An LED replacement for an old torch bulb

Dorcy LED Replacement BulbMany of us have an old torch (flashlight) or maybe an old cycle lamp that uses a traditional flanged “Prefocus” bulb. In my case I've a Duracell (4C) torch with a swivel lens that’s mainly used for DIY or emergencies. I keep it in the garage for the times when I have to stumble around in the dark to find the circuit breaker that's tripped when yet another lightbulb blew.

4C 6V Lantern with Prefocus bulb (click to see)Problem is, like all such old-fashioned incandescent lamps Prefocus bulbs are inefficient and need good batteries to get the best out of them. The four expensive Duracell ‘C’ cells in my torch are past their prime and I only get a faint yellow glow whenever I use the thing.

However I’ve found the perfect way to upgrade it using an LED Replacement Bulb marketed by the US firm Dorcy International. These hard-to-get bulbs have the same metal base as an old Prefocus type, but they have a powerful white LED instead of a filament.  Different voltages are available for 2 cell (3V) or 4.5-6V lanterns and they claim 100,000 hours of life. My 4 x ‘C’ cell torch therefore needed the 4.5-6V  type and it claimed a 40 Lumens output.

The Dorcy LED Replacement Bulb fits perfectly and even using the same tired ‘C’ cells the light output is very much brighter as my photos show. They are a bit hard to get. They might be available from e.g. ebay but beware very high postage from the USA, or try the Amazon UK links below.

With Dorcy LED Replacement LED bulb fitted. Click to seeClick to compare bulb styles

Legacy Duracell lantern with Dorcy LED bulb (click to see)I guess the time will come where the battery voltage finally drops off and the bulb fails to light, but until then it’s an excellent way of giving a traditional torch a new lease of life.

Suggested Dorcy 41-1644 40 Lumen 4.5V To 6V Led Replacement Bulb

Suggested Dorcy 41-1643 30 Lumen 3 Volt LED Replacement Bulb

Update on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 12:44AM by Alan W

These Dorcy LED bulbs were formerly available on Amazon and Ebay, but since writing this article Dorcy LED bulbs have become more scarce in the UK. The biggest problem is the high P&P from Amazon 3rd party sellers which makes an upgrade less economically viable, and the unfavourable £/$ exchange rate doesn't help.

However a different brand is listed, a 1W 120 Lumen type claiming to be non-polarised (which is better, as it no longer relies on which way round your batteries are wired), and it's 1-9V. Worth a look.

AW

Comments

[Glenn Carter]

Hi, This is a really useful article but please can you tell me how I can purchase and have shipped some of these replacement bulbs as it's not clear from your article did you order via BIC warehouse or was it a 2 step process?
Thank you

[Alan W]

Hi Glenn

Initially I sourced mine via ebay from the seller BIC Warehouse whom I've dealt with a couple of times. I found huge variations in price at the time and BIC was cheapest. You do need to shop around on ebay. A target price would be maybe £6-£7. They are also available via Amazon using the link above. Remember to get the correct voltage. HTH AW

[Bright vintage torch]

I have a vintage torch dating Back to about 1963, it's a Eveready chrome torch with a red plastic surround on the front, a good looking torch and in pretty good condition, I really like using it but the only drawback it's pretty dim compared to modern torches as it only takes 2D type batteries giving 3v so now I've upgraded it now starting by getting a 2 D type battery holders, each holding 3 rechargeable AA batteries giving about 6v altogether and now I've fitted a LED bulb at 220 lumens, now it's so dazzling bright, a massive difference, on one charge it has lasted 2 hours and still going strong.

[PJI]

There are 0.5W LED torch bulbs (unknown brand) available on EBay from various sellers for as little as £1, & higher power (1, 2 & 3W) available from The Torch Site http://www.thetorchsite.co.uk/Universal_led_upgrades.html, Reflectalitehttp://www.reflectalite.com/LEDpage.html & maybe others, at higher prices. I bought some of the higher powers about 5 years ago for upgrading old bike lights & torches, & they're still going strong. I've not had any fail.

You need to check polarity. Most are standard +ve base & fine for a standard old torch, but I have old bike lights that are reverse polarity. Luckily there are reverse polarity & either way LED bulbs. Also voltage. They can take a much wider voltage range than a filament bulb, but some have a minimum voltage too high for a 2-cell torch. OK in 6V bike lights, though.

[brian_mk]

I have tried 3 or 4 of these LED replacement bulbs in old torches and have been disappointed by the beam pattern.
Old style torches have reflectors that are designed for use with bulbs that emit light in pretty much all directions. LEDs are much more directional.
The result is a fairly small bright central spot with poor surrounding illumination.
It's better to buy a new LED torch. They don't cost much more that the LED bulbs in any case.

[Alan W]

It's true that there is more choice now than there was when I wrote the article five years ago.