Kirby Light Bulb Question-

[suckomatic]

Is the Light bulb for the classic & omega models the same as an old 1156 tail light bulb? 


Because an 1156 is only 38¢.


They look the same (see photos), but are they the same brightness and current?


I couldn't find any posts about this, nor even any info online, but surely somebody has tried it, right?


Thanks


Kelly Ω

 

[kirbyclassiciii]

Suckomatic

Kelly,

The Kirby part number for the light bulb used on models 505 to Classic 1CR, as well as the American-Lincoln Super-Sweep and the Kirby COMVAC 1300, was #1650.

~Ben

 

[josh]

The Classic Omega to Legend II models can fit a 12V 1156 bulb. From G3 to Diamond Edition a 12V 194 bulb will fit. I've very successfully used automotive LED bulbs in both these applications for a cleaner, brighter light.

The older models than those above used a dual contact 120V bulb.

 

[suckomatic]

Yaaay!

Thanks! 

 

[human]

That's good to know. No need to buy the expensive bulbs that say Kirby on the box when there's a cheaper commodity alternative. Kinda makes you feel like you're stickin' it to tha man!

Hey, I think this is my 1,000th post. How the heck did that happen?

 

[sptyks]

Kirby 12 Volt bulb.

Josh, How does the Kirby Classic thru current G series convert 120V to 12V for the bulb?


 


I don't recall seeing a stepdown transformer inside my Kirby's. 


 


 

 

[josh]

The 12 volts gets tapped off the motor windings.

 

[sptyks]

Ok Josh. Thanks for that answer, 


 


 

 

[suckomatic]

Update-

So I ordered two 1156 automotive bulbs and two Kirby bulbs to see which worked better.


The 1156s came yesterday. The Kirbys came today.


All four bulbs are identical, right down to the #1156 stamped on each and every one of them. (rolls eyes)


So the moral of the thread is, the next time your Kirby needs a headlight, just pop into the nearest auto parts store and grab a cheap 1156 tail light bulb. 

 

 

[toastermike]

1156 LED bulbs

I ordered a pair of 1156 LED automotive bulbs from Amazon to try in my Classic III and Legend II. They looked the same as the original bulb but would not fit in deep enough to twist and lock into the socket. The large center bump shaped contact at the end of the bulb appears to be too large. I tried to file it down a little but it still won't lock. Josh, what brand of LED worked for you?

Thanks!

Mike