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LIGHT
WITH LESS POWER
Photovoltaics convert just 10% of sunlight's energy into electricity. Ordinary light
bulbs convert only 10% of that electricity back into light (the rest becomes heat in the
bulb). Because lighting is a major part of power used in solar homes, special high
efficiency bulbs that save 75% of the power are well justified.
COMPACT FLUORESCENT BULBS make far less heat and more light. Using one fourth the power of ordinary bulbs, a 15 watt CF
has the brightness of a 60 watt
incandescent. It runs 4 times as long on the same power. They give the same soft
white light and should last as long as 6 ordinary bulbs. The cost of these lamps is much less than adding extra solar modules to
run low cost incandescent bulbs.
Backwoods sells compact fluorescents that have electronic ballasts which are
silent, have no flicker, and no PCB oil in contrast to
heavier low cost magnetic ballast sold in stores. Only electronic ballasts will start
a
Trace inverter that is idling in search mode. Dimmer switches work only with
fluorescents specified for dimming, and usually need true sine wave power.
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ORDINARY INCANDESCENTS cost less, but are only 10% efficient.
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QUARTZ HALOGENS are longer lasting, brighter incandescents;
some have reflectors.
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STANDARD FLUORESCENTS give a lot more light for the power
used..
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COMPACT FLUORESCENTS give best light quality and efficiency.
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LED (LIGHT EMITTING DIODE) LAMPS are the newest lamp type. They
have much longer lifetime, rated 100,000 hours, and ruggedness exceeding all
others. Half a watt power use. Light color quality and prices are improving.
Lamps used most can save the most energy. Put efficient bulbs in lamps used
20
minutes or more every day. Lights seldom used save only a little energy, so ordinary
low cost bulbs are fine for closets and other rarely used fixtures.
Numerous wall switches to control multiple low-watt lamps close to each work area are better
than one big light in the middle of a room. Several small lights give more
choice in lighting so can use less power. Lighter room colors, skylights and windows placed for day
lighting also reduce energy needed for lighting.
Timer
switches save energy for outdoor
lights, basement & children's rooms.
120 VOLT AC OR 12 VOLT DC? 120 volt AC compact fluorescents are the
best choice overall for a house. They are available in more sizes and shapes. AC
wiring is easier and very standard. Even a 300 watt inverter will run lots of 15
watt lights (giving light equal to 60 watts). But DC doesn't require an inverter, so uses slightly less power. A
small cabin or RV with 5 or less lights might best use 12 volt DC CF and LED
lights. 12 VOLT DC MOTION
SENSOR LIGHTS are always on duty to work whether inverter is running or not,
and will not accidentally be left on.
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR 12V DC LIGHTS
DO NOT COME WITH 120V AC TRANSFORMERS.
120 VOLT AC
BULB
COMPACT FLUORESCENT
All with electronic ballasts
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Spiral 15 |
Spiral 20 and Spiral 25 |
120 VOLT AC COMPACT FLUORESCENTS
all have ELECTRONIC BALLASTS for greater efficiency than low cost magnetic
ballasts, and no hum or flicker. Electronic ballast bulbs will start
up a Trace inverter idling in search mode. With 1/4 the watts, light brightness
and quality matches (after 1 minute warm-up time) bulbs that use 4 times the
wattage. These lights are not for use with dimmers.
SPIRAL LAMP 120 VOLT
| L-SPIRAL15 15 watt, warm color, 5.0" x
2.0", 900 lumens: $6 |
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| L-SPIRAL20 20 watt, warm color, 5.5" x 2.0", 1200 lumens:
$6 |
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| L-SPIRAL25
25 watt, warm color, 6.0" x 2.0", 1380 lumens: $6 |
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Minimum shipping $8 per whole order covers all items with
no shipping listed
AC/DC LIGHT SWITCH TIMER
Who keeps leaving that light on?
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TIMER SWITCHES fit in standard wall switch box. A twist winds it up, then it clicks off
when time expires. Perfect for children's room, closet, basement, outdoor sheds,
garage and porch lights.
Works for 15 amps AC, also works DC but only 4 amps max which is
plenty for DC lights.
