New Flood "Scare" Lights and tips

[trueweb]

This weekend I finally found the time to put my new flood lights on. These are the circular "scare" lights that you find on RVs. Mine has 3 of them. 2 on the entrance side and one on the other side. Only one had been working since I bought it and they were developing rust that made me concerned it could create a gap that would let water behind the seals if the rust lifted the paint from the metal.

Upon pulling the first one I decided to test it before I snapped everything together and since I was using butyl tape for the seal I didn't want to have to pull it off again. Turns out it was a good idea. The lights flickers and dimmed in a manner I could not explain. After much testing of grounds and pulling all the fuses the lights finally stopped working altogether. I was frustrated. I finally took another one down to check for shorts. In the process of switching them on and off I noticed they would flash for a brief second. Thinking I had a bad switch I started taking the light switch panel off inside the RV. Turns out the wire to the light switch had simply given up. It frayed and finally snapped off. The connection was so weak it was causing the fluctuations and flicking the switch occasionally would make it work. I just put a new spade connector end on the wire and it works like a champ now.

Tip 1: The foam seals inside the clear dome rot and fall apart. This lets water get inside the lamp creating a possible point for water entry or to rust and destroy the bulb and socket. Probably a good idea to check on this from time to time. Not sure where you get replacements though.

Tip 2: The clear dome light covers have a distinct bottom with openings. Pay attention when remounting them so water can run out if it does get inside.

Tip 3: Check all the obvious stuff. Sometimes it's a simple solution but your brain wants to fool you into thinking it's something more complex.

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by trueweb

This weekend I finally found the time to put my new flood lights on. These are the circular "scare" lights that you find on RVs. Mine has 3 of them. 2 on the entrance side and one on the other side. <snip!>

Tip 1: The foam seals inside the clear dome rot and fall apart. This lets water get inside the lamp creating a possible point for water entry or to rust and destroy the bulb and socket. Probably a good idea to check on this from time to time. Not sure where you get replacements though.

Tip 2: The clear dome light covers have a distinct bottom with openings. Pay attention when remounting them so water can run out if it does get inside.

Tip 3: Check all the obvious stuff. Sometimes it's a simple solution but your brain wants to fool you into thinking it's something more complex.

I am guessing that your scare lights are like this:


If so, I believe they are manufactured by Bargmann. The gasket used between the body and the lens may be available at an RV parts counter. If you have an auto parts store nearby that carries Bargmann lights and accessories, they may be able to order them for you. (Same old advice applies about not dwelling on what the light is mounted on with the parts person.)

[Desert185]

Originally Posted by SteveC7010

(Same old advice applies about not dwelling on what the light is mounted on with the parts person.)

Just tell them its for an intergovernmental classified project that you aren't at liberty to discuss. That will chill the questions.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by Desert185

Just tell them its for an intergovernmental classified project that you aren't at liberty to discuss. That will chill the questions.

Or get you posted to a "no fly" list LOL

Honestly, you can buy scare light assemblies for about $15. It probably isn't worth the hassle to try to rebuild, clean corrosion and find new gaskets. Amazon has them at this website and they are available at almost any RV parts counter. http://www.amazon.com/Lumitronics-Su...3R8VVVZ8QWDK8R