Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Topic: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs? (Read 848 times) previous topic - next topic

Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

September 16, 2014, 11:43:44 am

I'm trying to convert all of my interior 12v incandescent bulbs over to LED. I have already switched out all of my puck light and bathroom vanity bulbs with no problems. The swing arm lamps, however, are proving to be a problem. I have at least 2 different model incandescent bulbs that are working fine in them...#1076 & #1004. They cross reference to a BA15D LED bulb. I installed the LED bulb and nothing happened. I reversed it in the socket to switch polarity and still no light. The bulb started to smell like it was burning. I tested my original bulbs and the LED and found out that their internal wiring is completely different. Both types have two terminals on the bottom, as shown in the pic. Both bulbs have the same bayonnette configuration on the side. After testing with a 12v battery I found the difference is that the original bulb uses the bottom terminals for +/- and the side bayonnettes are only to hold the bulb in place. On the BA15D LED bulb, the bottom terminals are + and the side of the bulb is -. The vendor acts like my bulbs are some sort of mutant. Has anyone successfully switched to LED for these lamps?

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #1 – September 16, 2014, 12:40:45 pm

We bought ours from Light Bulbs Shipped Fast - Buy Light Bulbs Online at BuyLighting.com. We use one bulb instead of two as two are just too bright for our liking. The number is LED-BA15S. The "S" stands for single. The same number followed by a "D" is for the double pole. I see they sell on eBay for about ten bucks (Prime). These are for the living area swing lamps on a 95 300.
jor

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #2 – September 16, 2014, 12:54:28 pm

I got mine off ebay. They are a little different than yours. My swing arm brass lights have a single contact on the base they are the same base as the vanity lights. I have replaced the ones down in the storage compartments with similar led bulbs. So far these have been fine. I did replace the vanity lights in the bath with a different bulb. Those have a clear plastic outer "bulb" around them to enhance their appearance. The ones I used for the compartments below and for the swing out brass lights are here.

10x Car RV Trailer 1156 1141 BA15S 18 LED 5050 SMD Turn Signal Light AU556 CL618

I got 10 of them for about 15. It takes about 2 weeks to get them from China.

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #3 – September 16, 2014, 01:43:13 pm

I am in the process of converting all of the lights (both fluorescent and the swing arm lamps) to LED. My BA15D 1142 bulbs just arrived, so yesterday I replaced the bulbs. I managed to get two lamps (2 pairs of bulbs) to light, but it took trying all 10 of my bulbs to get 4 that worked. The third lamp just wouldn't work with those bulbs. I thought the bulbs were bad, but when I took the "bad" bulbs into the bedroom and put them into the reading lamps (single bulb, not double), they worked fine.

I wonder if something else isn't going on: A few years ago a former FT mechanic fixed my bedroom lamps that wouldn't work by taking a small O-ring and placing it under the metal tabs at the bottom of each socket. He explained that the tabs weaken, don't stick up high enough to make contact with the bottom terminals of the bulb. Sure enough, both lamps have been working fine ever since. If one looks at the bottom terminals of the new, replacement LED bulbs, they are broad, but do not project as much as do the incandescent bulbs. Could it be that the new terminals are not making contact with the metal tabs of the socket? I haven't tried removing the swing arm to get to the bottom of the sockets; I have to find some O-rings first.

Another thing: Does the 1076 bulb cross reference to 1142 bulbs? My original incandescent bulbs were 1142, so I made sure that the LED's covered 1142's.

However, I am still perplexed that 2 of my lamps accepted the LED's but one won't.

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #4 – September 16, 2014, 01:56:32 pm

It's odd that my lamps use a different socket but they are definitely double pole. I found out that double pole can either be +/- like mine or, in the case of a bulb with 2 filaments, each pole is + for one filament with - going through the side of the lamp. I think my LED vendor is selling bulbs that are wired for the double filament setup but incorrectly listed as compatible with my single filament. I need to find the single filament, double pole type.