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| O-TIME SWITCH 15: Up to15 minutes wind up time
switch: $24 |
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| O-TIME SWITCH 30: Up to half hour wind up time switch: $24 |
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| O-TIME SWITCH 60: Up to an hour wind up time switch: $26 |
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Also see
electronic
timers on the Electrical Parts page.
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PLEASE NOTE THAT
OUR 12V DC LIGHTS DO NOT COME WITH 120V AC TRANSFORMERS.
12 VOLT DC MOTION SENSING
LIGHT SWITCH
with TIMER
10 year warranty
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RAB motion and heat sensing switch is 12
volt DC powered so it can work full time even if your inverter is off or in standby mode. Turns
lights on at approach, and holds for adjustable time, 5 seconds to
12 minutes after motion
stops. Sensitivity distance is adjustable, up to about 50 feet out, farther in colder
weather with a test LED showing pick-up area.. Connect directly to any 12 volt light, or use a 12 volt relay to switch a 120 volt
light. Set for night only operation, or use as security alarm, by setting for day/night
operation. Switches 5 amp DC. 7 milliamps idling; 44 milliamps when activated.
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Quality and performance are excellent. We use them at Backwoods!
| L-RAB: $72 |
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Minimum shipping $8 per whole order covers all items with
no shipping listed
MOTION SENSING
LIGHT
with SOLAR
PANEL, SENSOR, & BATTERY
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Needs no connection to power.
Lights come on when it senses a warm moving body or vehicle approaching at
night. Just an entry light, it stays on 90 seconds, not enough power to run
continuously. We use one in our detached garage. Hang it anywhere the solar
panel's 14' cord will reach to full sunshine and keep
the battery charged. Adjustable sensitivity range up to 50 feet. Lights are
10 watt halogen, about as bright and same quality as a lantern flashlight. (Not
as reliable as Rab unit above). 1 year warranty.
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L- SENSOR LIGHT: $84
shipping $12 |
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12 volt
DC NIGHT WATCHMAN PHOTOSWITCH
This dusk to dawn controller is outdoor rated and can
withstand salty marine air environments.
It can handle up to 10 amps of 12v DC
current with a momentary 600 watt surge. In standby
mode, it consumes only 0.15 milliamps and 16 milliamps
when powering a load.
It will turn incandescent, halogen, or
fluorescent lights ON in the evening within one half
hour of sunset and OFF in the morning within one half
hour of sunrise.
Installation is simple with only three
wires and an LED located beneath the Watchman's lantern
indicates if the load is on. It measures 1" x 1" x 1"
and surface mounts.
One year warranty
| L- NIGHT
WATCHMAN............$40 |
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PLEASE NOTE THAT
OUR 12V DC LIGHTS DO NOT COME WITH 120V AC TRANSFORMERS.
12 VOLT DC
COMPACT FLUORESCENT
BULB WITH BALLAST IN SCREW-BASE
Bulb with ballast in the screw-base, all one piece, makes an
easy 12 volt compact fluorescent. These just screw into a standard full size light
bulb socket of a table lamp, ceiling fixture, or other standard fixture connected to 12 volt
DC. Just screw this in to replace 12 volt quartz or 12 volt energy gobbling regular
screw-base bulbs. You can use the original switch on the lamp, or connect
through a wall switch. (Socket must be wired correctly with + to tip.) ONE
YEAR WARRANTY.
The compact fluorescent bulbs, like the AC powered models above, gives four
times the brightness of a regular bulb of the same wattage. Proven good reliability. 7 watt uses about l/2 amp. The 11 watt uses
just under 1 amp. The 18 watt uses just over 1 amp, and the 23 watt bulb uses
just under 2 amps.
