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DC Lighting
Montana Light
DC Lighting Fixtures

All of the fixtures and custom designed ballasts and sockets listed on pages 82 to 88 are manufactured by Montana Light. They have been designing and manufacturing DC lighting for at least 15 years. It was a great step forward when we started to offer Montana Light equipment over what was then available. These fixtures start instantly and without the annoying flicker the old style fixtures exhibited. Many of their ballasts power different size bulbs while remaining at least 95% efficient for each size. This is a real convenience for those of you who might change your mind about what size light is needed in any given space. We have had great success with this lighting equipment. If you want to use DC lighting, these are excellent fixtures to use.

Lamp Notes

When a bulb is showing signs of hard starting it needs to be replaced. If you notice black areas around the base, or a violet glow at the base of the glass for more than a few seconds while starting, its time to replace the bulb. Ballast and socket damage at end of bulb life can be prevented by installing a small fuse at the fixture. We now include a 2 amp auto blade fuse and holder with all our ceiling fixtures.

All products from Montana Light have a one year limited warranty. See DC Ballasts and Lighting Controls below for installation information and other tips for using DC compact fluorescent lights.

Click the image below for a full-size printable .pdf outline of our DC Compact Fluorescent Bulbs:

12 Volt and 24 Volt DC Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

S/E Fixtures

831-405 S/E Ballast/Bulb 5w 12v $26
831-407 S/E Ballast/Bulb 7w 12v $26
831-409 S/E Ballast/Bulb 9w 12v $26
831-413 S/E Ballast/Bulb 13w 12v $26
831-505 S/E Ballast/Bulb 5w 24v $27
831-507 S/E Ballast/Bulb 7w 24v $27
831-509 S/E Ballast/Bulb 9w 24v $27
831-513 S/E Ballast/Bulb 13w 24v $27

These fixtures consist of an electronic DC ballast and a replaceable compact fluorescent bulb. S/E stands for "Single Loop/Electronic" which means the bulb has one loop and is made to work with an electronic ballast. The ballast is fitted with a standard screw base and can be used in lamps or fixtures powered by 12 or 24 volts DC. They start instantly every time. They will also function to at least 0oF. However low voltage (under 12V or 24V) and/or frequent on-off cycles will shorten their life. The bulb has a rated life of 10,000 hours. The ballast should last 45,000 hours.  The S/E bulb comes in 5, 7, 9 and 13 watt sizes. The same ballast is used for all four bulb wattages, so bulbs can be interchanged in the future.

S/E Replacement Tubes

804-105,107,109,113    5, 7, 9 or 13 watts    $7.00

 

These tubes can be used either as replacement tubes for our DC compact fluorescent bulbs or for use in your own fixtures using the S/E sockets listed below.


D/E and T/E Replacement Tubes

TE 13W & TE 18W
804-313 T/E Bulb 13 Watts $8.00
804-318 T/E Bulb 18 Watts $10.00

Similar in use as the S/E listed above.


D/E and T/E Fixtures

TE13W Separate Dscn0300
830-013 T/E Ballast/Bulb 13w 12v $28
830-013D D/E Ballast/Bulb 13w 12v $28
830-018 T/E Ballast/Bulb 18w 12v $29
 
830-213 T/E Ballast/Bulb 13w 24v $28
830-213D D/E Ballast/Bulb 13w 24v $28
830-218 T/E Ballast/Bulb 18w 24v $29

TE13W Dscn0301 The D/E and T/E fixtures are the same as the S/E fixtures. They consist of an electronic DC ballast and a replaceable compact fluorescent bulb.  The ballast is fitted with a standard screw base and can be used in lamps or fixtures powered by 12 or 24 volts DC. They start instantly every time. They will also function to at least 0oF. However low voltage (under 12V or 24V) and/or frequent on-off cycles will shorten their life. The bulb has a rated life of 10,000 hours. The ballast should last 45,000 hours.   

Compact Fluorescent Tube Sockets


832-001 S/E Socket 5, 7, 9 or 13 watt $2
832-002 T/E Socket 13 watt $2
832-004 T/E Socket 18 watt $2

These tube sockets can be used to make your own compact fluorescent fixtures using the tubes and ballasts listed in this catalog. An existing fixture could be retrofitted or a new one designed. The ballast can be mounted at a distance from the socket and out of sight from the tube.


