Electrical advice - Strand stage light - which holder?

[Sir Brixalot]

Ages ago I bought a 60s Strand stage light. I left the original bulb in it to keep it authentic but its so powerful that it can't be used as a domestic lamp. Can anyone recommend a bulb holder that I can fit instead for domestic use.

[itchyfeet]

is it just a 240V lamp holder with no ballast?

Edison screw is a typical 'professional' lamp holder and available in ceramic for higher wattages, lamps are readily available because most exterior light fittings use them.

E27 is a 27mm thread and quite common for mid range wattages.


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/E27-ES-or-E14 ... 53f651c18e" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[a1winchester]

Stage lights are usually operated with a controller, a bit like a dimmer switch but more sophisticated. So you don't have to have it on full whack.
I used to buy my gear from Terralec. They often have good offers.

[Sir Brixalot]

Thanks for the advice, no ballast just a ceranic holder. The one in there is 800w and I'm not sure if it's dimmable so I'll look for a domestic bulb.

[clift_d]

Strand made dozens of different types and model of theatre lantern, so it's difficult to give any useful answer without knowing a bit more about what model of Strand lantern you have and what lamp fitting it takes?

Take a look in the Strand Archive and see if you can identify the type / model:

http://www.theatrecrafts.com/archive/contents.php

The older lanterns tended to be identified by their Patt. number.

[Sir Brixalot]

Patt 23 with the funnel type attachment.

[clift_d]

Okay. It has a P28 bayonet fitting for the lamps which look like they're only available as 500W or more. So the easiest options are probably either to replace the lampholder with a ES ceramic lampholder or put a 500W lamp in and put the lantern on a dimmer. In terms of replacement lampholder it's going to be a bit trial and error I'm afraid because I doubt the P28 lampholder has standard fixing centres. In terms of dimmer a 5A one should be sufficient for a lamp upto 1000W. I don't know whether it's worth giving Strand a call and seeing if they have any advice although I doubt it?

[Sir Brixalot]

Never thought of a dimmer, I would have bought one that the existing plug could be put into. Been too hasty and already got rid of the old holder so will go for e27 ceramic. Thanks