Is there a reference anywhere that gives the specifications on the different types of Western Electric switchboard lamps? Lots of lamps show up on eBay and I'd Like to know if they'd be suitable for my needs.
I think there was only 2 types. 24 volt and 48 volt
your power supply dictates which you need
Quote from: RB on June 25, 2019, 05:29:00 PM
I think there was only 2 types. 24 volt and 48 volt
your power supply dictates which you need
You can run the 48v lamps on 24v. They will be dimmer than with 48v, but they will last a lot longer.
I have seen a BSP on Lamps. I would try a google search of the TCI library.
Western Electric Switchboard Lamps
Carbon Filament
===============
current
code volts min max
2C 15 .103 .12
2E 20 .09 .12
2F 12 .105 .12
2G 24 .075 .115
2J 24 .018 .033
2K 30 .09 .12
2R 18 .09 .12
2T 40 .034 .046
2U 24 .035 .048
2W 18 .035 .045
2Y 48 .03 .042
Tungsten Filament
=================
A1 24 .033 .045
A2 24 .075 .105
B2 18 .036 .048
C2 36 .032 .044
E1 6 .033 .045
E2 6 .27 .31 (replaces 2H)
E3 6 .12 .16 (replaces 2H)
F1 4 .17 .21 (replaces 2A)
F2 4 .27 .31 (replaces 2B)
G1 8 .085 .10 (replaces 2P)
G2 8 .035 .05
H1 16 .27 .31 (replaces 2D)
J1 10 .23 .27 (replaces 2L)
K1 30 .033 .045
K2 30 .032 .044
51A 10 .035 .045 (for key phones)
****************************************
from TCI library -- Component Specifications --
https://www.telephonecollectors.info/index.php/browse/wiring-diagrams/western-electric/component-specifications
https://www.telephonecollectors.info/index.php/browse/wiring-diagrams/western-electric/component-specifications/2367-component-specifications-slamps-tl
A simple TCI Library search also works.
https://www.telephonecollectors.info/index.php/search?q=switchboard+lamps (https://www.telephonecollectors.info/index.php/search?q=switchboard+lamps)
The WE Card Catalog is also a good reference:
http://catalog.spmh.us/ (http://catalog.spmh.us/)
One of several cards: http://catalog.spmh.us/weco-catalog/lamps,%20A%20B%20E%20J%20K%20M,%201,%201989-01-01.jpg (http://catalog.spmh.us/weco-catalog/lamps,%20A%20B%20E%20J%20K%20M,%201,%201989-01-01.jpg)
FYI, just to remind all you guys... there is a source for the new LED lamps, www.superbrightleds.com They have the T2 lamps in 12-24 volt and are available in Green, Red, Yellow (Amber), Blue, and White. They work great in a switchboard setting because they are slightly longer then the regular 51A lamps and are high intensity so they can be used behind a colored lens. I use them in my alarm panel which uses the same type lamp holders that a 550 series switchboard uses. as far as a 48 volt version? not that I have found yet...
I am old school. Use the proper lamps until you run out, then source NOS from somewhere. LED alternates are an interesting sideview. But, by the time collectors run out of proper lamps , the technology will be somewhere else.
JMO, Jim
Ok, my ignorance is showing again... :-[
why on earth, would you need so many different voltages for lamps? ???
There has to be a tuning issue there somewhere???
Yeh, I agree Jim. those lamps will last forever! all the lamps I have never been pushed to their full potential. even the 51A lamps don't burn out... haven't had to buy lamps forever except to try the LEDs. I basically bought those because of the colors... behind a white lens... you can add a good amount of color to your switchboard if you want to!
lamps selected for power supply voltages and possible loop length
and that reminds me.... are some of those lamps wired in series with the actual phone line? I've forgotten the wiring on a switchboard... so used to seeing things controlled through relays!
Thanks for the great information. I always have trouble searching in TCI library due to ineptness on my part.
The builds in my 2 555s are K2.
The station lights are indeed tied to the RING side through switches.
The trunk/incoming call side light is also, but after a series of relays operate.
on a 555 board, anyway...
So...it does look like the bulbs were tuned to the loop length.
New wrinkle in the brain!
Yup! then LEDS won't work in that situation... unless the circuit is modified to accept them...
Quote from: Fabius on June 26, 2019, 09:50:10 PM
The builds in my 2 555s are K2.
Opps ??? Bulbs, not builds