Very High Efficiency 12V and 24V LED Light

840-100 LED Light, 6 LEDS, 12/24V
(12V-40mA-0.5W 24V-50mA-1.2W)
$16
840-101 LED Light 12 LEDS, 12V
(100mA-about 1.2W)
$29
840-102 LED Light 12 LEDS, 24V
(90mA-about 2W)
$29

LED stands for "light emitting diode". Consisting of six ultra high output LEDs, this light produces an unbelievable amount of light for the power it uses. Current draw is less than 40 mA. This equates to a total power consumption of about 1/2 to 1 watt. The light is ideal for reading or for a work light at close distances. The LED light requires positive voltage at its center pin and negative voltage at the threads. Dimensions: 2" dia., 2-1/2" long (including Edison base).

High Efficiency, High Brightness 12 Volt LED Light

3 LED Light (DSCN1386)
840-106 LED Light 3 LEDs 12V Soft White
(330mA-about 4W)
$39

This LED light consists of just three LEDs, but makes more than four times the light of the six LED light and has an expected life of over 100,000 hours. This LED lamp has a wide dispersion angle, allowing it to actually light up an area rather than just a small spot. It requires positive voltage at its center pin and negative voltage at the threads. Dimensions: 2” dia., 2-1/2” long (including Edison base).


12V and 24V Integrated DC Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

834-1207 D/E Integrated Bulb 12V 7W $19
834-1211 D/E Integrated Bulb 12V 11W $19
834-1213 T/E Integrated Bulb 12V 13W $25
834-1215 D/E Integrated Bulb 12V 15W $22
834-1218 T/E Integrated Bulb 12V 18W $25
834-1222 D/E Integrated Bulb 12V 22W $22
834-1223 T/E Integrated Bulb 12V 23W $25
 
834-2407 D/E Integrated Bulb 24V 7W $19
834-2411 D/E Integrated Bulb 24V 11W $19
834-2413 T/E Integrated Bulb 24V 13W $25
834-2415 D/E Integrated Bulb 24V 15W $22
834-2418 T/E Integrated Bulb 24V 18W $27
834-2422 D/E Integrated Bulb 24V 22W $22
834-2423 T/E Integrated Bulb 24V 23W $27

LIT has introduced a new line of integrated compact fluorescent bulbs. Integrated means that the tubes are non-replaceable. The advantages of this arrangement are smaller and less expensive bulbs. The bulbs come in a wide array of shapes and sizes. We stock a full range of 2700oK bulbs both in 12 and 24 VDC. See the picture below and the chart on the next page for wattage versus physical size.

Under Cabinet LED Lights

3 LED Light (DSCN1386)
840-107 Small Under-Cabinet LED Fixture $29
840-108  Large Under-Cabinet LED Fixture $35
840-110  Large Under-Cabinet LED Fixture
(very high output)
$49

The same high efficiency, high brightness LEDs are mounted in thin metal enclosures for under-counter use. This is the perfect use for LED lighting as the LEDs deliver a lot of light in a small space.
The smaller fixture (3”x2”x1/2”) draws about 200mA at 12VDC (about 2.5W). The larger fixture (6”x2”x1/2”), with more heat dissipating ability, draws 350mA at 12VDC (about 4W) and produces considerably more light.


DC Coilight Compact Fluorescents
(not for use in closed fixtures)

835-1220  Coilight Integrated Bulb 12V 20W $21
835-1223  Coilight Integrated Bulb 12V 23W $21
 
835-2420  Coilight Integrated Bulb 24V 20W $22
835-2423  Coilight Integrated Bulb 24V 23W $22

This a new line of integrated compact fluorescents by Montana Light. Integrated means that the bulb is not replacable. The advantage of these lights is that they are somewhat smaller than the integrated compact fluorescents listed above. They are available in both 12 and 24 VDC. The color temperature is the same as all our other compact fluorescents: 27K 0K (soft white).
Size: 5 3/4” Long by 2 1/4” Dia. (15 watt bulb).


DC Compact Fluorescent Light Fixtures
These DC compact fluorescent light fixtures are made using the same high quality LIT ballasts and S/E and T/E bulbs as used in our Edison based PL units. This means instant turn-on down to 0oF with no flicker. There are several styles of ceiling fixtures to choose from. All are available in 12 or 24 volts. We now stock all the fixtures we list for immediate delivery.

