SignalTraffic Forums

by **steven1981** on Sat Sep 21, 2013 7:06 pm

Is there a personal preference when you choose incandescent light bulbs? I'm curious to hear your preferences (if there are any).

Are you fond of the delay when a transparent light bulb turns on and off? Or do you prefer the
"soft white" light bulb that generally does not show that delay?

I prefer to use transparent light bulbs, simply because I like the delay that is noticeable (on and off). With "soft white" light bulbs, I think that the instant illumination (and off as well) is similar to how L.E.D. inserts operate, so I dislike that kind. How transparent light bulbs change signal indications appear rather smooth to me, not to mention enjoyable to watch.

by **vaughnsimon** on Sat Sep 21, 2013 7:44 pm

If available, I would always use transparent light bulbs simply because that's the authentic type to put in a traffic signal.

I didn't know there was a difference in delay between white and clear bulbs. Why would that be?

FWIW: I never noticed the delay in incandescent lamps until I saw LED lamps operate.

by **steven1981** on Sat Sep 21, 2013 8:01 pm

vaughnsimon wrote:If available, I would always use transparent light bulbs simply because that's the authentic type to put in a traffic signal.

I didn't know there was a difference in delay between white and clear bulbs. Why would that be?

FWIW: I never noticed the delay in incandescent lamps until I saw LED lamps operate.

I know transparent light bulbs are sold at various hardware stores, such as Lowe's. And I would like to think that the material that is layered on the light bulb itself prevents that momentary delay (when compared to a transparent light bulb). Just a guess.

by **jab8356** on Sat Sep 21, 2013 8:09 pm

All incandescent bulbs turn on and off the same.

by **3Mfanatic** on Sat Sep 21, 2013 8:57 pm

I use traffic bulbs. 69W for 8" (and on peds) and 116W for 12".

by **pyth** on Sat Sep 21, 2013 9:36 pm

I prefer clear bulbs much more. Although the difference is very slight, when the signal/section is off, transparent bulbs make the lenses look nicer than frosted bulbs do.

by **EPAC-EPIC-MARC** on Sun Sep 22, 2013 12:28 am

Clear bulbs makes the lens look much better....

steven1981 wrote:I prefer to use transparent light bulbs, simply because I like the delay that is noticeable (on and off). With "soft white" light bulbs, I think that the instant illumination (and off as well) is similar to how L.E.D. inserts operate, so I dislike that kind.

Frosted bulbs are just clear bulbs with a coating on the inside of the glass. Just because its frosted doesn't affect the heating/cooling of the filament. The higher the wattage, the longer it takes to cool

by **Kilted_Econolite_Nut** on Sun Sep 22, 2013 1:36 am

Traffic bulbs here. 67W for 8", 1950L for 12". IIRC, traffic bulbs won't be banned next year. So, going to be using those a lot, not just in signals, but in other light fixtures as well.

-J

by **3Mfanatic** on Sun Sep 22, 2013 3:47 am

Kilted_Econolite_Nut wrote:IIRC, traffic bulbs won't be banned next year. So, going to be using those a lot, not just in signals, but in other light fixtures as well.

As traffic bulbs are considered 'heavy duty' they will be exempt from the bulb ban as will 3-way, colored, and other specialty bulb applications.

by **Kilted_Econolite_Nut** on Sun Sep 22, 2013 4:46 am

Yep, only the single wattage "light-duty" incandescent bulbs will not be available.

-J

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