BULB DISCUSSION BOARDS > Modern Electric Lighting

Neon flicker-flame lamps

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Justin:
Thanks for your replies.

--- Quote ---IME, the voltage accross a neon lamp tends to increase as the lamp ages.
Here in the UK with 230/240 volt mains, this does not matter within reason. If the lamp voltage increases from say 85 volts to 125 volts, the lamp will still light, though slightly dimmer since there will be less voltage accross the internal dropper resistor.

In the USA with only 120 volt mains supply, the lamp voltage might increase to the point where the lamp wont strike reliably or at all.

Neon flicker lamps in the UK seem reliable, often lasting 10 years or more, suggesting this may be line voltage related.
--- End quote ---
This may be a line voltage issue as the lamps fail to strike and will only strike if I flick them when the electrodes are vibrating.

Perhaps I should try running one of thrse at 240V?

adam2:
I would strongly advise against connecting a 120 volt lamp to a 240 volt supply.
What you could try is use of a 240 volt supply and a series resistor so as to limit the current to the normal running current.

Take a known good lamp and measure the current used at 120 volts.
Then select a suitable value resistance to drop 120 volts at this current, ensure that the wattage is sufficient.
The connect a suspect lamp in series with this resistor to a 240 volt supply.

Justin:

--- Quote from: adam2 on September 21, 2011, 07:46:12 am ---I would strongly advise against connecting a 120 volt lamp to a 240 volt supply.
What you could try is use of a 240 volt supply and a series resistor so as to limit the current to the normal running current.

Take a known good lamp and measure the current used at 120 volts.
Then select a suitable value resistance to drop 120 volts at this current, ensure that the wattage is sufficient.
The connect a suspect lamp in series with this resistor to a 240 volt supply.

--- End quote ---
I'm also having a hard time finding a lamphoulder rated for use on 240.

Justin:
I was outside watching some of these tonight while it was getting dark and it appears they all light at once and once my lights(which are on different circuts and different legs btw) switched on,  some of the flicker lamps stopped flickering and went out.

As for running a lamp on 240V, I have a second resistor from a broken lamp I plan on putting in series. 
For all that don't know, Americans are fed from a Center-Tapped 240V supply.

Thanks all so-far for replies!

migette:
Hi

Have picked up in the past lamps from India they were in like a moulded base hooked up to what looked like telephone wire. Needless to say they would of not passed any safety checks and must of come in via the back door,however the bulbs worked fine and with a proper base es or bc they worked fine using the carbon resistor 20k or thereabouts. Picked up a light fitting made in Russia with 2 flicker candles good lamps useless resistors changed those and run ok. Lastly unlike normal Beehives these tend not to blacken with age. Hope this helps    Peter (migette) elsewhere

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