DC Ceiling Fixtures

840-352   12 Volt Single Bulb Fixture   $52
                    Mushroom or Drum Cover; 5,7,9 or 13w Bulb
840-354   24 Volt Single Bulb Fixture   $52
                    Mushroom or Drum Cover; 5,7,9 or 13w Bulb
840-402   12 Volt Double Bulb Fixture   $68
                    Mushroom or Drum Cover; Specify bulb sizes.
840-404   24 Volt Double Bulb Fixture   $68
                    Mushroom or Drum Cover; Specify bulb sizes.

Our ceiling fixtures are ideal wherever decorative and energy efficient lighting is needed: bath, kitchen, hallway, etc. They have a low profile lens suitable for either ceiling or wall mount. The high impact white acrylic lens delivers a pleasing shadow-free light. We now stock all combinations of these ceiling lights for immediate delivery.
 
    Our basic ceiling fixture houses one S/E bulb with its associated ballast. It can have either a "Drum" or "Mushroom" type cover. The bulb sizes: 5W, 7W, 9W or 13W. Please specify which size you would prefer.   
    The second version of this ceiling fixture features two S/E bulbs and ballasts for twice as much light. Again, the included ballasts can efficiently power either a 5W, 7W, 9W or 13W tube: two tubes per fixture in any combination. With the proper switching arrangement, this fixture can produce two levels of light.
    Both fixtures come in either 12 volt or 24 volt versions as specified by part number. A 120 volt version of this fixture is also available.
    Bulb life is 10,000 hours; ballast life is 45,000 hours. They come with a one year guarantee, but must be used as directed in the enclosed operating instructions. (See side bar.)
    A pull chain can be added to any fixture for $5. Dimensions: 11" diameter; 3" deep.

Globe Ceiling Fixture

840-005 12V 13W  $49
840-006 24V 13W  $49

 

We stock one other type of ceiling fixture: a unit which houses a 13W T/E tube in a "Globe" type of enclosure. It has a 5" diameter base fitted with a 6" frosted white glass globe. The ballast is mounted in the base. This light can be fitted with a pull chain which adds $5 to the price.


Under Cabinet Fixture

840-017 Squared Edge 15W 12V $39
840-018 Squared Edge 15W 24V $39

The "Under Cabinet" fixture is available in 15 watt, 12 or 24 volt versions. It has a squared off front diffuser edge. A rocker switch can be added for $5.
Dimensions: 18" long, 4.5" deep, 2" thick
.


Coompact Fluorescent Floodlight

840-813 12V 13W Floodlight $54
840-823 24V 13W Floodlight $54

 

This energy saving floodlight was developed for durability. The 13 watt S/E compact fluorescent bulb delivers the equivalent of a 75 watt flood with the help of the polished aluminum rear reflector. The bulb has a 10,000 hour life and will work down to 0oF. This fixture is weather resistant and suitable for wet locations. It has a black plastic impact resistant housing. Mounting is accomplished with a 1/2" swivel threaded base. The knuckle is made of rugged Lexan which will not rust or corrode. Dimensions: 8.5" long; 4.5" high; 4 “ deep.


Compact Fluorescent Downlight

840-212 12V 13W Fluorescent Downlight $49
840-224 24V 13W Fluorescent Downlight $49

This fixture is made for protected outdoor area lighting. It has a metallic reflector and prismatic lens for increased lumens. It is very easy to install and has a replaceable 13 watt D/E lamp. The fixture is made from durable VALOX and the bulb has a 10,000 hour rated life, which drastically lowers lighting maintenance and cost. The ballast is rated for 45,000 hours. The 13 watt bulb delivers equivalent lumens to a 75 watt incandescent bulb. Dimensions: 6.5" high; 5" diameter.


Thinlite DC Lighting
DC Fluorescent Fixtures
Thinlite makes a popular line of DC fluorescent fixtures. They are reliable and for the most part take standard fluorescent bulbs. Only the ballasts are different. A replacement bulb only costs a few dollars at a discount store (except for the PL series). Most fixtures are UL listed. All Thinlites are available in 12V and 24V versions.

Thinlite Circline Bulbs

810-108     Thinlite 108 12v 22w     $39
                         1100 lumens
810-208     Thinlite 208 24v 22w     $49
                       1100 lumens

This fixture consists of a circline fluorescent light fitted with a ThinLite DC ballast. The ballast screws into a standard table lamp by removing the harp during installation then putting it back. They work well in ceiling porcelain fixtures if you can stand the "bare bulb" look. Otherwise you may want a shade. They have a two year warranty. These lights have high frequency electronic ballasts ­ no flicker, no noise. Outside diameter: 8 1/4"

Thinlite Replacement Ballasts

For those who want to convert AC fluorescents to DC. Dimensions: 5 1/2" long, 1 1/4" wide, 7/8" high.

