You have to work with a sewing machine very often in the dark or at dusk. And even on bright days, normal lighting is often not enough. That is why it is important to use the lamp for the sewing machine and choose it correctly.
Features
Lighting equipment can improve the lighting of the working area and minimize eye strain. Everyone who has worked at least an hour on a sewing machine without additional lighting knows how tedious it is. Of particular relevance is the additional illumination for visually impaired users. In modern versions, the lamps are mounted on a table or built into the body. Therefore, the need for additional lamps disappears.
Main types
The bulbs for the latest generation of cars are universal in their design. They are equally suitable for use on sewing machines and overlocks of any brands. High-quality light source compatible with sewing equipment:
- Brother
- Janome;
- Plaff;
- Husqvarna;
- Elna
- New home;
- Singer.
Similar bulbs can be used in refrigerators and other household appliances. Often they are interchangeable. Most often you can find an incandescent lamp with a screw-shaped base. Such models of bulbs are sold in any hardware stores. Their power is 15 watts. The thread is formed in such a way as to guarantee compatibility with any cartridge. The difference applies only to the height of the flasks and socles. Quite often used and 2-pin bulbs. The base is not threaded. The power is the same as that of screw counterparts.
The special structure of a 2-pin device sometimes makes it difficult to use.Many people can not immediately correctly insert such a light bulb into the laid socket. Twisting it into the cartridge is not required. It is only necessary to enter inside, and then, after turning ¼ turn, the contacts of the bulb and the cartridge will be interlocked. Those who have already changed the lamp in the car will immediately figure out what needs to be done.
2-pin models are completely universal. The only difference between them is the height of the bulb. Removing such a light source does not cause any particular problems. At first they press it a little, and then turn it. You can’t apply much effort, otherwise the glass will break and cut your hands.
On some machines and overlocks, LED backlighting can be used. This is a practical and modern solution. Often, instead of a conventional lamp, even an LED strip is provided. Such a light source allows you to direct the rays very purposefully. Experts even note its convenience in everyday use.
Some LED lights do not require special mounting. The base is fixed to the surface of the machine on a magnet. Since almost all machines contain significant metal parts, installation problems will not occur. Even if it is a machine or an overlock of obsolete models that did not provide for a separate fixture at all. LED and fluorescent lamps last a long time and are not prone to breakage of the thread due to constant vibration.
Selection Tips and Usage Tips
More and more companies are now refusing screw bulbs. In the latest models, contact light sources are actively used. The problem is that outwardly it is completely impossible to distinguish them (we are talking about lamps already put in place). A very practical solution is a lamp that can be connected directly to the start unit of the sewing machine. As soon as it starts working, the backlight automatically starts. At any stop, the lamp will go out in the same way, in automatic mode.
The procedure for replacing the lamp or installing it from scratch is prescribed in the instructions for the sewing machine or overlock. Almost always, however, such manipulations will be required:
- blackout of the device;
- removal of the lampshade (grille, casing);
- scrolling the lamp by the bulb against the clock;
- replacing it with an identical in magnitude, voltage, type and power;
- health check;
- return to the place of protective elements.
If possible, Always use LED bulbs. They compare favorably even with the best fluorescent counterparts. The advantage is already shown in the fact that the color temperature optimal for sewing is maintained. Flicker is completely excluded, which, albeit in a weak form, is present in any fluorescent lamp. It is very important to pay attention to the color temperature of the light source.
Magnet-mounted lamps are not very suitable for household sewing machines, usually with plastic housings.. They are better suited for professional equipment, which is a real powerful metal machines. Therefore, one must pay attention to the standard fastening of the lamp. You should not try to use magnetic lamps on machines with electronic control. A magnet can interfere with the operation of thin, highly sensitive microcircuits.
You can go for a suitable lamp to a sewing equipment store. It’s best to go where there are accessories for professional machines. But it’s possible to find suitable devices in most construction stores where they sell tools. Another alternative are large online stores, even from China. Choosing lamps there should be based on reviews and ratings.
Side light is very important for the domestic segment. It is provided using conventional table lamps. Moreover, light sources with a warm yellow glow are practically unsuitable. They may look very nice in appearance, but working with them is almost impossible.The other extreme is cold blue light, which not only harms vision, but also distorts colors.
The optimum color temperature is 5000 kelvin. Deviation can be 200,000 units. Sellers themselves do not always understand what they are selling, and where is the real color temperature. From specific models it is worth recommending:
- Janome00009917;
- Hemline 131. M. LED;
- Aurora AU-205015;
- AU-174514LED.
Next, watch a video with tips on choosing light bulbs for a sewing machine.