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #5 – September 16, 2014, 02:06:23 pm

Quote from: Don Hay – September 16, 2014, 01:43:13 pm

I am in the process of converting all of the lights (both fluorescent and the swing arm lamps) to LED. My BA15D 1142 bulbs just arrived, so yesterday I replaced the bulbs. I managed to get two lamps (2 pairs of bulbs) to light, but it took trying all 10 of my bulbs to get 4 that worked. The third lamp just wouldn't work with those bulbs. I thought the bulbs were bad, but when I took the "bad" bulbs into the bedroom and put them into the reading lamps (single bulb, not double), they worked fine.

I wonder if something else isn't going on: A few years ago a former FT mechanic fixed my bedroom lamps that wouldn't work by taking a small O-ring and placing it under the metal tabs at the bottom of each socket. He explained that the tabs weaken, don't stick up high enough to make contact with the bottom terminals of the bulb. Sure enough, both lamps have been working fine ever since. If one looks at the bottom terminals of the new, replacement LED bulbs, they are broad, but do not project as much as do the incandescent bulbs. Could it be that the new terminals are not making contact with the metal tabs of the socket? I haven't tried removing the swing arm to get to the bottom of the sockets; I have to find some O-rings first.

Another thing: Does the 1076 bulb cross reference to 1142 bulbs? My original incandescent bulbs were 1142, so I made sure that the LED's covered 1142's.

However, I am still perplexed that 2 of my lamps accepted the LED's but one won't.

I have the same problem with the bulb not fitting securely in the socket because the poles are shorter. I figured I could deal with that by prying the tabs but not until I get a bulb that is electrically correct. For yours, if they are working in some of your lamps, you may just have a polarity problem. Have you tried flipping them 180deg in the socket?

I have seen the 1142 listed on the same bulb (BA15D) as the 1004 and the 1076 but I don't know if they are the same. The BA15D doesn't work at all for me. Are your sockets metal? If so, I think yours may be negative through the side of the bulb, as the BA15D's that I have are wired. My sockets are some sort of bakelite that does not conduct electricity, with 2 connectors in the bottom of the socket.

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #6 – September 16, 2014, 04:36:57 pm

Quote from: bdale – September 16, 2014, 01:56:32 pm

It's odd that my lamps use a different socket but they are definitely double pole. I found out that double pole can either be +/- like mine or, in the case of a bulb with 2 filaments, each pole is + for one filament with - going through the side of the lamp. I think my LED vendor is selling bulbs that are wired for the double filament setup but incorrectly listed as compatible with my single filament. I need to find the single filament, double pole type.

My 2002 uses two, single filament bulbs in all the swingarms, thus a BA15D LED (from ebay/China) works fine in place of my old incandescent. I replaced al of mine with no difficulty. Maybe the other FT models use dual filament, but not mine. It is either on or off and the brass base is NOT the common ground as it would be for a dual filament bulb with 2 terminals on the bottom.

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #7 – September 16, 2014, 04:46:25 pm

Quote from: Brad & Christine Slaughter – September 16, 2014, 04:36:57 pm

My 2002 uses two, single filament bulbs in all the swingarms, thus a BA15D LED (from ebay/China) works fine in place of my old incandescent. I replaced al of mine with no difficulty. Maybe the other FT models use dual filament, but not mine. It is either on or off and the brass base is NOT the common ground as it would be for a dual filament bulb with 2 terminals on the bottom.

Same here, eBay leds work great. Look for a base where the two pins protruding from the sides are equally distant from the end. When you install them, there is a 50/50 chance of getting the polarity correct.

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #8 – September 16, 2014, 05:04:21 pm

Quote from: Brad & Christine Slaughter – September 16, 2014, 04:36:57 pm

Maybe the other FT models use dual filament, but not mine. It is either on or off and the brass base is NOT the common ground as it would be for a dual filament bulb with 2 terminals on the bottom.

