Changing Thomas Safelight bulb

[AdLumen]

The bulb in my Thomas safelight will not turn. I know that there are two prongs that stick out from the base of the bulb. I'm afraid of breaking the glass by trying to turn it. What's the secret?
Thanks!

 

[rthollenbeck]

There is mercury in that bulb. Don't break it. You could drill the rivet (or remove the screw) that holds the socket in place. Then replace that whole unit.
Do you have another bulb..... that bulb is exclusively made for those. Putting another bulb in there will not yeild the same results, I don't think it will work at all. I think I know someone who has a replacement. Problem is you'd have to pick it up. It's not legal to ship those bulbs.

 

[George Nova Scotia]

I don't know about the bulb containing mercury but it does contain Sodium. Not the friendly kinds but metallic sodium - highly reactive with water. The instructions for disposal of the bulb say to place it in a large container outside, break the glass and the add water with a hose from a distance. Once the the sodium is done reacting it is pretty safe to dispose off. A trip to your local Hazmat site might be best.

The bulbs do have pins on the side that look like a bayonet type mount ie push in and turn. I've tried to remove one to see but no luck it seems to be frozen in the socket. Since it still works I haven't tried to go further. I used as much force as I felt safe with and no movement. Next step would involve lots of protective gear and/or removing the socket from the case to get a better grip. Puncture proof gloves and a face shield would be a start and outdoors might be a good idea too - over a plastic trash can.

Be Safe - maybe someone who has actually removed one will drop in.

 

[Born2Late]

Yes they can be shipped, I've had several shipped.

The socket has a couple of spring loaded pins that make contact with the bulb. They get a bit crusty in their old age. I've had good luck with just exercising the bulb (rocking, twisting and pushing towards the base) gently and take your time. Do wear protective gear, especially cut resistant gloves.

 

[AgX]

George, that is the first time ever I see a disposal manual delivered with a lamp!

Over here, and only since the last two decades or so, there is a logo on the packaging and on the lamp, indicating not to dispose of in household trash, that is about it.

Each municipality has a service somehow taking in such lamps. But I better not think how many lamps are not disposed of properly and broken instead. Recently I saw at a fleamarket an open box with stuff, containing what to me looked like an unpackaged high-pressure lamp.

 

[EdSawyer]

As mentioned, they are sodium vapor, not merc. vapor. And of course shippable. And not exclusive to the Thomas. The replacements are about $35-55 from a place like topbulb.com, which is where I got mine. http://www.topbulb.com/find/Product_Description.asp?intProductID=46477