Pinball light bulbs
Here are the most common light bulbs used in pinballs. The #44 and #555 bulbs are used in general illumination and in feature lights. Flashers use #89 and #906 lamps. #86 is not so common but can be found at least in Twilight Zone and Creature. Older EM games use only #44 lamps. Now when the AC voltage has gone up from EM days 220 V to 230 V, it is a good idea to use #47 lamps, that draw less current and generate less heat. Especially in the backbox, where they help reduce heat and backglass paint flaking.
If you go to an electric store with those lamp codes, you will probably come back with empty hands. These types are not generally available over the counter in Europe. This table helps. It shows the bulb socket type and its voltage and current. Also RS order codes, though these bulbs can be obtained from many other places also.
Here are the most common light bulbs used in pinballs. The #44 and #555 bulbs are used in general illumination and in feature lights. Flashers use #89 and #906 lamps. #86 is not so common but can be found at least in Twilight Zone and Creature. Older EM games use only #44 lamps. Now when the AC voltage has gone up from EM days 220 V to 230 V, it is a good idea to use #47 lamps, that draw less current and generate less heat. Especially in the backbox, where they help reduce heat and backglass paint flaking.
If you go to an electric store with those lamp codes, you will probably come back with empty hands. These types are not generally available over the counter in Europe. This table helps. It shows the bulb socket type and its voltage and current. Also RS order codes, though these bulbs can be obtained from many other places also.
| Bulb | Voltage | Current/Power | Socket | RS code |
| #44 | 6.3 V | 0.25 A | BA9S | 586-267 |
| #47 | 6.3 V | 0.15 A | BA9S | 587-614 |
| #555 | 6.3 V | 0.25 A | 10 mm glass wedge | 587-973 |
| #89 | 12 V | 5 W | BA15S | 579-174 |
| #906 | 12 V | 5 W | 10 mm glass wedge | 195-4093 |
| #86 | 6 V | 80 mA | 5mm glass wedge | 587-529 |
