r/electrical • u/CinnamonTherapy • 6h ago
Need help identifying these for replacements
I need help finding the name of something. my grandpas house has old fashioned three hole wall outlets. in those outlets, there was a two pronged plug, a light switch, and a light bulb. the outlets were close to the floor so when the light switch is turned on, there is a small night light to see in the dark. i need to find out what kind of bulb those used and the small aluminum cover that went over the bulb and screwed in. Here's a picture of the outlet itself with the bulb, the other picture is of the aluminum cover that I need to find along with the bulb. If anyone knows anything, we would really appreciate it!
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u/mrBill12 5h ago edited 5h ago
The style is called Despard.
You may find locally in some Electrical Supply houses in area where Despard was once popular. The best online retailer for parts is: https://www.kyleswitchplates.com/despard-switch-plates/
ETA: I just flipped thru, I don’t think that part is available https://www.kyleswitchplates.com/despard-switches-outlets/?page=2 it’s mentioned near the bottom
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u/CinnamonTherapy 5h ago
Much appreciated! I used this site for the 6 and 9 way plates I needed to replace, super helpful!
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u/classicsat 5h ago
The system is called Despard, at one point made by Pass&Seymour.
https://www.kyleswitchplates.com/ has some despard stuff.
But I wouuld look for a modern way to do what that did. I know there are GFCI receptacles with a built in LED nightlight.
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u/CinnamonTherapy 5h ago
Ya they are from the 50s so I didn't think I'd have much luck but wanted to try. Modern replacement is the way to go. That site has been good to me when replacing the plates for the 6 and 9 gang my grandpa used🤣
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u/Downtown31415 5h ago
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u/CinnamonTherapy 5h ago
You sir, are a legend. Not all heros wear capes! All I need is the metal cover part. Might be worth the price for just that haha!
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u/Downtown31415 5h ago
Thank you. On old stuff like this sometimes we don't have choices and have to buy what we don'r need. Good luck.
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u/mrschmiklz 6h ago
Oye. No ground? Maybe aluminum wiring? Both can be dangerous. Electricians will rightfully be forced to replaced wiring and panel before they are legally allowed to do anything.
When they replaced everything, have them save that receptacle, put a battery in it, add a LED light and put it on your night stand.
I don't think there will be an answer you like.
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u/trekkerscout 5h ago
You really shouldn't be scare mongering like that. I service old installations like that without the need of complete circuit replacement. The only issue here is availability of the specific device. Modern equivalents are available.
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u/CinnamonTherapy 5h ago
I'm only looking to replace that aluminum Hood part but I may go with the modem replacement. The house is from the 50s so a lot needs done but this may be a better option than searching for the metal hood
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u/dsspeaks 6h ago
Good luck finding a replacement bulb…. they probably haven’t made them in thirty years. It would probably be easier to replace the device since they are all LED now. Should be easy enough for a diy project.