Norman Lamp 1004 – Miniature Aircraft/Marine Light Bulb
Available now through the AirParts Aero marketplace.
Overview Section
The Norman Lamp 1004 is a high-reliability Miniature Incandescent Bulb specifically designed for aviation, marine, and industrial applications. This bulb is a "double-contact" bayonet style, meaning it features two electrical contact points on the base, allowing it to operate in circuits where the socket shell is not used as a ground.
Produced by Norman Lamps, a trusted supplier for the DOD and FAA since 1985, the 1004 is built to withstand the high-vibration environments of aircraft cockpits and marine engine rooms. It is commonly utilized as a high-intensity indicator lamp, cockpit dome light, or navigation signal light.
Key Features Section
Double Contact Bayonet Base (BA15d):3 Features a 15mm metal base with dual bottom contacts and opposed indexing pins for a secure, vibration-resistant fit.
Vibration-Resistant Filament: Utilizes a rugged C-6 filament design, engineered to maintain structural integrity during the constant harmonics of flight or heavy sea states.
Heat-Resistant Glass: Constructed with high-clarity B6-style glass that resists "browning" or cracking even under sustained operation at full rated voltage.
Universal 12V/24V Compatibility: While rated nominally at 12.8V, it is standard for use in 14V aircraft electrical systems (charging voltage).
High Mean Spherical Candlepower (MSCP): Provides approximately 15 MSCP, delivering a bright, focused white light suitable for signaling and area illumination.
Aerospace Grade Quality: Manufactured to meet stringent brightness and longevity standards required for certified aircraft maintenance.
Technical Specifications Section
| Specification | Detail |
| Lamp Number | 1004 |
| Manufacturer | Norman Lamps / GE / Wamco |
| Voltage | 12.8 Volts |
| Amperage | 0.94 Amps |
| Wattage | 12.03 Watts |
| Base Type | BA15d (Double Contact Bayonet) |
| Bulb Shape | B-6 (Miniature) |
| Light Output | 15 MSCP |
| Average Rated Life | 200 Hours |
Aircraft & Marine Compatibility Section
The 1004 bulb is a versatile part found in a wide range of utility and corporate platforms:
General Aviation (Cessna/Piper/Beechcraft): Frequently used in overhead dome lights, baggage compartment lighting, and wing-tip navigation lights.
Marine Navigation: A standard replacement for bow lights, stern lights, and anchor lights on yachts and commercial vessels.
Military & Defense: Utilized in various instrument panel indicators and portable ground-support equipment.
Emergency Equipment: Found in older-model heliport obstruction lights and floodlight assemblies.
Technical Applications & Safety
The 1004 bulb is a "Heat-Generating" component. In tight enclosures, such as plastic cockpit lenses, the 12 Watts of energy can lead to warping if there is no ventilation.
Safety Warning: Always verify the base type before installation. The 1004 bulb looks nearly identical to the 1003 bulb, but the 1003 is a single-contact (BA15s) base.9 Inserting a 1004 into a single-contact socket can cause a direct electrical short, potentially blowing a circuit breaker or damaging the lighting bus. Additionally, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers during installation; skin oils can create "hot spots" that significantly shorten the bulb's 200-hour rated life.
Technical Engineering Insight
The engineering value of the Norman Lamp 1004 lies in its Filament Support Architecture. Unlike decorative bulbs, the 1004's C-6 filament is "anchored" to resist the G-loads of takeoff and landing. Because aircraft electrical systems often peak at $14.2\text{V}$ during charging, the 1004 is rated at $12.8\text{V}$ to provide a "buffer" against over-voltage burnout. This ensures that the lamp provides consistent Mean Spherical Candlepower (MSCP) across the entire battery-to-alternator voltage range, preventing the "flicker" that can distract pilots during night operations.
Installation & Maintenance Addendum
Socket Cleaning: Before installing a new 1004, use a small piece of abrasive cloth to clean the copper contacts inside the socket. Corrosion in these "Double Contact" sockets is a leading cause of intermittent lighting issues.
Indexing: Ensure the indexing pins are fully seated in the socket slots before twisting. Forcing a misaligned bulb can shear the pins or crack the glass-to-metal seal at the base.
LED Conversion: If looking for a "fit-and-forget" solution, inquire about LED-equivalent 1004 bulbs. They offer 10x the lifespan and draw 80% less amperage, though they may require a different dimming controller.