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Non-Metallic Flashlight

us Offline nate j

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Non-Metallic Flashlight
on: August 31, 2019, 05:10:16 PM
Well, not exactly.  But one with no exposed metal parts.  My new(ish) job has me looking into/working in live electrical enclosures, and I'm looking for a light that can't short anything out if I accidentally drop it into the panel.

Criteria:
  • No exposed metal parts.  This is the key requirement.
  • Size:  Since I'll be carrying it a lot more than using it, smaller would be better, but tempered by decent run time.
  • Brightness:  As this light will be for up-close work, a light with lower or adjustable brightness (and ideally more flood than spot) would be ideal.
  • Batteries:  Nothing too exotic.  Probably AAA, AA, or CR123A.

Options seem pretty limited.  I'm probably looking at a Streamlight Propolymer or Polytac.  Maybe a Pelican 19XX, but run times seem really short.  Other suggestions?


us Offline Archibald Tuttle

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Re: Non-Metallic Flashlight
Reply #1 on: September 01, 2019, 01:33:37 AM
 For electrical inspections, using only flashlights, I have a few favorites. In AA  I prefer Underwater Kinetics , either a Herculite or Z2. I run AA eneloops in both.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oEaHH-KSxUQ

I have carried a CR123 powered Tekna Splash-Lite in my pocket for over 3 decades. Used for HVAC, electrical and locksmith work. I've added a warm white, 222 led lamp. Tiny, waterproof, non conductive and with this led lamp, extremely long running. It provides a broad, cozy, incandescent tinted beam.My favorite pocket back up and close quarters inspection light.

http://www.tek-tite.com/proddetail.php?prod=TEKNA_SPLASH-LITE

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-LED-WARM-WHITE-EPISTAR-222-Bulb-E10-112-EDISON-BASE-3-VOLT-2cell-60-LUMEN-/223351717688?redirect=mobile


gb Offline Sparky415

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Re: Non-Metallic Flashlight
Reply #2 on: September 01, 2019, 09:20:35 AM

Heat shrink sleeving 😉
Everything’s adjustable


spam Offline comis

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Re: Non-Metallic Flashlight
Reply #3 on: September 01, 2019, 03:43:47 PM
UK made some good ones, and I remember both Streamlight and Pelican also made some that are good for various environments.  I remembered owning Pelican 4AA xenon light from long ago, and it was a good reliable light.  But if you are lugging it around more than using, maybe there are better choices out there than a 4AA.


us Offline charlie fox

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Re: Non-Metallic Flashlight
Reply #4 on: September 02, 2019, 04:42:02 PM
Streamlight Polytac; the pocket clip can be removed.
"Never pick a fight with an old man. If he's too old to fight, he'll just kill you."


us Offline spudley112

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Re: Non-Metallic Flashlight
Reply #5 on: September 03, 2019, 02:07:55 AM
Inova Radiant.

I am a huge fan of headlamps. I bought a fairly cheap energizer model from Walmart that I have been using for years. When camping, I set it on the lowest power setting and it is pretty much good to go all night. High power can really light up the night. When I go on trips on the motorcycle, I make sure to pack the light along too. Having both hands free is nice if you have to work on anything, set up a tent or a multitude of other tasks.
Rather mundane quote entered here to approximate humor.


us Offline nate j

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Re: Non-Metallic Flashlight
Reply #6 on: September 03, 2019, 04:28:00 AM
Thanks for the input, folks.  I've ordered a Streamlight Polytac X, as it just seemed to have a lot more capability than the others, though I will have to lose the pocket clip to get metal-free.


us Offline Archibald Tuttle

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Re: Non-Metallic Flashlight
Reply #7 on: September 03, 2019, 07:23:43 PM
No problemo. Didn't know 18650 was in the running.  :cheers:


us Offline nate j

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Re: Non-Metallic Flashlight
Reply #8 on: September 04, 2019, 04:07:04 AM
No problemo. Didn't know 18650 was in the running.  :cheers:

Having the capability to back up the 18650 with CR123As is critical; I wouldn't have gone for something that took 18650 only.


 

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