DCinDC
I'm here to fix it
This thread details my build of a Dim Bulb Tester (DBT).
I'm cheap so I focused on using the cheapest materials to do the job.
At Lowe's I got:
70684 CWD 15A Resi Receptacle white .59
This is a standard AC duplex receptacle with two outlets
70610 CWD 15A Resi Single Pole Switch .69
This is a standard AC wall Switch
54475 32CI 2 gang New Work Romex 1.01
This is a 2 gang wall box
79111 CWD 2G Std Nylon SW&RECE 1.27
This is the switch plate cover that accommodates a single switch and a duplex receptacle.
optional:
72577 CWD Plug In Socket Adapter 2.10
This is a plug in adapter that converts an outlet to a bulb base
In the pursuit of cheap, it occurred to me that you could just use an AC receptacle and plug in a lamp. So if you must have the cheapest possible DBT, forgo the 72577 adapter and just plug in any lamp.
You need to modify the duplex receptacle. Grab the metal tabs that connect the two outlets together on the sides and break them off. Then wire one receptacle in series with the other.
I used a 3 wire AC cord that I had laying around. Has your neighbor thown out their vacuum or microwave? Cut the cord off and use that.
Wiring:
Run the hot (black) thru the switch, to the first outlet, then the other side of the first outlet to the other side of the second outlet, finally neutral (white) to the remaining side of the second outlet. The idea is to get the one outlet in series with the other outlet. Google DBT for a schematic if you need more info.
Complete cost: $5.66, not including the AC Cord and the bulb. Deduct $2.10 if you are going to use an existing lamp. Then the total would be $3.56!
If you are going to use a lamp, just plug it in the bulb outlet, and the Device Under Test (DUT) in the other outlet.
If you are going to use the adapter, put a bulb in it and plug in to the bulb outlet.
Although incandescent light bulbs are being phased out, you can still purchase 'severe duty' bulbs for not much more.
I'm cheap so I focused on using the cheapest materials to do the job.
At Lowe's I got:
70684 CWD 15A Resi Receptacle white .59
This is a standard AC duplex receptacle with two outlets
70610 CWD 15A Resi Single Pole Switch .69
This is a standard AC wall Switch
54475 32CI 2 gang New Work Romex 1.01
This is a 2 gang wall box
79111 CWD 2G Std Nylon SW&RECE 1.27
This is the switch plate cover that accommodates a single switch and a duplex receptacle.
optional:
72577 CWD Plug In Socket Adapter 2.10
This is a plug in adapter that converts an outlet to a bulb base
In the pursuit of cheap, it occurred to me that you could just use an AC receptacle and plug in a lamp. So if you must have the cheapest possible DBT, forgo the 72577 adapter and just plug in any lamp.
You need to modify the duplex receptacle. Grab the metal tabs that connect the two outlets together on the sides and break them off. Then wire one receptacle in series with the other.
I used a 3 wire AC cord that I had laying around. Has your neighbor thown out their vacuum or microwave? Cut the cord off and use that.
Wiring:
Run the hot (black) thru the switch, to the first outlet, then the other side of the first outlet to the other side of the second outlet, finally neutral (white) to the remaining side of the second outlet. The idea is to get the one outlet in series with the other outlet. Google DBT for a schematic if you need more info.
Complete cost: $5.66, not including the AC Cord and the bulb. Deduct $2.10 if you are going to use an existing lamp. Then the total would be $3.56!
If you are going to use a lamp, just plug it in the bulb outlet, and the Device Under Test (DUT) in the other outlet.
If you are going to use the adapter, put a bulb in it and plug in to the bulb outlet.
Although incandescent light bulbs are being phased out, you can still purchase 'severe duty' bulbs for not much more.
