http://www.ebay.com/itm/272240471969?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT  This has a 1989 build date, but a plastic socket.  Not a bad price, but I am unable to afford it at this time.  Perhaps it can go to a real collector who will take care of it, as opposed to some guy who will put it up and neglect it.  It deserves A+ treatment

This is a good find for a collector who is looking for a NOS GE Mercury fixture.  I know some who prefer it was 250w, but 175w find is not too bad

That light would be more "collectable" if it had the lens/refractor.

That light would be more "collectable" if it had the lens/refractor.

You could Always get one of those separately.  Don't pass on it just because you don't have a lens yet.  Parts come!  Merc fixtures like this rarely appear

Does the plastic socet make it rare? I don't know who thought this was a good idea. And you know I'd prefer this in 250w.

Why is this so rare? Would a teardrop refractor fit it? I think I might try to get it, even though it is expensive it is well within my price range and I really would like to get a 201sa, let alone a real NEMA head.

For 125W and below many HID lanterns here from the late 80s or early 90s use Plastic sockets as well.. 30 years later the sockets do show their age in the Mercury ones, in better shape in the HPS, although i have not yet seen any that stopped working completely

But remind you that plastic used 30 years ago by companies like BJB is nowhere near the plastic that cheap manufacturers use today.. a present day socket would be dust after 5 years with a Merc lamp

Why is this so rare? Would a teardrop refractor fit it? I think I might try to get it, even though it is expensive it is well within my price range and I really would like to get a 201sa, let alone a real NEMA head.

Yes, a teardrop refractor would fit it.  Why is it rare?  Because GE has since redesigned the 201SA, nobody makes Mercury fixtures and ballasts anymore, and you just said it, a 201SA + REAL NEMA head.  Only HPS Nemas are made now.  So it would be impossible to order this from GE.  This is your only chance.  Another may eventually pop up on eBay, but I have only seen one other GE 201SA Merc pop up on eBay and I bought it.  This is the same model used by power companies, not consumers, as it has the SAH designation instead of the SAM designation.  SAH is used by utilities, and is not sold directly to the public.

Also, the NEW GE Nemas do not have the GE logo on the mounting bracket whereas this one does.  My 250W GE Merc does as well.  These were also made in U.S.A. whereas Nemas after 2008 were Assembled in Mexico.

Nobody makes Mercury fixtures and ballasts anymore

Oh yes they do! Local Canadian hardware stores around here are still stocking and selling 175w MV fixtures. I put one up at my uncles and he likes it much better then HPS lol

Quote from: M250R201SA on June 07, 2016, 01:45:44 AM

Nobody makes Mercury fixtures and ballasts anymore

Oh yes they do! Local Canadian hardware stores around here are still stocking and selling 175w MV fixtures. I put one up at my uncles and he likes it much better then HPS lol

I meant in the USA

Quote from: M250R201SA on June 07, 2016, 01:45:44 AM

Nobody makes Mercury fixtures and ballasts anymore

Oh yes they do! Local Canadian hardware stores around here are still stocking and selling 175w MV fixtures. I put one up at my uncles and he likes it much better then HPS lol

Does that mean...




... that 50w mercury vapor ballasts are still available in Canada?

It's a possibility, though I'm not too sure. These fixtures are made by Pollux Lighting, and retailed by Globe Electric. So, it's a possibility I could find some merc ballasts from some manufacturers, just I don't know who or even if they are still made.

Also, side note, it doesn't seem like there are really any lamp or ballast bans in Canada as I can buy a ballast for pretty much any light source here.

In the event that I get this, where can I get a teardrop refractor for it?

In the event that I get this, where can I get a teardrop refractor for it?

You found probably get one on eBay, but they are usually overpriced with those "steampunk" and "nightclub" tags... You may be able to order one off Holophane (would probably be insane on the price) or just by luck on eBay or craigslist.

Well, someone beat me to it anyway so I won't be getting it.