I have a habit of over designing simple things. I decided to build a dim bulb tester complete with volt meter and switch selected bulbs of 7.5 to 150 watts. I went to a medium size hardware, big box, kind of store and there was not a single 100 watt bulb in the place. They had 150 watt bulbs and all the smaller ones, but no 100 watt bulbs. I seem to recall that 100 watt bulbs were going to be phased out, but then not phased out. I don't want to start a political war about should we or should we not, but can anyone tell me if 100 watt bulbs are still being made? Thanks

A 60 watt or maybe 75 will be fine.

https://antiqueradio.org/dimbulb.htm

Yes, the standard 100w incandescents have been phased out. But it is still sometimes possible to find 100w (or 90w) bulbs on some store shelves, but not at a big-box store. You might have better luck at a local hardware store (Ace, TruValue, DoItBest, etc.)

But one thing that is not phased out is the 100w "Rough Service" incandescent bulb, designed for drop cords, portable equipment, high-vibration areas, etc.. These are classed as "specialty bulbs" (in the same category as colored/decorative/miniature bulbs, nightlight bulbs, panel lamps, Christmas tree bulbs, etc.) which were not affected by the Act of Congress. These cost somewhat more than the old standard-duty 100w bulbs, but are still legally sold in the USA.

I found 100 Watt Incandescent light bulbs at the Dollar Store a couple weeks ago.

We can get them a Dollartree and Fred's, Haven't checked Dollar General or Family Dollar.

jason

If nothing else, try yard sales and rummage sales. A good many of my spare bulbs came from these and similar sources.

I can't imagine why you would need 150, or even 100 watts, to service most consumer grade equipment. I think most AA5's for example only rate at 35 watts or so, so a 60 watt bulb should be sufficient.

Thrift stores often have them too.

-Steve W.

And don't neglect halogen bulbs. Some of these are made to replace the old style incandescent bulbs so they screw into an Edison socket. Halogen bulbs are really just incandescent bulbs with different glass and different gas inside. They make more light for the same power so some of them are not banned. They would work fine in a dim bulb tester.

I have used a 300W bulb in parallel with a 200W bulb in parallel with other bulbs in a 4 socket dim bulb tester. By switching various combinations of bulbs into the circuit, the voltage applied to the set can start low and be gradually raised to near line voltage.

Use a three way bulb... they come in different varieties... all you need is a three way socket from an old lamp and you'll have 3 wattages instantly switchable.

Jim

Here's a site that sales 100w Rough service bulbs 20,000 hour life !

6 bulbs are $14.95 !

The minimum order is $30.00!

--http://lightbulb.aerolights.com/--

Too rich for my blood !!

rrrrhre2s

Yes, too rich for my blood also considering the minimum order and cost of shipping from that particular website.

But if purchased individually from a local electric supply house at $2.50/each (thus avoiding minimum order and shipping costs), these 100watt "rough service" bulbs (130v rating, 20,000 hour life) are actually a good bargain assuming one is looking for a high-quality incandescent bulb. And if purchased in larger quantity from a local electric supply house, the unit price would be much lower.

I don't know if "rough service" bulbs are all created equal, but the regular incandescents are junk these days and don't last very long. I installed a rough service bulb on a bedside lamp and it's lasted 4 or 5 years now, I'm pleased with that kind of lifetime.

Rough service bulbs are made for drop cords or any place where they are subjected to shock and vibration, they usually have a thicker glass to resist breakage.

Dave

Right, I get all that, it's just nice to have a bulb that lasts more than a few months. They last about as long as domestic bulbs did "back in the day". Wish I remembered where I got them.

Too bad you are not near here. I hoarded a bunch of them when they were closing them out. Using exactly one of them in a hall light that is only used intermittently. Generic. Brand cheap.

Exactly what I did and works great!

Yes, I have a small stash of those, for our garage door opener. Mine were made in Poland, iirc.


Nor can I. I nevertheless have a moderate stash of 135W and 150W incandescents, just because I can.

Maybe I'll put one in the laundry room, some day.