Choice of light color between
warm white or cool
fluorescent fuller spectrum in all sizes. Brightness
of each equals incandescent bulb of four times the wattage. Installation and use note: Due to start up surge, only one of these DC compact
fluorescent bulbs can be installed per switched circuit with a minimum of 10
gauge copper wire for that circuit. Polarity must be observed with the center
tip being (+). And once on, the bulb must stay on for at least 20 minutes for
longest life.
| L-CF 7: 7 watt, approximately
325 lumens, total length is 5 1/2": Warm
yellow color
$18 |
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| L-CF 11: 11 watt, approximately 600 lumens, total length is 6": Warm
yellow color
$18 |
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| L-CF 18: 18 watt, approximately 1200 lumens, total length is 6":
Warm yellow color
$24 |
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| L-CF 23: 23 watt, approximately 1800 lumens, total length is 6 5/8": Warm
yellow color
$24 |
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| L-CF 7: 7 watt, approximately
325 lumens, total length is 5 1/2": Cool
white color
$18 |
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| L-CF 11: 11 watt, approximately 600 lumens, total length is 6": Cool
white color
$18 |
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| L-CF 18: 18 watt, approximately 1200 lumens, total length is 6": Cool
white color
$24 |
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| L-CF 23: 23 watt, approximately 1800 lumens, total length is 6 5/8":
Cool white color
$24 |
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| Available in 24 VOLT: same price, by special order.
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Return to the top
Minimum shipping $8 per whole order covers all items with
no shipping listed
12 VOLT DC FIXTURES
Compact
Fluorescent Reflector Lamp
Bright light for serious work
Indoor/Outdoor
  Great for reading or work light. Mount over the bed, above kitchen counter, or on wall
above desk. Swivels and locks to any
tilt with 180 degree adjustment. Includes bulb and ballast, and stainless switch-cover
plate to mount fixture on a standard electric outlet box in a wall or ceiling.
These quality fixtures have SE-13 watt 4 pin compact fluorescent
bulbs and
12
volt DC ballasts using only one ampere of 12 volt DC. Cool spectrum light, with no flicker. The
parabolic curve reflector projects light for maximum illumination. Weatherproof for outdoor use.
1year warranty.
Fixture is 9 inches wide, 4 inches high, about 6 inches out from wall
depending on aim adjustment.
| L- ELF WHITE:................shipping $8...............
$56 |
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| L- ELF BLACK:................shipping $8...............
$56 |
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| L- ELF
GREEN:................shipping $8...............
$56 |
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Minimum shipping $8 per whole order covers all items with
no shipping listed
PLEASE NOTE THAT
OUR 12V DC LIGHTS DO NOT COME WITH 120V AC TRANSFORMERS.
12 VOLT CF
THIN FIXTURE
Strong
extruded aluminum wall or ceiling lamp. Compact size for RV or computer work
station market. A
good reading or bed light, with cool color 13 watt 4 pin SE compact bulb
included and electronic ballast and on-off switch built in. Two year warranty.
9" x 4-1/2" x 1-1/2"
| L-949: $39 |
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12 VOLT GLOBE CEILING LIGHT
6" Round, fogged white, glass globe for general area ceiling light. Fixture
with TE-13 watt 4-pin warm white bulb and electronic ballast mounted in metal base with polished brass finish.
Also can take any 3-1/4" fit antique globes. 1 year warranty.
| L- GLOBE 6: $56 |
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PLEASE NOTE THAT
OUR 12V DC LIGHTS DO NOT COME WITH 120V AC TRANSFORMERS.
MUSHROOM FIXTURE
12
volt
3" deep x 11" round
Low profile mushroom shaped lens is made from high impact white acrylic. Energy
efficient ceiling light for bath, kitchen, hallway. With electronic ballast and 4 pin
warm white SE13 watt compact light, or dual lights for 26 watt total. 1 year
warranty.
| L-1035M with one SE 13 watt bulb and ballast = 13
watt:..............shipping $8.... $55 |
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| L-1040M with two SE 13 watt bulbs and ballasts = 26 watt:.............shipping
$8.... $68 |
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Return to the top
Minimum shipping $8 per whole order covers all items with
no shipping listed
REPLACEMENT PARTS
FOR 12 VOLT 4 PIN COMPACT FLUORESCENTS
| L-SE13 watt 6.25 inch single loop 4 pin bulb used in 12 volt
fixtures: warm yellow color $9 |
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| L-SE13 watt 6.25 inch single loop 4 pin bulb used in 12 volt
fixtures: cool white color $9 |
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| L-TE13 watt 4 inch triple loop 4 pin bulb used in CF13 set:
warm yellow color $9 |
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| L-TE13 watt 4 inch triple loop 4 pin bulb used in CF13 set: cool
white color $9 |
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| L-TE18 watt 4-1/2" triple loop 4 pin bulb used in CF18 set: warm
yellow color $9 |
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| L-TE18 watt 4-1/2" triple loop 4 pin bulb used in CF18 set: cool
white color $9 |
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| L-SH12-13: Electronic Hard wired Ballast for 4-pin SE, DE, & TE13 bulbs(this
ballast does not screw in): $22 |
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Minimum shipping $8 per whole order covers all items with
no shipping listed
PLEASE NOTE THAT
OUR 12V DC LIGHTS DO NOT COME WITH 120V AC TRANSFORMERS.
