View Single Post
Old 29th Nov 2017, 5:42 pm   #10
broadgage
Nonode
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: North Somerset, UK.
Posts: 2,129
Default Re: Does anyone know what this is?

The bulbs most commonly used for these sewing machine lights were frosted reflector lamps, screw base, 12 volt, 17 watt.
6 volt versions were also used, again 17 watts.

The 6 volt or 12 volt supply was often obtained from a tapping* on the motor and therefore not as safe* as it sounds since there was no isolation from the mains.

The 12 volt 17 watt bulbs are still available, and before the LED age were used for other purposes when a directional but not highly focussed light was required from a 12 volt supply.

*I used to work for the maintenance contractor at a large department store that had a tailoring alterations and repairs department.
The factory inspector criticised the lighting on the sewing machines, and I was given the job of retrofitting proper isolating transformers to supply the 12 volt lights.
broadgage is offline