Off the shelf retail store screw-in LED and CFL bulb comparisons

[SandyFantasyman]

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[PCBuds]

I've decided to replace my lamp sockets.

They were only ~$1 each on Ebay but they are a soft flexible plastic only rated for LED bulbs.

The stranded lamp cord I'm using would just pull out from under the fully tightened screw.

I had to solder the wires.








I'm off to Home Depo for a bunch of these.






They're rated 660 Watts and have two pairs of screws to allow for easy stringing of sockets.

 

[SandyFantasyman]

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[PCBuds]

@PCBuds those look like the ones I use. I've got more than 50 of them in various projects and never had a problem.

The top two pictures are the suckass sockets.

I used ordinary lamp cord, twisted the strands of the stripped wires, put them into the terminal, tightened the screw (which is too short to really tighten up) and the wire pulled out easily.

I tried to solder the wire into the terminal but the plastic melted and the terminal fell right through.

I ended up putting solder on every wire first then the screw would tighten up.

The terminal is designed for solid copper wire.

They don't feel safe to me.
They'd probably melt with a hair dryer blowing on them.

I think they're made out of recycled margarine containers.

 

[SandyFantasyman]

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[PCBuds]

Sorry, I meant the replacements you are buying are the good ones.

Certainly worth a dollar more anyway.


Another problem with cheaper sockets are that the contacts for the bulb are just a bent tab of metal.



I had socket like that (a two way splitter though) and tried to screw in a different bulb but the bottom contact tab was bent in and stayed there.

I had to over tighten the bulb to make contact and the socket started to crack apart.

The better, higher Wattage rated sockets (like porcelain) have much better bulb socket contact with a better spring loaded bottom terminal but they are expensive and heavy.





Actually the porcelain socket is only $3.37 but $8.50 shipping, each.

 

[Andyo]

The top two pictures are the suckass sockets.

I used ordinary lamp cord, twisted the strands of the stripped wires, put them into the terminal, tightened the screw (which is too short to really tighten up) and the wire pulled out easily.

I tried to solder the wire into the terminal but the plastic melted and the terminal fell right through.

I ended up putting solder on every wire first then the screw would tighten up.

The terminal is designed for solid copper wire.

They don't feel safe to me.
They'd probably melt with a hair dryer blowing on them.

I think they're made out of recycled margarine containers.

Over 40+ years of growing ive soldered every wire end .A

 

[HorseBadoritiz]

They were in the lumber section, I'd just never noticed them before. It's not like they are magic, they are just very handy and easy to work with. Seventy cents for a 5 foot long 1" x 1". They are light, strong, drill without cracking, and far less bulky than the 2x2's I'd previously used, which makes for easier wiring, and easier handling and less weight on my tent ceiling.

Answer your question to your satisfaction?

Seems like it. I'm always curious to know what folks are repurposing into their grows.

 

[PCBuds]

Over 40+ years of growing ive soldered every wire end .A

I'm always worried about the heat melting the solder.

I know in high heat applications the wires are crimped or spot welded.

 

[SandyFantasyman]

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[Gantz]

Do you know why you did this?
or is it secret

I didn't have a drill and i couldn't superglue plastic to wood. I used what i had on hand and in worked fine. I checked the thermal resistance of the zipties to make sure they won't melt and they are fine.

It was mostly an improvisation. Did't use it much. I'll get a drill for my next build.

 

[Andyo]

1000w HPS heat ceramic holder

1000w HPS heat ceramic holder

I'm always worried about the heat melting the solder.

I know in high heat applications the wires are crimped or spot welded.

I used solid 1.5 mm wire for 1000 w MH and HPS no need to solder.A

 

[PCBuds]

Another problem with cheaper sockets are that the contacts for the bulb are just a bent tab of metal.

I had socket like that (a two way splitter though) and tried to screw in a different bulb but the bottom contact tab was bent in and stayed there.

I had to over tighten the bulb to make contact and the socket started to crack apart...

This is that socket.



The metal threaded socket part just fell off.
I had to epoxy all of them before I used them

Don't buy the cheap stuff from China.
They're crap and unsafe.

I'm going to install better bulb sockets with more of them so I won't need splitters.


This is my plant now.
It grew right past my side lights with minimal heat damage.

 

[Andyo]

ceramic E27 holder

ceramic E27 holder

Ive found this type holder cheap and efficient


Price 48 cents each on 10 in SE asia

 

[Andyo]

experimenting with led reflectors

experimenting with led reflectors

 

[man0os]

5 weeks in...

 

[man0os]

Wow, next post will be #4000 at page 300��
Amazing thread.

 

[brown_thumb]

3000!!!

 

[3snowboards]

Day 29
Pre 98 bubba x pink mimosa

Day 4 of flower
Day47from seed
(Romulan x Santa Marta gold) x pink mimossa

 

[kava]

check this out. I know it isnt what you all are thinking but here goes.
I went to work and boss said change the light to work and gave me new bulb.
I had to remove old ballast and rewire power to socket to make it work.
( I am electrician just so you know, not photographer. )