XPost: uk.d-i-y   
   From: ianREMOVETHISjackson@g3ohx.co.uk   
      
   In message , "Brian Gaff (Sofa)"   
    writes   
   >No a lot more basic than that. The fuse bulb will be a blow open one,   
   >Normally this has a bit of a white colouring near the base. The rest aware   
   >blow short.   
   > Normally about 20 all underrun so they can tolerate a couple of duds, then   
   >the fuse bulb goes.   
   > I to feel that many of the older filament lights were somewhat nicer to   
   >look at in their day   
      
   I've still got a set from around 1950 (12 times 20 volt lights, I   
   think). There was also an additional 'flasher bulb' (use optional), with   
   a bi-metal pair of contacts. When used, this created severe   
   'splat-splat' interference on the radio (especially the long wave).   
   Unfortunately, about half the bulbs are blown - but with the insertion   
   of bits of silver paper where required I can still run them from a   
   variac.   
      
   > than the led replacements   
      
   Most modern LED Christmas lights are absolutely awful.   
      
   >despite their  bit pattern   
   >of strobing effects they are often a source of interference. I think in many   
   >ways its the safety aspect that spelled the demise of traditional series   
   >lights since every bulb has the mains on it and the single insulated wires   
   >and the poor workmanship at the wire holder join has resulted in some nasty   
   >electrocution events in the past when people put them up while lit and   
   >holding onto an earthed radiator at the same time.   
      
   Most of these deaths were probably not actually caused by electrocution,   
   but instead from contact with the floor!   
   --   
   Ian   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)