BulbCollector Forums
BULB DISCUSSION BOARDS => Antique Bulb Discussion => Topic started by: Chris W. Millinship on December 11, 2002, 03:52:00 pm
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Recently had a couple of GE "W1A" lamps arrive. They look identical to the popular AR-1, and indeed have the same argon fill verified by holding them against a "plasma sphere". The bulbs are a little shorter than the AR-1s I have here, but the difference is not too noticeable. The only markings are the GE Meatball and the W1A designation, printed on the top of the envelope.
Has anyone ever come accross this designation before? And if so, do you know if they`re just the same as AR1s, ie, 120 volts, or if they are another configuration like 240v or direct-drive? With a screw base I would have thought there`d be a resistor in there, but I had a peer down through the stem and it looks like there`s not any ballast resistance. It could be round the side of the neck I suppose, but I can see the one in the 120 volt AR1s through the stem so....?
Suffice to say, I havn`t tried to power one yet. Not having seen that particular designation before, and knowing the current market value of the more common AR-1, I won`t do unless I know for sure what its operating requirements are. Don`t want to blow one to bits (http://www.bulbcollector.com/ubb/eek.gif)
I`d take a photo to prove it but my Webcam system is hogging the video board. Maybe later tonight?
(http://www.bulbcollector.com/ubb/wink.gif)
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visit my world of electrical things that glow! (http://electriclights.tripod.com)
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A number of years ago the designations for standard neon and argon lamps were changed for whatever reason? This list should help you decode the new numbers:
AR-1 = W1A
AR-3 = J2A
AR-9 = K4A
NE-2 = A1B
NE-2D = C7A
NE-2H = C2A
NE-2J = C9A
NE-17 = B5A
NE-21 = B6A
NE-30 = J5A
NE-32 = L5A
NE-34 = R2A
NE-40 = R6A
NE-42 = R9A
NE-45 = B7A
NE-47 = B8A
NE-48 = B9A
NE-51 = B1A
NE-51H = B2A
NE-56 = J9A
NE-57 = F3A
NE-58 = F4A
NE-79 = R1A
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Tim
Kilokat's Antique Light Bulb Site (http://www.bulbcollector.com)
Mountain Dew Collectibles, Volume I (http://www.dewcollector.com)
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Thanks Tim, that is a great help (http://www.bulbcollector.com/ubb/smile.gif)
So, these are just more recent issues of the AR1 lamps. Might explain why I can`t see a big wirewound donut in the base too. It`s probably done differently these days?
OK here we go then, I`m going to screw one in over there.....adapter? where`s the adapter? ah, there it is.....in goes the plug.....yay (http://www.bulbcollector.com/ubb/biggrin.gif)
Can`t have been lit for some time as the discharge is patchy round the edges, but I reckon it`ll come up just fine.
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visit my world of electrical things that glow! (http://electriclights.tripod.com)