A questions about replacing tubes...

[LightGroove]

Hey all,

Sorry for the ignorance. This will be my 1st tube swap experiment and had an ignorant question. Can the outside glass of the tube be touched by hands or are gloves recommended?

Im coming from the automotive field in which halogen bulbs will crap out of the glass is touched..

Thanks all in advanced

[billfitzmaurice]

In theory the oils contained in fingerprints can be damaging, so either use gloves or wipe the tubes clean after installing.

[beans-on-toast]

You don't have to take the same precautions with tubes that you do with quartz bulbs. I use a glove if the tubes are hot.

A small amount of oil on the tube's glass envelope won't damage the tube. I like to keep them clean though. Dust on the tube can act as an insulator and prevent the tube envelope from properly dissipating the heat. I find that this is more of an issue.

Some old stock tubes have the tube number and other markings etched in the glass. Cleaning them isn't a problem. On others, the markings are painted on. If the tubes are wiped with alcohol or even a dry cloth, the paint can come off. Take care to avoid this.

[LightGroove]

sweet thanks!