I need to fix a small bracket on to the side of a 240v bulb holder on the 'shoulder' where it widens just below the line of the bayonet slots. Is it OK to solder it on? I'm concerned about the heat from the fitting although i imagine it will be far too low to affect the solder. Can anyone confirm/deny that it would be safe practice? Thanks.
Can I use solder on a brass lampholder?
- Thread starter autolycusd
- Start date
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Solder is not a strong material and can peel of the metal. Hence using it for load bearing joints requires a bit of care.
Low temperature solder may weaken ( fatigue) over time with the heat from an incandescent lamp with the cap upper most ( above the glass ).
Normal electrical solder should be OK provided there is not much stress on the joint.
Low temperature solder may weaken ( fatigue) over time with the heat from an incandescent lamp with the cap upper most ( above the glass ).
Normal electrical solder should be OK provided there is not much stress on the joint.
Your problem will be getting the brass, and the bracket, hot enough for teh solder to melt. Unless you do it properly will get a 'dry' joint and the bracket will fall off.
The best method would be to clean the items first, use some flux, and then heat up the items and melt some solder on both.
Then heat them up again and hold them together while the solder sets.
You will probably need a blowlamp to do this,a soldering iron will not do it unless it is VERY big.
And as stated above. solder is soft (lead-based) brass is hard, so it will not be a mechanically strong joint. It'll probably break the first time you need to change a bulb.
EDIT:
Normally the bracket is at the end where the cable goes into the lamp holder. Many brass lampholders have a standard sized thread, and there are lots of different brackets etc.
Like THESE
The best method would be to clean the items first, use some flux, and then heat up the items and melt some solder on both.
Then heat them up again and hold them together while the solder sets.
You will probably need a blowlamp to do this,a soldering iron will not do it unless it is VERY big.
And as stated above. solder is soft (lead-based) brass is hard, so it will not be a mechanically strong joint. It'll probably break the first time you need to change a bulb.
EDIT:
Normally the bracket is at the end where the cable goes into the lamp holder. Many brass lampholders have a standard sized thread, and there are lots of different brackets etc.
Like THESE
Better to braze it on.
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Thanks for the replies. I've soldered a piece of brass on - just using basic plumbing techniques - and it seems very solid. I was worried in case it was a complete no-no for some reason, but no-one has expressed that opinion so i guess i'll use it in the fitting.
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