The case has two viewing windows at each end to
The operation of the lantern relays should be
check the condition of the four Navy-type BB-254/U
checked accroding to PMS requirements. When the
storage cells. Each cell contains a channeled section in
circuit is de-energized, the relay should operate and
which a green, a white, and a red ball denotes the state
automatically turn on the lantern. The circuit may be
of charge of the cell when viewed through the window
de-energized by pressure exerted on the push switch
(table 4-10).
located on the relay housing. This simulates a loss of
115-volt power. The relay should then dropout, causing
The lamp is rated at 6 volts, but it is operated at 8
the lantern to light.
volts to increase the light output. When operated with
fully charged batteries, the lantern can be operated
To ensure satisfactory operation of hand lanterns,
continuously for about 3 hours without recharging. The
check the batteries according to PMS schedules. Check
batteries should be recharged as soon as possible after
the batteries by operating the lantern and observing the
the green ball (10 percent discharged) has sunk to the
brightness of the lamp. If the emitted light is dim,
bottom. The lanterns should be ckecked according to
replace the batteries immediately. At this time, check
PMS requirements; if the batteries require charging,
the rubber boot on the switch for tears or cracks.
they should be charged at a rate of 1 1/2 to 2 amperes
Replace immediately if the boot is defective. Ensure the
until all indicator balls are floating at the indicator line.
switch is also grounded to the ship's hull. A simple test
If the battery is completely discharged, it will require
with a multimeter will verify this.
from 20 to 25 hours to recharge it. After the charging
Lanterns located in spaces where the normal
voltage has remained constant at 10 volts for 1 hour, the
temperature is consistent] y above 90F should be
charge may be discontinued
checked more often. For example, in boiler rooms the
When necessary, add pure distilled water to keep the
batteries may have to be replaced weekly to ensure
electrolyte level at the indicator line marked on the front
adequate illumination from the lanterns.
of the cell. Do not add water above the electrolyte level
The NAVSEA symbol number 104 (not shown) dry
line because overfilling will nullify the nonspill feature
battery type (hand carrying or head attaching) of lantern
of the battery and may cause the electrolyte to spurt out
is used for damage control purposes. It is generally
through the vent tube. However, if the electrolyte level
stored in damage control lockers. This lantern's battery
is not at the indicator line, the charge indicator balls will
container may be clipped over the wearer's belt; the
not indicate the correct battery state of charge.
lamp and reflector assembly can be hand held or worn
Portable flood lanterns are often referred to as
on the head or helmet for repair party personnel by a
damage control lanterns because they are used by
headband attached to the light.
damage control personnel to furnish high-intensity
illumination for emergency repair work or to illuminate
Portable Flood Lanterns
inaccessible locations below deck.
Submarine Identification Lights
The NAVSEA symbol number 105 portable flood
lantern (fig. 4-34, view C) consists of a sealed-beam
Submarines may display, as a distinctive means of
lamp enclosed in a built-in lamp housing equipped with
a toggle switch. The lamp housing is adjustable,
identification, an intermittent flashing amber beacon,
mounted on a drip-proof, acid-resistant case.
visible for 360 around the horizon. The sequence of
Table 4-10.--State of Charge of Portable Flood Lanterns
4-39
