Panel Lights - AC Side

[Joe Mullee]

I have a few issues with the AC side of my panel.

The main light does not work at all. What's the best replacement bulb and where might I purchase it?

My second issue is when I switch the "Port Side" breaker switch to the "ON" position it either flickers or completley goes out depending on the load. With no load on that side and the switch in the "ON" position the light stays ON. When I have a light power load on that side, say a fan, then the indicator light flickers. When I have a high power draw on that side, say a portable heater, the light goes out all together. The switch never trips. I've checked the back of the panel and all wires to the best of my ability and I don't see any problem.

Does anyone know if this is just a bulb issue or is there another bigger concern. It never happens with the Starboard Side breaker switch or with the water heater breaker switch.

Thanks,
Joe Mullee

 

[kloudie1]

Hey, Joe.. Mine have been like that for many years.. I think they are little neon things so I think that there is an internal problem with them.. I mean inside the little housing. I have looked at all the wires and like you, found no problem.
I think they are something like this: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062373&filterName=Type&filterValue=120+Volt
YA might drop by the local RS and see if they have one to look at and measure.

 

[Richard Bryer]

Like Kloudie I have had flickering for years. Its the bulbs. Another thing on my list.

 

[Joe Mullee]

"I think that there is an internal problem" / "I have had flickering for years"

Richard & Kloudie, Thanks!! I didn't think I had a problem but wanted to be sure.

I'll check out Radio Shack too. Kloudie, I already replaced a few burnt out DC side lights with those from Radio Shack that you mentioned in a previous post from a few years ago and they fit perfectly. I was hoping for an easy fix on the AC side. I'll report back if the ones you mentioned today fit.

Thanks again guys.

Joe Mullee

 

[Joe Mullee]

I purchased 120V lights from Radio Shack, $4 for a package of two. They are slightly smaller in diameter than the original burnt out lights but not so much that they wont work. They also stick out a little further than the old ones but its something I can live with. If you want to you could easily replace the whole row of them for under $15. It was easy to pop out the old burnt out lights and pass the new ones through the existing holes where they screw down easily. The lights for the AC side come in green and amber (same color thats already there). It took me 20 minutes to replace each one only because I'm slow and its a little tight trying to screw down the new ones.