Both when I was a TD and now, the fixtures are cleaned, bench focused and inspected before each show. The use of Minreal Spirits scares me both because of it's flash
point being between 85 and 105F. and the possiblility it could etch the glass.
De-Natured Alcohol and a lint free cloth such as "Sur-Wipes" or camera cleaning tissues are specified by the manufacturers to clean bulbs. This will evaporate leaving zero residue. Since the alcohol is a
vehicle only, the intent is for it to
pick up anything on the lamp to easier lift from the surface of the glass. Should you not have a lint free cloth, do not use things like paper towel because it will leave a paper lint on the surface because it can leave paper lint/dust on it. Instead spray extra amounts of
denatured alcohol on it and let the dust/dirt and hopefully oils from the skin drip off the lamp once lifted.
This can also be used for reflectors and lenses and is specified for
dichroic coated lenses and reflectors especially. To a certain extent you can use glass cleaner because soap has even better lifting properties than alchol. It is than absolutely necessary to use the alcohol to remove any residue left over from the soap otherwise that soap will
smoke and burn into the surface. If the
reflector is aluminum, some amount of metal polish can also be used as long as it's also cleaned with the alcohol.
On lamps it is also a good idea to have some latex or latex free inspection/medical gloves around because as long as they are powder free they will not require you to clean the
bulb after touching them. This is however as long as the same gloves you are touching the
instrument, floor and other things dirty are not the same ones you are touching the lamp with.
Beyond this, on another forum or here discussions of the use of vineager on lenses and possibly reflectors has shown some merit as with putting the lenses in a dish washer and letting it do it's thing.
Out of the
manual:
Lamp Installation on Lekos: Loosen fastening screws on
socket cap of
instrument and pull cap directly out. Caution if a lamp is already in the
fixture, it could be difficult to remove without breaking especially if the lamp is hot or has been bloated out of shape. In the case of a bloated lamp, it is better to let the
instrument cool and take it out of the
fixture while the cap is still installed by opening up the rear housing. Removing a lamp from a
base can be difficult and dangerous. If possible rock the lamp out of its
base by touching the lamp
base only. If it is stuck, grasp the lamp with gloves for extra support. If the lamp is loose in its
base this is not possible. It might if none of this works it might be necessary to break the lamp off from its
base and use pliers to pull the lamp or a screw
driver to pry the lamp out of its
base. When possible, never remove and change lamps overhead as the lamp can burst and shower glass to those below the
fixture.
Insert the new lamp fully into the
socket. Be sure the lamp is properly seated by holding the
socket cap in both hands and pressing down on both sides of the lamp
base with your thumbs. Keep the plastic or foam covering the lamp until it is ready to be re-installed into the
fixture to prevent it from being touched. Caution: do not touch the glass portion of a lamp with your hands. Agents such as sodium, grease, or oil from your fingers may be transferred to the glass wall. These contaminates can cause the lamp to rupture or can greatly reduce the performance and life of the lamp. If accidently spoiled, immediately clean the lamp with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth soaked in methylated spirits (
denatured alcohol), and then polish with a dry, soft, clean, lint-free cloth.
Note: do not use higher wattage lamps than the
instrument was originally rated for, the new 575
watt lamps produce a lot more heat than a 500
watt lamp, and an older style non-fluted lamp
base and possibly the wiring to it will not survive the higher temperature.
Leko Safety Instructions: always wear
safety goggles and gloves when servicing this equipment for any reason.
Disconnect unit from electrical supply before initial lamp installation, relamping, or servicing for any reason.
Risk of electrical
shock; this
unit must be grounded when operating.
Do not expose the
unit to rain, or use in damp or wet locations. Always store indoors.
This
fixture is a sorce of intense heat and is not intenede for residential use. Risk of fire or injury, avoid contact by persons or materials. If
fixture is hot, allow it to cool before relamping.
Do not operate
unit with damaged
cord, wires or electrical parts.
Do not touch glass portion of lamp with your hands. Agents such as sodium, grease, or oil from your fingers may be transferred to the glass wall. These contaminants can cause the lamp to rupture or can greatly reduce the preformance and life of the lamp. If accidentally soiled, immediately clean the lamp with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth soaked in methylated spirits (
denatured alcohol), and then polish with a dry, soft, clean, lint-free cloth. Do not allow materials to come in contact with hot lamp. Protect lamp from abrasions and scratches.
Keep front access door closed and latched when operating this
fixture. These lamps reach very high temperatures (as high as 1740°F.) Under certain circumstances, internal or external influences may cause the lamp to rupture. (
360Q Series
Safety Instructions and Operating Procedure, Alltman
Stage Lighting Co. Inc. 1996)
Lens Cleaning: to
gain access to the lenses for cleaning, or other purposes, remove the
lens adjusting knob and slide the
lens holder out of the
unit. Remove the
lens retaining ring and carefully remove the front
lens. If necessary, remove the
lens spacer and remove the rear
lens. (It might be necessary to use rubbing alcohol or soaking the
lens to remove it) Reverse this process to install the
lens holder back into the
unit. NOTE: be sure to note the position and orientation of the lenses before removing them to assure correct reassembly and optical correctness of the
fixture. Clean the lenses with mild soap and water or a commercial glass cleaning solution and a soft, clean, lint-free cloth. Insure that the cleaning process does not leave film on the
lens, since the heat from the beam will bond the film onto the surface. (Vinegar or any other Coffee Pot cleaning chemicals also work well. Also, a freshly washed
lens will
smoke a little when used for the first time if not rinsed well enough. This smoking is also leaving a film on the
lens which will attract dirt necessitating more frequent washing.