A lot of color wheels pass through our shop. Some just need a lube and cleanup. Many have a motor that has seen better days and need a new replacement. But some are down right dangerous. Here are two examples that came in last week.
If at some point, your Uncle Charlie tried to repair your color wheel and gave it back to you with black tape on the wires. You may not want to disown him, but you should not use the color wheel until you can get a better repair. The problem is that with time and the heat of a color wheel bulb, the tape will often come loose and slide off the repair. In the case in the picture, there is no sign that one of the wires was ever taped. This can cause a short circuit. It can be a shock hazard, may destroy your color wheel and in a worst case scenario lead to a spark that might set fire to your home. Please note, Santa does not come down the chimney if the house is on fire.
This second case is more common and just as dangerous. Many color wheels were made during the 50s and 60s. The plastic insulation on the wires was not as durable then as it is now. After more than fifty years in service, the wire insulation has started to crack and dry rot. The wiring in this picture has rotted leaving bare copper leads exposed. Those bare wires may lead to the same horrific shocks and fires as Uncle Charlie’s bungling, but without you even realizing there is a problem.
It is not hard to diagnose electrical problems. Visually inspect the wiring on your color wheel. Are there bare spots with wire showing? Is the cord unusually stiff with cracks here and there? Is the insulation broken where the wire runs into the plug? Does the motor run intermittently or does the light flicker from time to time? You may need to replace the cord, socket, etc. If you have the skills to do this kind of work, do so now or at least before next holiday season.
If you don’t have the wiring skills or need a new motor for your pride and joy, we are here to help. If you are interested in a repair quote, describe any issues the color wheel may have, and include photos of your color wheel. We look forward to hearing from you! Make sure to use our contact form.
Keep’em Spinning,
Z
Santa’s Elf