My incandescent bulbs are also single filament, not dual. My problem is that the BA15D LED bulbs that I received are internally wired as if they are dual filament...both bottom terminals hot with the side of the lamp providing the negative connection. I'm wondering if maybe I just got a batch that were manufactured wrong. I have 10 and have only tested 2 of them. I will test the others tonight. If you guys have successfully used BA15D LED's and you have the same fixture that I have, which it sounds like you do, then the BA15D's should work for me as well. I would still have the problem of loose fitting in the socket due to shorter pins but I think I can deal with that by prying the terminals in the socket slightly up for a better connection.

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #9 – September 16, 2014, 05:57:25 pm

Quote from: bdale – September 16, 2014, 05:04:21 pm

My incandescent bulbs are also single filament, not dual. My problem is that the BA15D LED bulbs that I received are internally wired as if they are dual filament...both bottom terminals hot with the side of the lamp providing the negative connection.

George Hatfield had a safety issue with some BA15D LED bulbs from eBay

These LEDs could be dangerous

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #10 – September 16, 2014, 06:00:47 pm

What bulb did you find for the bathroom vanity lights? Do they match up on color and brightness of the originals?

Thanks,
Jimmy

1998 U295 36'

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #11 – September 16, 2014, 06:37:40 pm

For the bath Vanity, I got something like these. There are some other ones that look a little more like the original incandesent, but these seem to do the job for me and were considerably less expensive than the ones with the white or frosted round globe surrounding the leds. I wanted to go to leds but not at about 100 for each vanity (bath and bed room). I used these in the bath, and the regular (no globe models) in the bedroom. So far, I have had for several months and haven't had an issue with either. I think the output is similar, I certainly can see what I need to in the mirrors.

I did a quick search and this I think is the same bulb.

2X HQRP Car Pure White BA15S 1156 Boat RV Car Auto 12V 24V LED Light Glass Bulbs

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #12 – September 16, 2014, 06:42:30 pm

Quote from: jimmy_walther – September 16, 2014, 06:00:47 pm

What bulb did you find for the bathroom vanity lights? Do they match up on color and brightness of the originals?

Thanks,
Jimmy

1998 U295 36'

Howdy Jimmy, Here's a link to what I used for the Vanity. They work great:
Bathroom vanity light replacement
Good Luck Dave A

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #13 – September 16, 2014, 07:45:33 pm

Quote from: jimmy_walther – September 16, 2014, 06:00:47 pm

What bulb did you find for the bathroom vanity lights? Do they match up on color and brightness of the originals?

Thanks,
Jimmy

We used "BA15S 5050 27smd LED" for the bathroom vanity. They are a much cooler temperature and brighter light than the incandescents were. We prefer warm white everywhere else but thought the whiter light would be better for the vanity.

1998 U295 36'

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #14 – September 16, 2014, 07:52:57 pm

This picture illustrates the problem. This should not be possible with the BA15D, right? Unless it is intended to replace a double filament bulb, which the 1004 and 1076 in my swing arm lamps are not. I'm returning these BA15D's but I don't know what else to order except to maybe try a different vendor.

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #15 – September 16, 2014, 07:57:21 pm

Here is what I used from Amazon.

Pack of TWO (2), LED 12V White Omni Bulb BA15S Clear Cover - Led Household Light

Amazon.com: Pack of TWO (2), LED 3W 12V White Omni Bulb BA15D 1142 1076 Brake

The second bulbs are BA12D both side pins are low, two contacts. One contact is positive and the other is minus. The bulb base is not connected to either. In my coach the swing arm lamps have what looks like black plastic sockets. One contact in the socket is +12v the other is ground. If the bulb doesn't work one way turn it 180Â° and try it that way.

The first bulbs are BA15S covered LED bulbs that I used in the bathroom vanity. These have a single contact on the base (the + side). The base on these is the ground.

Unlike normal incandescent bulbs, LED have a + and a - side and if they are backwards they may not work. This is especially true for bulbs with the flat spade like base (tail lights for example)

Don't give up yet, Don.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #16 – September 16, 2014, 08:11:54 pm

The BA15D refers to the base configuration not the bulb type. The Amazon bulbs are a
Pack of TWO (2), LED 3W 12V Warm White Omni Bulb BA15D 1142 1076 Brake Tail 18 5050.