850-015 15W 12V Ballast  $24
850-020 22W 12V Ballast $25
850-030 30W 12V Ballast $25
850-040 40W 12V Ballast  $30
     
851-015 15W 24V Ballast $40
851-020 20W 24V Ballast $40
851-030 30W 24V Ballast $40
851-040 40W 24V Ballast $46

Thinlite 190 and 290 Series

811-191
Thinlite 191
12v 8w 400 lumens
12.4" x 2.3" x 2.5''
$30
811-193
Thinlite 193
12v 15w 870 lumens
18.2" x 2.3" x 2.5''
$34
811-291
Thinlite 291
24v 8w 400 lumens
12.4" x 2.3'' x 2.5''
$43
811-293
Thinlite 293
24v 15w 870 lumens
18.2'' x 2.3'' x 2.5"
$46

The 190 and 290 Series have a clear plastic lens and an attractive extruded aluminum base. A rocker switch is located on one end of the fixture. In the rear is a hole for a 1/2" Romex connector to facilitate standard wiring. UL  listed. Instant start. Price includes bulb.

Thinlite 180 and 280 Series PL

812-182
Thinlite 182
12v 18w 1250 lumens
10.5" x 3.6" x 3.5'''
$62
812-186
Thinlite 186
12v 36w 2900 lumen
18.0" x 3.6'' x 3.5''
$61
812-282
Thinlite 282
24v 18w 1250 lumen
10.5" x 3.6" x 3.5''
$77
812-286
Thinlite 286
24v 36w 2900 lumen
18.0" x 3.6'' x 3.5''
$76

The 180 and 280 Series PL lamps feature the new PL type fluorescent bulbs. The PL bulb produces more lumens per watt than any other bulb we sell. They also have a pleasing light spectrum. This series has a shorter wider case (than the 190 series), with a clear plastic cover, but no switch. UL listed. Instant start. Price includes bulb.


Replacement Bulbs

Replacement tubes for the Thinlite 190 and 290 series fixtures can usually be purchased at the local hardware store. We carry them as well, in case getting to that store isn't so easy!

The F8 and F15 tubes are "regular" fluorescent tubes, with a cool white color temperature.

Thinlite 191/291 CF8T5/CW 819-191 $5 190/290 Series Tube
Thinlite 193/293 CF15T8/CW 819-193 $5

The 180/280 tubes are the "PL" single loop type bulb, which are not readily available. Their color temperature tends towards "daylight". These bulbs are expensive, but very long lasting. Though we've been selling the 182/186 series Thinlite for over 10 years, we sell very few replacement tubes.

Thinlite 182/282 L-LP-18/35 819-182 $16
Thinlite 186/286 CF39BX 819-186 $22

Replacement Lenses

In case you should damage the plastic covers on your ThinLite fixtures.
Thin-Lite191/291 818-191 $8
Thin-Lite 193/293 818-193  $10
Thin-Lite 182/282 819-182 $8
Thin-Lite 186/286 819-186 $15


DC Lighting
MR-16 with screw base adapterMR-16 Quartz Halogen Floodlight

 

802-003 MR-16 Bulb 20 watt $6.00
802-004 MR-16 Bulb 35 watt $6.00
802-006 Screw Base Adapter $11.50

MR-16's are miniature floodlights, 2" in diameter. They produce at least 50% more light than the same wattage DC incandescent. They deliver such bright directed light, we actually use them in mountain bike headlights for night riding in the woods! One light hanging above a table, or one light in a reading lamp are good applications. These lights have bi-pin bases. You can solder onto the pins, but we recommend buying the adapter to convert to a standard screw base. Picture shows bulb and base.

Co-Pilot Lamp

802-001 5W 20" long $29
802-002 5W 12V Replacement Bulb $6
802-007 10W 12V Replacement Bulb $6

This is an automotive map light which makes an excellent reading or task light. It features a 12V DC 5 watt Halogen lamp, with a 20'' flexible neck and a mounting bracket with screws. Very good for reading in bed.


DC Incandescent Light Bulbs With Standard Screw Base

12 Volt
24 Volt
 
820-015 12 volt 15 watt 150 lumens $3.00
820-025 12 volt 25 watt 275 lumens $3.00
820-050 12 volt 50 watt 790 lumens $3.00
Quantities of 6 or more      $2.75 ea.
821-025 24 volt 25 watt 350 lumens $5.75
821-050 24 volt 50 watt 825 lumens $5.75
Quantities of 6 or more      $5.25 ea.

