The Energon Pub

News Credits: 2 · by **Sid Burn** » Wed Dec 14, 2016 4:39 pm

With the USA and Canada wide ban on traditional incandescent 40w-60w-100w light bulbs, what are collectors using as a replacement to safely light their toy collections?

CFL spiral bulbs wont work, they emit UV, and UV fades/yellows plastic.

any thoughts on modern LEDs? I read conflicting reports about UV levels from LED bulbs, some say there isn't any, some say its negligible, some say avoid using them on fine art/collectibles etc.

News Credits: 60 · by **fenrir72** » Thu Dec 15, 2016 9:16 pm

I believe it's a toy specific issue or bad luck on our side. Why? My Bandai VF1S not Jetfire original re-issue earlier than 2008 (not the vintage one)1/55 with the fast pack is still bone white yet exposed in the same room and display case as some of my white but yellowed TFs.

So really a hit and miss.

News Credits: 12 · by **GuyIncognito** » Wed Jan 04, 2017 3:47 pm

Incandescent bulbs produce a lot of heat, especially the 100W ones, so I wouldn't want them anywhere near my figures, but I think they're OK if they're at least a few feet away.

News Credits: 60 · by **fenrir72** » Wed Jan 04, 2017 11:20 pm

GuyIncognito wrote:Incandescent bulbs produce a lot of heat, especially the 100W ones, so I wouldn't want them anywhere near my figures, but I think they're OK if they're at least a few feet away.

Long time no hear from you buddy! Welcome back!

News Credits: 11 · by **RAR** » Thu Jan 05, 2017 3:10 am

You can get specific UV free Strip lights for display cases.

As for LED lights they seem like the best solution as they emmit their light in the visible spectrum and don't get as hot.

That said there may be a difference between the small pinlight LEDS and the ones that are arrayed into the shape of a normal light bulb.

I managed to get some LED light bulbs on the cheap last year and changed them for the ones I use most - I can actually see a noticeable difference in my Electricity use because of them.

You may be able to find more info on specific bulb types with the model/manufacture info of the ones you want to buy.

But no incandescent bubs are a BAD idea for toys they give of IR UV and can even melt your toys.

You could consider searching for Museum recommendations on lighting or even actually write an email to a few museums and ask them what they use.

What is good for say Fabrics is good for toys too.