Compact fluorescent bulb assembly
Adding a compact fluorescent light to the trap is quite straight forward. Here is an approach we use for the budget bucket moth trap used in our Introduction to Moth Trapping workshops.
Components:
Compact fluorescent bulb |
There are actinic compact fluorescent bulbs that, like the actinic tubes, are high in UV and are manufactured for attracting insects in the catering trade. The Wemlite brand one is the most common, but there are others, such as Sylvania, on the market. There are also mains LED lights that have the Edison Screw fitting which can work well. There are also ones manufactured to provide desert mimicing lighting for reptile keepers' vivariums. These look white, but come in a choice of UV outputs up to 40% UV. |
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Power cable |
Twin core mains cable (0.5mm or 0.75mm) for the length required.
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Mains plug |
3 amp fused plug |
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RCD safety device |
Care should always be exercised when dealing with mains electricity. One element of this should be to use an RCD if your mains fuse box is not already protected. |
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Bulb holder |
Most of the compact fluorescent bubs use an ES27 screw fitting. |
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Mounting bar |
There are many options for fitting the bulb holder to the trap. We use of a length of 30mm wide uPVC architrave to which the bulb holder is attached. The simplest approach is for the UPC strip to be simply attached via velcro to the top of the trap. A second, probably better, option has the holder and this bulb lower into the funnel (see below). A shorter length of UPVC strip can be bolted to the inside of the funnel. We used M3, 50mm stainless steel bolts with lock nuts which go diagonally down through holes drilled in the UPVC strip and then perpendicularly through the funnel wall. The frame of an old lampshade of the right size can be used and this has the advantage of the bulb being mounted facing down which with a cover over the base avoids having to use a bulb bottle cover which reduces the transmission of UV light. What is best will depend on your trap and your DIY skills. |
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Self tapping screws |
Used to attach bulb holder to Mounting bar. We use 13mm x 3.5mm screws. |
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Cable zip ties |
Used to secure the ends of the LED strips to the Tube and the Tube to the Mounting bar |
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Bulb cover | An empty plastic juice bottle with the top cut off such that it is long enough to fit over the bulb and stop any rain getting into its electrics. We use Oasis bottles from Coca-cola and cut round at the neck carefully with nail scissors. |
Assembly
Cable to bulb holder |
Cut the cable to the required length. Trim and strip cable ends and fit mains plug to one end and bulb holder to the other end. |
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Attach bulb holder to Mounting bar |
Mark and drill pilot holds in Mounting bar and attach bulb holder using self-tapping screws. Drill hole in side of mounting bar 50mm from bulb holder and secure cable using cable tie. |
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Mount on your trap |
Cut and affix the Velcro to the bar and the lid of the trap. Optionally drill through the bar and top of the trap and use self-tapping screws or bolts and wing nuts. |
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Fit bulb and bulb cover | The compact fluorescent bulb can be screwed into the bulb holder and the bulb cover placed on top. |