ID this Brimar rectifier tube from 2x EL84 guitar amp ?

[exlabs]

What model is this Brimar rectifier tube from 2x EL84 guitar amp ?

Odd construction with the holes in the anode, not seen one like this before, but don't have much experience with tube rectifiers. Any ideas?

Mystery Brimar Rectifier DIYAudio - Album on Imgur

 

[exlabs]

I think i found it, 5Z4G.

 

[disco]

Probably an UU4 or UU5 from an old TV set.

 

[exlabs]

Oh, could well be. Going to do some electrical measurements.

 

[56085]

The aluminium foil around the base doesn't look original to me. Maybe the type designation is under there?

 

[exlabs]

I got side tracked! Yes, I will do that and tell you what I find.

 

[Galu]

Could be a 5U4G full wave rectifier. Rectifiers - Brimar Thermionic Products - Official Site

 

[exlabs]

Thanks Galu. I really need to get un-side-tracked. Will update soon.

 

[hooman]

i have this with gz32 on box.

 

[exlabs]

Tool the foil off, it's a black plastic base.

Also noticed the manufacturer code on the top, which reads:
3H3 133 (depending how you read it).

 

[Parafeed813]

Could be a 5V4G(A).
It's an indirectly heated type, so no 5U4.

 

[exlabs]

Thanks! I will gather all these datasheet together and try and do some electrical measurements.

 

[Sorento]

holes in the plates ----) 5z4g
5Z4G @ The Valve Museum

 

[tonyp063]

Here's one on our favorite auction site that may help identification.
No affiliation.

BRIMAR GZ32 5V4G NOS NEW OLD STOCK BOXED TESTED BRITISH VINTAGE RECTIFIER VALVE | eBay

 

[andyjevans]

I have a similar Brimar rectifier to this. Clearly from looking at several photos, it's either a 5V4G or a 5Z4G. As far as I can see they both have the same internal construction and external measurement.

But it's essential to tell them apart since the 5V4G can take 175mA like the GZ32, but the 5Z4 only takes 125mA.

So how do you distinguish between them? They can't be the same valve if the data is different, but they look the same valve all the same??? Quite a conundrum.

 

[Tom Bavis]

Either 5Z4 or 5V4 will be fine for EL84 amp - 5V4 might last a little longer.

 

[andyjevans]

Either 5Z4 or 5V4 will be fine for EL84 amp - 5V4 might last a little longer.

That was the case with the OP, but in my case I need 135mA so it has to be a 5V4G. So I'm looking for any ideas about how to tell the difference.

 

[grovergardner]

It's a 5V4/GZ32. Go to eBay and search "brimar 5V4" and one pops up right away. Nice rectifier, very sweet, used in old Williamson amps. Will actually take 400 volts on the plates without a problem. I use them in my vintage Williamsons. Has slightly higher voltage drop than a 5AR4. It's slow-warm-up...sort of. Not as slow as a 5AR4. If you use it, your PS caps should be rated for full turn-on voltage.

 

[57786]

Brimar also made some 4V rectifiers which have the same plates, 10E/9600, 10E/574, VU39A for example.
These have a different base/pin construction and that would be the difference to look for.
But anyway, 133 is a 5V4G type so thats what it is.

 

[andyjevans]

It's a 5V4/GZ32. Go to eBay and search "brimar 5V4" and one pops up right away.

But here's a photo of a Brimar 5Z4G and as you can see it looks exactly the same.