Realist flash problem

[P3D <PTWW@xxxxxxx>]

I fired a bulb in a Realist flash for the first time this evening...and
it "went up in smoke."  Parts of the outer coating of the bulb were
singed black, with some bubbling and peeling effects, and crack marks
emanating from the worst black areas.  Rather smelly also.

The box warns not to use if the blue dot has turned pink, but no dot of
any color could be found prior to use.  (There was a blue "W" on top.)
Bulb was a Westinghouse 5B.  In my collection of GE, Westinghouse and
Sylvania bulbs, only the Sylvanias have a visible safety dot.

I used fresh alkaline batteries.

Any thoughts on whether the problem lies with a) this one bulb; b) all
the bulbs without visible dots; c) the flash unit; d) the batteries;
e) other?

Thanks,
Paul Talbot


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