The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

All, I am in need of a lamp switch for my 1916 VE-XVI. I believe it is faulty. If anyone has an extra please let me know! See photo for part needed below!

I have been working on getting the lamp working. Replaced socket. New bulbs tested. Socket putting out 118v. Bulbs checked with meter. Still not lighting up. Ive tried everything and I mean EVERYTHING but replacing this switch.

Thanks!

If you have voltage at the bulb socket, this makes no sense.

Sometimes a switch with a dirty contact will present a high impedance when closed. This will give a normal reading on a meter since it is also high impedance and draws no current. Once you put the bulb in the voltage will drop. Sounds like the switch needs cleaning.

I see a screw on the end. How does the switch casing come off? Does it pry off?

That should be your last resort, because you are going to break it if you try.

You say you have found voltage at the lamp socket. So:

1. Have you tried multiple known-good bulbs? Do you know how to test the bulbs? Buy a new socket at the hardware store, jury rig wiring to get line voltage to it and screw in the bulb.

2. If the switch operates sufficiently to allow voltage to the socket, even if somehow the switch contacts are fouled, a good bulb will still light dimly. Operating the switch back and worth several times while energized and with a good bulb in place may yield results.

3. When measuring voltage at the socket, does operating the switch turn it off and on?

4. What is the resistance across the switch alone? Do you get variance in resistance readings when switching it on, or is the resistance consistent?

It’s unlikely that the switch contacts are fouled, unless it has been operated at incorrect voltage in the past and arcing has occurred, or perhaps some other unusual situation.

Always better to solve problems with logic and patience rather than crowbars and blowtorches. Especially when you are unlikely to find a replacement for the parts you break.

I havent listed all I have done to get to this point but believe me I have tested the bulbs, socket, replaced socket. I just opened the switch and cleaned the contacts. Still waiting to put back together.

Be sure the bulb screws in far enough to reach the bottom socket contact. Sometimes new bulbs either have a shorter base, or the bulb shape swells out too close to the base, causing the bulb to tighten against the top edge of the socket before the bottom contact is reached. If the bottom contact is the style that resembles a small leaf spring, then pull it up a bit to help it reach the bulb base. It the contact is a solid piece that can't be pried up, then you may need to add a small blob of solder to the bottom tip of the bulb base.

It's hitting the bottom.

pellicano1 wrote: Sat Oct 02, 2021 2:30 pm It's hitting the bottom.20211001_160150.jpg

Yes, I'd say so. Hitting, and then some! Looks like the bottom has been a bit crushed.