These DC bulbs give you about the same light for the same wattage as conventional 120V AC incandescent light bulbs. They will work in conventional lamps and light fixtures, as long as any switch used is a clicking type switch, not a silent mercury switch. Because of their inefficiency, they should be used only where light is needed for a short period of time (a closet or hallway). Don't use these for reading lights.


DC Ballasts and Lighting Controls
DC Compact Fluorescent Fixture and Ballast Warranty and Installation Notes
Following are a few tips for achieving the longest bulb and ballast life:

Low Voltage
The number one problem a DC ballast has is low voltage. A 12 volt DC ballast may require up to 10 times the operating current to start the lamp. If the wire is too small or the voltage is too low, the lamp will not be able to get the necessary current to start and then a low voltage condition will exist. The lamp will work fine for a while but will soon start showing signs of failure.


If the lamp fails to start instantly it will place a high current load on the ballast.
If this load remains too long it can over heat the ballast and cause premature ballast failure.

End of Lamp Life
When a bulb is showing signs of hard starting it needs to be replaced. If you notice black areas around the base, or a violet glow at the base of the glass for more than a few seconds while starting, its time to replace the bulb. Fluorescent bulbs do not like to be turned on and off frequently in a short amount of time. The 10,000 hour life rating is based on a minimum of three hours on time. If the bulb is on for shorter periods of time, its life will be reduced. Areas where lights are on for only a few minutes will use up bulbs much faster than when they are used for a longer period of time. We recommend using quartz halogen or even incandescent bulbs where lights are being constantly turned on and off.

LIT Ballasts

The "Best" DC Ballast Yet
Light It Technology of Montana specialize in every type of DC lighting. Most of our DC fixtures are made by them. Now they have come out with their own line of DC ballasts. These ballasts were designed to operate with the new S/E and T/E electronic tubes. All LIT ballasts start instantly with no flicker and operate at high frequency without noise or radio interference. All LIT ballasts have a one year warranty. These ballasts should last for 45,000 hours.

Low Wattage Ballasts

854-1213 12V, 5W-13W, S/E & D/E $25
854-2413 24V, 5W-13W, S/E & D/E $25
These ballasts now power 5 through 13 watt tubes. They only draw the current necessary to power each wattage. In other words they are about 98% efficient across their operating range.

Dimensions: Length 2",Width 1 7/8",Height 1"

High Wattage Ballasts

854-1240 12V, 18W-40W Tubes $39
854-2440 24V, 18W-40W Tubes $39
The high wattage ballasts will now power 18 to 40 watt tubes and 18 and 26 watt bulbs. Efficiency for all wattages is 98%.

Dimensions: Length 3",Width 1 3/4",Height 1 1/4"
32 and 48 Volt Ballasts - 32V and 48V Ballasts are available on special order.  Call for pricing and availability.

Photoswitch for 12 Volts DC

890-001    12V Photoswitch    $42

This light sensitive switch turns lights (or other loads) off at dawn and back on again at dusk. It is encased in a sealed plastic box with four leads for connections: 2 for 12 volts DC and 2 for the load you are controlling. The switch can handle a maximum of 20 amps. It draws 3 mA during the day when off and 90 mA at night when on.

DC Dimmer Control For All Filament Type Lamps

908-007    DC Dimmer 8A 12V    $35
908-008    DC Dimmer 8A 24V    $35

This breakthrough DC Dimmer offers the full-range brightness control of a mechanical rheostat plus the on/off function of a switch - all at the turn of a single knob. Efficiency is an incredible 98% at all settings, and adjustment range is from completely off to full brightness. This dimmer is recommended for all halogen and tungsten lighting. Because destructive starting surge is eliminated, expensive bulbs last far longer. Double filtering reduces radio interference to an absolutely unnoticeable level. Each unit comes complete and ready-to-install with wiring, fuse holder and fuse, mounting hardware and detailed instructions. An ivory switch cover plate is standard.


12V or 24V Photoswitch

890-002   6 Amp 12V/24V Photoswitch    $39

This photoswitch is designed to work on either 12 or 24 VDC. Once the switch is manually activated, it can turn a light (or any DC load up to 6 amps) on at dusk and off at sunrise. Its light sensitivity is adjustable for whatever light level you desire. It must not be exposed to direct rainfall.


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