How To Find A New Color Wheel Bulb That Works For You!
I often get notes that sound something like this:
Dear Santa’s Elf,
Like the bell in the Polar Express, my color wheel light bulb no longer shines for me. I can’t find a new Penetray bulb at Home Depot or Lowes. I see them for sale, used, on Youtube but they are expensive. Should I buy one of these? If not, what new bulb will fit?
Sincerely,
Esmerelda
So I write back:
Dear Esmerelda,
Thanks for writing. This is not as easy a question as it seems like it would be. First, I do not recommend using Penetray bulbs. These are filament bulbs that were made years ago. They are used and old so they will likely not last. They were all that was available back in the 50’s and 60’s. But they burn really hot. If your color wheel stops turning for any reason, Penetray bulbs will often melt your lenses.
They also can burn fingers if you unfortunately touch one while trying to adjust the color wheel light to the tree. They are a definite hazard around toddlers. The newer bulbs also cause problems sometimes but not to the degree the old Penetray bulbs do.
(Product Warning From Old Bulb)
So which bulb do you buy? There are a lot of options. I have recently run across a bulb I like. It is the Ecosmart 2700/3000/5000. We found it on Ebay.
The thing I like about it is that it has a small switch on it. You can choose the amount of light the bulb puts out by changing the switch setting. 2700 if you want a more relaxed mood. 5000 for a bright reflective look and 3000 in the middle. It fits in a standard bulb socket and will work with most color wheels. It is an inch or so shorter than a standard flood light bulb. You will need to make your own decision about whether the bulb is for you.
But what if the Ecosmart is not what you need? What do you do then? I wish I could give you exactly the right answer, but I can’t. Here’s why: There are many acceptable choices that will work. There are some that won’t. Manufacturers made many similar color wheels and made changes sometimes in the same production run. So what fits in one color wheel may not fit in the next.
But there is a simple way to get a bulb that will work for you. Unscrew the bulb you have and take it with you to the store. Find a new bulb that is the same shape and socket (usually a 26 or 27) as your old bulb. Someone in the store can help you if you have questions. If you have more than one choice buy the bulb with the most lumens. Lumens are a measure of the amount of light that comes out of the bulb. If you don’t have the old bulb, take the color wheel down to the store with you. Once you find a bulb that fits, tape the bulb label from the package to the bottom of your color wheel base so you can order one next time.
New bulbs run cooler, last longer, and are less likely to break than the old ones. You will be happy you made the change.
As Santa’s Elf says, if you believe, (and with a little research) your color wheel can shine on for many years to come.
Keep’em spinning,
Z