Lens melting w/1141 bulbs

[HCR]

'06 Safari--lens on bath lights as well as galley over-the-counter light would appear to take the 1141 bulb--but after replacing the lenses 3 weeks ago the bulbs are burning holes in them again.

Cause? Can there be a special "RV 1141"? The bulbs I'm using came from an auto parts store.

What to do beside replacing the lens?

[Ganglin]

1141 is 1141 as far as I know - there is a 1141F which is what we use. It's frosted but would still generate a lot of heat.

What about changing them out to soft white LED bulbs.
1156 Warm White 18 SMD LED Cluster Light B1156SMD18WW [B1156SMD18WW] - $14.95 : LEDs 4, Recreational Vehicles

[tpi]

Odd, I think I have the same lenses and use the 1141 lamps, at least before I converted some to LED. I have never had problems with them melting and I have used the trailer in very hot conditions.

Two things right off the top of my head to check: that you actually have 1141 bulbs instead of something more powerful like an 1156. Second is the voltage of your 12 volt system when under shore power. It should be about mid-upper 13 volt range with the 7355 Parallax converter.

[garry]

I have the same problem I agree with tpi the converter voltage sends the wattage just a touch to high.

The only real fix is to go to LEDs you will need a LED with a BA 15S base for a direct plug in replacement.

Or you can buy an adapter from LED to BA 15S base.

Check out e-bay or Google 1141 replacement.

[TBRich]

Our incandescaents were not melting the interior light lenses (that's not normal), but the exterior "scare light" lens did melt and sagged over time. We've switched all to LEDs...no more melting...no more high heat generated anywhere. Check out LEDs 4, Recreational Vehicles

[HCR]

As always, friends, thanks for your helpful replies. Will replace w/LEDs as suggested.

And, if the converter is running too "hot", as has been suggested, what do I do about that?

[tpi]

Yes I also had deformation on my exterior light with the 1141 and then converted it to LED. But the interior lights have been fine.

As far as I know, the only option is to replace the converter if the voltage output is too high. Possibly it could be factory repaired, but I haven't investigated this. If the converter had excessive voltage I would also suspect you would be adding a lot of water to the batteries.

Still wonder if you have some mismarked bulbs? Do the bulbs in the melting fixture appear brighter than the others?

http://www.parallaxpower.com/

[richinny]

i had a problem with Dorsy brand 1141's melting the lenses. i changed to a different brand and the melting stopped. mislabeled bulbs?

[wasagachris]

You could also use a 1003 bulb. It's glass is smaller in diameter and won't be as close to the lens.

[Jammer]

There are many choices besides LEDs. Read the many threads on LEDs and decide if that's something you want.

Here's a list of the over 100 different bulbs that will physically fit where an 1141 is used:

SINGLE CONTACT (SC) BAYONET BASE (BA15S), BA15S, BA15s, BA15S BASE, BA15S BASE LIGHT BULB, BA15S BASE BULB, BA15S BASE LIGHT BULBS


Reasonable choices with slightly lower wattage would include:

#1003 MINIATURE BULB BA15S BASE - 12.8 Volt 0.94 Amp B6 SC Bayonet Base, 200 Hour
#1003LL LONG LIFE MINIATURE BULB BA15S BASE - 12.8 Volt .94 Amp B6 SC Bayonet Base, 400 Hour
#105 MINIATURE BULB BA15SS BASE - 12.8 Volt 1.0 Amp B6 Single Contact Base, 500 Hour
#93 MINIATURE BULB BA15S BASE - 12.8 Volt 1.04 Amp S8 Single Contact Bayonet Base, 700 Hour
#1139 MINIATURE BULB BA15S BASE - 12.8 Volt 1.04 Amp RP-11 SC Bayonet Base, 700 Hour
#77 MINIATURE BULB BA15S BASE - 13.0 Volt .37 Amp G5 S.C. Bayonet Base, 1,000 Hour
#89 MINIATURE BULB BA15S BASE - 13.0 Volt .58 Amp G6 Single Contact Base, 750 Hour
#89LL MINIATURE BULB LONG LIFE BA15S BASE - 13 Volt 0.58 Amp 7.54 Watt B-6, Single Contact (BA15S) Base, 1,500 Hour
#98 MINIATURE BULB BA15S BASE - 13.0 Volt 0.62 Amp G6 Single Contact Base, 800 Hour
#69 MINIATURE BULB BA15S BASE - 13.5 Volt 0.59 Amp G6 SC Bayonet Base, 5,000 Hour
#67 MINIATURE BULB BA15S BASE - 13.5 Volt .59 Amp G-6 SC Bayonet Base, 5,000 Hour
#1155 MINIATURE BULB BA15S BASE - 13.5 Volt .0.59 Amp G6 SC Bayonet Base, 5,000 Hour
#97 MINIATURE BULB BA15S BASE - 13.5 Volt .69 Amp G6 Single Contact Base, 5,000 Hour
#1247 MINIATURE BULB BA15S BASE - 14.0 Volt 0.43 Amp 6.02 Watt G-6 S.C. Bayonet Base, 1,000 Hour
#1095 MINIATURE BULB BA15S BASE - 14 Volt 0.51 Amp S8 Single Contact Bayonet Base, 5,000 Hour
#631 MINIATURE BULB BA15S BASE - 14.0 Volt 0.63 Amp G-6 SC Bayonet Base, 1,000 Hour

93 is probably the best choice because it has the same bulb shape and size, similar lifetime, and slightly lower light output and power draw. However the lifetime on shore power, where voltage will be closer to 13.5, will be low.

97 would be a good choice if you want a longer life bulb and can tolerate a little less light.

By way of reference, 1141 is a 12.8 volt, 1.44 amp, 1000 hour bulb with an s8 envelope.