell,they burn out to quickly and are a pain to get in and out of the fixtures socket. The flashers cost around $6.00ea and there are 55 bays each with its on set of lights.Would placing a rectifier in the circuit and changing the ac to dc have any effect on making the bulbs last longer
Is there a lube I can put on light bulbs metal screw shell before installing them?

 

[tom baker]

Re: flashers&lube for light bulbs

The traffic signal industry uses a small "brick" solid state flasher. They last for years. They are not UL listed, and would have to be mounted in a small NEMA enclosure, on a back panel (to dissapate heat) with conductive jel. Cost is about $25, they are made by Electro Systems, part TF-9-60, for a ten amp 2 pole flasher.

Also if you use a lamp with a brass base it will be easier to remove. Try a traffic signal lamp, also they are rated for 8,000 hours.

 

[noxx]

Re: flashers&lube for light bulbs

Tom's got all the answers handy, I'm going to have to start bringing all my girlfriend questions here as well.

 

[Guest]

Re: flashers&lube for light bulbs

Tom will have to create that new forum category called "FUN STUFF" for those questions

 

[rrrusty]

Re: flashers&lube for light bulbs

Everyone has some body oil and I suggest that prior to screwing a lamp into a base wipe your finger on the side of your nose or on your forehead and then wipe the oil on to the lamp base; it also works on the fishing pole before you put the 2 pcs together so the pole comes apart easier

 

[rrrusty]

Re: flashers&lube for light bulbs

Also check to see if Crouse Hinds has the signal flashers you are looking for

 

[big jim]

Re: flashers&lube for light bulbs

You might want to investigate replacing your incadescents with LED lamps. We changes our 100+ docks and replacement is now just about nil. They are a little pricy up front but you save big time on maintenance and electricty. You might even find someone who would supply a flashing version - no extra flasher required.