Dull Torchlight

[shivvy]

The light coming out of my torch is dull. I assumed that the battery was running low so I replaced it however the light is still dull.
I checked the battery in another torch and it works properly so I can rule out the problem being with the battery.
Can a bulb run low? I always thought that bulbs either worked or didnt?
None of the connections look damaged.

[bhg481]

If it's an old torch with a tunsten bulb the inside of the glass may have become coated with tungsten. Have a look at the bulb to see if it looks blackened.

[shivvy]

No it's quite modern bhg and the bulb is clear.

It is this type of torch.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=6v+torch&espv=2&biw=1078&;bih=574&source=lnms&;tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjt77OGuoDQAhViCMAKHcVcCGYQ_AUIBygC&dpr=1.25#imgrc=yVgbvvKjRQFkRM%3A

[ivor4781]

tungsten bulbs dont run low (that you'd notice anyway)
if the contacts are clean dont know whats wrong with your torch

[bhg481]

Another possibility is that the old battery leaked and the torch terminals have got a bit corroded. A rub with one of your emery boards could be in order.

[gingejbee]

Personally, I'd upgrade to an LED torch/spotlight/lantern....so much brighter and less trouble. Rechargeable ones are brilliant (literally!)
Something like this.....

http://www.screwfix.com/p/gsuf023-rechargable-led-spotlight-torch-integrated-li-ion/7456k

[shivvy]

No sign of corrosion bhg.
It isn't an expensive torch and I'm happy to replace it but I was just intrigued why the light would be dull if the problem isn't the battery.
I'm only really asking out of interest rather than necessity!
Thanks for your suggestions.

[bhg481]

Go with gingebee's suggestion, or similar.

[tamborine]

Maybe bulb is not connecting well with battery....try inserting tinfoil where bulb meets battery

[shivvy]

Tanbo - if it wasn't connecting then surely the bulb would be out or intermittant, not dull?

[tamborine]

Check the bulb. Low power = dim light.

[shivvy]

I replaced the bulb but the replacement wasn't working so that told me nothing!

[bhg481]

Final thought - is the reflector as shiny as it should be? If it's aged the bulb might be bright but it won't produce a good beam.

[EDDIE51]

Probably the wrong voltage bulb, a 6 volt torch should have a 4.5 volt bulb.
The slightly lower voltage means the bulb is brighter.
( A 6 volt battery is really just over 5 volts so a 4.5 volt bulb is fine)

[shivvy]

Thanks again bhg but the reflector is shiny.
The bulb is a reddish/orangy colour instead of white.
Eddie - it is the same bulb and battery that used to work ie a 6 volt battery and a 4.5 bulb.

[mikey4444]

Get rid of your torch and go and get a LED one !

Available everywhere, but have a look in Tesco.

[bhg481]

If the bulb is glowing red then there is certainly a voltage problem. Options are - battery going flat; wrong battery, wrong bulb; poor contacts somewhere along the line. Incidentally, rechargeable cells are lower voltage than alkaline cells (1.2volts instead of 1.5volts), so using rechargables might be the problem. The simple solution is a new LED torch.

[EDDIE51]

Only the old Zinc Carbon batteries are a full 1.5v each, rechargeables and alkaline are about 1.35 volt. Some things work better on the old batteries, even if you need to replace them more often. I had a clock which just would not work on alkaline or rechargeables but was fine on the old Zinc Carbon ones.

[bhg481]

I don't know which batteries you use Eddie but my Duracells say 1.5V on them and my rechargables say 1.2v (2 different makes).

[shivvy]

New torch has been purchased!

Just seems a shame that I couldn't work out what was wrong with the other one. Thanks for all your help everyone.

[mikey4444]

Shivvy...but did you get a LED one ?

Much brighter and much kinder on batteries !