Potting vs. Bi-pin

[tomcat017]

Hello all,

I was reading threads, trying to learn how to build a mag85, when I came across a few pros/cons of the potted bulb vs. the bi-pin. It occurred to me that I really don't know precisely what makes a bulb "potted." Before I actually ask (so no one rightfully smites me), yes--I did search. I read tons of pages on CPF, none of which actually say what a potted bulb is. I though I knew. But then I remembered my streamlight SL-20X lamp, which has both the ceramic holding the bulb into the reflector (which is what I though potting was), and two pins on the back of the lamp. So--I wanted to ask what determines whether a bulb is potted or bi-pin (or some other kind of connector). Thanks, and I really am sorry for such a simple question--but I'm learning .

 

[MatajumotorS]

Bi-pin 2-pin, lamp with two legs

"Potted" lamp will fit in mag switch with no modification, it is like standart mag lamp casing, only the bulb is other.

 

[tomcat017]

ok...kick me if necessary, but I'm still confused. What makes the potted bulb "potted?" Is it ceramic-ed in? And does that make my SL-20X lamp a bi-pin or potted? (its got some ceramic compound holding the lamp into the reflector, and it has two pins). If I understand correctly, though, thats still a bi-pin.

 

[bfg9000]

All bulbs have two pins; the difference is only if it's "planted" or bare. Similarly, houseplants have roots too whether you buy them potted (potted plants) or bare (bare-root).

When we refer to potted bulbs here it's usually a bipin bulb that is planted into a PR-base metal can. And bipin usually means a bare bulb by itself which technically does not include anything else--if it does, it's referred to as a "light assembly" (LA). A common type of two-pin bulb with integral reflector is called an "MR" base bulb.

 

[tomcat017]

bfg9000--thanks!! All cleared up now...thank you.