Author Topic: Sure Lites LM-1 Faulty Transformer  (Read 151 times)
CapacitorDude
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Sure Lites LM-1 Faulty Transformer « on: April 06, 2026, 10:11:00 PM » Author: CapacitorDude
I have recently acquired a 1987 Sure Lites LM-1 emergency light that is in wonderful condition except it doesn't work! Through testing I have determined the problem to be an open primary in the mains transformer, does anybody have a functional example they could measure the output voltage of, or any information that would help source a compatible replacement? The transformer has a center tap on the secondary, and each side of it measures about 15 ohms. I don't mind if it isn't physically the same as long as the output configuration is compatible with the existing charger circuit of the light.
Thank you for any info you may have!!
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RRK
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Re: Sure Lites LM-1 Faulty Transformer « Reply #1 on: April 07, 2026, 08:05:07 AM » Author: RRK
Is the transformer visibly burned?

Modern transformers often include one-time thermal fuse inside which may be blown for whatever reason. Transformer itself may be blown as well or not. If no other means to find out proper output voltage left, you can try to find this thermal fuse device, typically a small rectangle or cylinder, short it and power up the transformer briefly. Use some means of current limiting like a large lightbulb in series or a circuit breaker to limit possible fireworks ;)

« Last Edit: April 07, 2026, 08:07:24 AM by RRK » Logged
CapacitorDude
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Re: Sure Lites LM-1 Faulty Transformer « Reply #2 on: April 07, 2026, 08:27:09 AM » Author: CapacitorDude
There is no burning, discoloration, or any other signs of distress on the transformer oddly enough, it just measures completely open across all the taps on the primary (it has a 277 volt tap). I'll peel the paper off of it later to see if there's a fuse present, or if any of the internal splices have been damaged.
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Medved
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Re: Sure Lites LM-1 Faulty Transformer « Reply #3 on: April 07, 2026, 12:36:05 PM » Author: Medved
It could be it overheated and the thermal fuse tripped.
What transformer is there, couldn't it use some generic one?
Detailed schematic or pictures of the board and noted connections could help so we may extract what transformer spec will work there...
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CapacitorDude
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Re: Sure Lites LM-1 Faulty Transformer « Reply #4 on: April 07, 2026, 10:01:25 PM » Author: CapacitorDude
An update for this:

I finally got around to desoldering and opening the mains transformer, there is no thermal fuse, although I found the cause of the failure. The common (neutral) connection of the transformer burnt away where is enters the bobbin, leaving a tiny stub sticking up, and a ball of melted copper on the bit of wire leading into the splice.

I'm not exactly sure what would've caused that while leaving the rest of the windings unaffected. Not much hope for making it work again for determining the output unless I can somehow find a way to get a wire to the tiny stub in the center of the transformer...
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Medved
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Re: Sure Lites LM-1 Faulty Transformer « Reply #5 on: Today at 01:45:52 AM » Author: Medved
If there was a copper ball on it, it means there is short circuit among the primary and the thin wire just acted as a fuse. I doubt the transformer would be salvageable with that.
But I'm convinced it should be possible to replace it by some standard, run-off-the-mill type...
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CapacitorDude
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Re: Sure Lites LM-1 Faulty Transformer « Reply #6 on: Today at 01:54:49 AM » Author: CapacitorDude
Yeah, there is also a likelihood that somebody put it 277 on the 120 volt tap accidentally and blew it up that way.

I assumed something generic should be able to take the place of that, my main issue is I have no clue what the output voltage of the old one was.
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Medved
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Re: Sure Lites LM-1 Faulty Transformer « Reply #7 on: Today at 02:52:55 AM » Author: Medved
If we manage to reverse engineer the circuit, I think we may be able to figure that out...
And I wrote "we" intentionally, as to be able to help. I would need at least detailed photos or even better if you will be able to trace the circuit...
I hope it is composed just from basic components, not any proprietary or strange IC's...
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