DE Bulb Question

[Nukeproof]

I broke the ceramic piece that is covering the metal clip on my 250W DE Phoenix bulb. It broke about a 1/4". Is it usable still? I didn't plug it in yet. TIA.

 

[bstreep]

Are you talking about the little piece on the top of the ceramic? If it's just a piece, it happens all the time (I called Hamilton when I did it). If it's the whole piece of ceramic, I don't know...

 

[Nukeproof]

Cool. It just about 1/2" of ceramic that broke off. I was worried about any fire hazard. I tried it last night and it still works.

 

[DarG]

The ceramic ring around the contact is more of a heat resistant support for the contact than anything else. Atleast that's what I think its main purpose is, keeps the little contact straight and rigid. I asked this question here on RC and was advised not to use the bulb. This was an old bulb, given to me alonmg with several other old bulbs so I did heed the advice.
If it were new and I couldn't get it replaced, personally, I probably would use it anyway.

 

[Nukeproof]

Yah, my was new so I just couldn't get myself to throw it out. Especially it fired up. Hope there is no melting effect.