DC FLUORESCENT FIXTURES
COVERED STRAIGHT TUBE FIXTURE WITH SWITCH
 12 VOLT DC STRAIGHT TUBE FLUORESCENT FIXTURES are nearly as efficient
as the compact fluorescents though quality of light is lower. This special fixture uses
standard AC fluorescent tubes but contains a 12 volt DC electronic ballast. The high
frequency ballast gives light without flicker but does interfere with AM radio and weak TV
reception. These three models have radio noise filters. Warranty is two years on fixtures,
not tubes.
These are surface mount fixtures with enclosed bulbs and a built-in on-off switch.
Regular wall switches can be used to control these lights as well. Constructed of all
aluminum with white plastic diffuser cover. Tubes included
| L- 139: 32 watt 2.4 amp, with F32T8/CW tube 2850 lumens 48":...............shipping
$8.........
$54 |
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| L- 116: 30 watt 2.1 amp, two F15T8/CW tubes, 1740 lumens 18":
$42 |
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| L- 193: 15 watt 1.3 amp, with F15T8/CW tube, 870 lumens 18":
$34 |
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BARE STRAIGHT TUBE
FIXTURES
 Anodized aluminum housing with 12 volt
electronic ballast. No switch on unit. These should connect to a standard wall switch. Ballast
converts 12 volts to high voltage to use ordinary fluorescent tubes available anywhere. 12
volt only. Includes AM radio interference reduction option. Two year warranty.
20 WATT, uses 1.6 amps. 24"
long. 1250 lumens
Uses F20T12/CW standard fluorescent tube |
| L-151X: without tube, safer for shipping, tubes available locally: $36 |
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| L-151T: includes tube: $40 |
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32 WATT uses under 3 amps. 48" long. 3150 lumens
New tube replacing old F-40T8 is F-32T8 |
| L-153X: 32 watt ships safer with no tube. Buy F-32T8 locally:...........shipping
$8........... $45 |
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| L-153T. 32 watt, with tube for pickup at Backwoods
Solar: $49 |
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Minimum shipping $8 per whole order covers all items with
no shipping listed
CIRCULAR FIXTURE
 22 Watt, 1.6 amp. On - off switch in center,
or use a wall light switch. With FC8T9 tube and electronic ballast. Replacement tubes are locally available but
cost is twice that of straight tubes. 1100 Lumens. 2 year warranty .
| L-109: $42 shipping: $8 Replacement bulb below
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22 WATT CIRCULAR
 8 inch FC8T9 bulb in adapter containing a 12 volt electronic ballast. It all screws into the regular bulb socket of a table lamp or any bulb socket
where there is 8" diameter clearance. Under 2 amperes.
| L-108: $36 shipping: $8 |
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| L-108 or L-109 bulb same bulb for both fixtures: $8 |
|
Minimum shipping $8 per whole order covers all items with
no shipping listed
Return to the top
PLEASE NOTE THAT
OUR 12V DC LIGHTS DO NOT COME WITH 120V AC TRANSFORMERS.
DC QUARTZ
FIXTURES
HIGH INTENSITY READING LIGHT
12 VOLT REFLECTOR QUARTZ
 White powder coated aluminum two way swivel mounted wall lamp
makes a good bright reading light over a favorite chair or the bed. Lamp is a
bright 10 watt reflector halogen bulb, included. (Bulb used is like
MR-16 bulb but is 10 watts with pin base)
On-Off Rocker switch on base. Size 4" long 2" round.