These are for 1142 or 1076 bulbs. The use 3 watts and have 18 type 5050 LED elements.

I just tested mine as shown in the earlier photo. The only way to get them to light up is to put 12v to one contact and ground to the other. 12v to either contact and ground to the base gets nothing.

For interior use choose warm white.

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #17 – September 16, 2014, 08:21:29 pm

Quote from: Home2fromHastings – September 16, 2014, 08:11:54 pm

The BA15D refers to the base configuration not the bulb type. The Amazon bulbs are a
Pack of TWO (2), LED 3W 12V Warm White Omni Bulb BA15D 1142 1076 Brake Tail 18 5050.

These are for 1142 or 1076 bulbs. The use 3 watts and have 18 type 5050 LED elements.

I just tested mine as shown in the earlier photo. The only way to get them to light up is to put 12v to one contact and ground to the other. 12v to either contact and ground to the base gets nothing.

For interior use choose warm white.

Perfect! This is exactly what I needed...a known good source. When the ebay vendor sends me a refund I will order this one from Amazon. Did you have any problem with them fitting securely in the fixture or did you have to make adjustments to your contacts? Thanks very much for nailing this down for me.

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #18 – September 16, 2014, 09:20:12 pm

Did the picture you posted reveal a copper/brass bar extending up from the side peg? It appeared to be so. My LED's lacked that bar. Just plain pegs. As an update, based on your suggestion, I worked on that third lamp today, taking LED's and inserting them; if they didn't light up, I switched the pegs/poles 180 degrees. The first attempt didn't work, so I took that LED and moved it to the second socket in that lamp. It worked! So I took another LED and tried it in the first socket, and viola': it worked!! So now all three lamps work. Finally. I still think the poles of the LED's aren't long enough, but I'll live with this for the time being.

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #19 – September 16, 2014, 09:28:22 pm

I double-checked my incandescent lamps that were replaced and at least half were 1076, not 1142, so it's obvious that my LED's will work fine with both bulb types.

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #20 – September 16, 2014, 10:32:18 pm

This was where I bought all of mine: BA15D 1142 18 SMD 5050 Car LED Warm White Light Bulb Lamp DC 12V | eBay

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #21 – September 16, 2014, 10:43:05 pm

Quote from: Don Hay – September 16, 2014, 09:20:12 pm

Did the picture you posted reveal a copper/brass bar extending up from the side peg? It appeared to be so. My LED's lacked that bar.

No copper bars...the picture has a reflection that makes it look that way. Glad you got yours working. I think I'm getting close.

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #22 – September 16, 2014, 10:51:13 pm

Quote from: Brad & Christine Slaughter – September 16, 2014, 10:32:18 pm

This was where I bought all of mine: BA15D 1142 18 SMD 5050 Car LED Warm White Light Bulb Lamp DC 12V | eBay

Their picture shows the wrong bulb but the description looks good. The picture is the baY15d, which has the offset bayonnettes. But, the description clearly says that the bottom terminals are pos/neg, which is the clarification that I needed. This does look like another option for the right bulb. Thanks.

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #23 – September 16, 2014, 11:03:57 pm

The swing arm bulbs on our coach are NOT polarized.
The switch just completes the circuit. The bottom will have only a single lead contact point.
Contact Cabin Bright | and he will know which bulb to use. I replaced mine with warm whites. (mostly)

Re: Swing Arm Lamp Bulbs?

Reply #24 – September 16, 2014, 11:06:35 pm

Quote from: bdale – September 16, 2014, 10:51:13 pm

Their picture shows the wrong bulb but the description looks good. The picture is the baY15d, which has the offset bayonnettes. But, the description clearly says that the bottom terminals are pos/neg, which is the clarification that I needed. This does look like another option for the right bulb. Thanks.

You are right! I didn't see that picture. It is definitely the BAY base...but the bulbs I received (just went out and checked) are definitely BA15D as the pins are even. As someone else said, one way they work, the other they don't as the polarity would be backwards.

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