My parents have a gas light in front of their house that was converted years ago to run off DC current. The conversion seems to be through some sort of kit. It uses two bulbs that look to be standard
Any idea why the DC ? I know there are transformers that have rectifiers inside (so the output is DC with a lot of ripple), but can't see why it would matter in this application. So you converted to
Jim, My guess is that you are drawing a lot more current for the 2 light bulbs than the door bell chime does. Is there anything on the door bell xformer that lists is current - ie 1A or 200ma? Next y
The cold current calculation (with V = I * R) will be higher than the running current, and this failure occurs after it's been running for a while. The P = E * I is a better indicator of what you are
I think your problem is that the replacement transformer is not up to the job. As others has said you could calculate the cold resistance, but maybe it would be better to measure the current before
Thanks guys. I suspect this is the problem. I did discover shortly after posting this that I was mistaken about the transformers being DC; both the original one and the doorbell ones are AC. Fortunat
If that's the case, it means you are drawing a little over2 amps, P = 24 * 2 = 48. You should be able to find one at radio shack. But I just checked their web site, and I don't see any transformers f
Just as a different way to express what I see as the problem. A doorbell transformer is used for short bursts and not continued use, therefore the 50VA that it is rated is probably not continuous dut
Or if used doesn't bother you, here's a nice unit on flea-bay : http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130202154142 Rated nearly twice what the original was (96va), and clearly continuou
Thanks guys. Lots of good options online. I just came back from a little shopping and nothing seems available locally. Radio Shack does have a 1 amp unit that might do the trick, but I might as well
Good point Randall. I won't go any lower. And while the original did fail, it was around 30 years old. That seems "nearly forever" in electrical terms. http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-24-V-40-VA-Control-Tran
Can't you buy a transformer that is designed for low-voltage exterior lighting? Or: Can't the lamp be rewired to use regular 120 volt bulbs and not need a transformer at all? Doug ___________________
My point of view : 30 years should be just getting started for a transformer. I have several of them in daily use that are pushing 50 (including the main line transformer for my house); and others t
I'm with Randall. An AC/AC transformer is just a hunk of iron with wire wrapped around it. No moving parts, not much that can fail. As long as they don't overheat, and don't get exposed to weather, t
Jim: Take a look at what these guys have to offer. Follow through to the "transformer" pages. Some nice heavy duty options. I have always been satisfied with their stuff. Reliable and fast delivery.
Agreed, but who knows what else is in there that won't last 30 years... some glues or something holding it together, some primitive plastic insulators, who knows. Something gets old and cracks, humid
The original ones does say "Warning: Fused secondary. Do not short." so there is a little more than iron and wire in there. I have thought about opening it up and seeing if the fuse could be replaced
If the new one lasts 30 years, will anyone on this list care when it breaks?Rich White St. Joseph, IL USA '63 TR3B TCF587L That ain't a scrap pile, that is my car! See it moves! _____________________
My father will be 121 and my mother 120. I doubt they will be too concerned. I, on the other hand, will be a young and active 85 and plan on driving by the house regularly to make sure the light is s