Optional 20 LED bulbs uses between 1 -2 watts. Good as all night night-light.
| L-QREAD: $27 |
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| L-LED MR16 replacement bulb; low power 20 LED pin base for QREAD....$15 |
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TINY HIGH INTENSITY QUARTZ
REFLECTOR LIGHTS
 Tiny, but this is a very bright, surprisingly good reading light. Mounts
flat on back surface, hidden wood screws included. With 20 watt quartz bulb and
reflector and 5 feet of cord included. Good under-cabinet kitchen light, closet
or stairs. Great in RVs, because it's only 1 inch thick.
| L-ES1: 2-1/2 inch round: $24 |
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| L-ES3: "D" shape with switch: $32 |
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Minimum shipping $8 per whole order covers all items with
no shipping listed
QUARTZ HALOGEN BULBS
 A 12 VOLT quartz bulb within a regular frosted
bulb. Screws into any standard lamp. These stay brighter and whiter than ordinary bulbs
because filament deposits do not darken the hot quartz glass. They use far more energy
than fluorescent but less than plain bulbs. For less used locations and outdoor lights.
| L-Q20: 20 watt, under 2 amp: $11 |
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| L-Q35: 35 watt, 3 amp: $11 |
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| L-Q50: 50 watt, 4 amp: $11 |
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| 24 VOLT VERSIONS: 35 watt only |
| L-Q35/24 volt: $16 |
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Return to the top
Minimum shipping $8 per whole order covers all items with
no shipping listed
PLEASE NOTE THAT
OUR 12V DC LIGHTS DO NOT COME WITH 120V AC TRANSFORMERS.
SMALL GOOSENECK LAMP
For 12 Volt DC
power
 LITTLITE HIGH INTENSITY LAMP is a high quality 12 volt DC, 18" flexible gooseneck
lamp with a one foot cord for hard wiring. Best for lighting a small area for computer work, or reading in bed. Flashlight size
5 watt (l/2 amp) quartz bulb has life of 240 hours at full intensity, greatly extended
when lamp is slightly dimmed. All metal
construction. Screws down to table or wall, or use the weighted base accessory to make a
movable table lamp.
NEW model utilizes
LED
technology to produce either a red
colored output or a white, warm
color, good for 5,000 hours light at 1/10 amp current. A
rocker switches allows you to select either red, white, or off. (Lamp cannot be
retrofitted to LTL3)
For both Littlelites there is a Limited
lifetime warranty on non-bulb parts. The LED circuit board has a two year
warranty.
| L-LTL3: LITTLITE: Traditional model
with quartz bulb: $40 |
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| L-LTLED:LITTLITE: New LED light; no dimmer: $64 |
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| L-LTL BASE: Weighted Portable Base: $15 |
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| L-GOOSE5: Extra 5 watt HALOGEN bulb for LITTLITE: $7 |
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| L-1815 BULB: Low intensity plain bulb 1/4 amp fits LITTLITE:
$1 |
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Minimum shipping $8 per whole order covers all items with
no shipping listed
PLAIN 12 VOLT BULBS
Ordinary incandescent surface mount fixtures give less light
using more power, but that is fine for closet, stairway, pantry, woodshed,
battery room, for short usage where efficiency makes little difference. Low
prices make it easy to add many convenience lights throughout your home. Use
them on outside porches since they are not affected by extreme cold like
fluorescents.
PLAIN 12 VOLT BULBS
Low cost but not efficient use of power. Used in seldom lit
areas in closet or woodshed. Operate direct from 12 volt DC. two of these may be
wired in series for 24 volt, easier to obtain than 24 volt screw in bulbs.
PLAIN BULBS
12 volt screw-in
| L-25:
25 Watt 2 amp: $4
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| L-50:
50 Watt 4 amp: $4 |
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TINY 12 & 24 VOLT BULBS
3/8" BULB WITH WIRE LEADS
Nightlight uses low power, low cost for low light. Just
0.2 ampere. Makes five night lights. Five bulbs per order.
OR Build a re-charger for small ni-cad
batteries or cordless appliances from 12 volt power. These same lights limit
charge current from house battery to flashlight/radio batteries. With
instructions for charging AA through D cells.
| L-5 Tinybulb 12 volt, 70 milliamperes $8 |
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| L-5 Tinybulb 24 volt, 140 milliamperes $6 |
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Minimum shipping $8 per whole order covers all items with
no shipping listed
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