Successor type on Rimlock base — different base, not pin-compatible
UL2
Electrically similar but 35 V series heater instead of 6.3 V — different heater and same P8A base but not a drop-in due to heater difference
Electrical Specifications
Typical Operating
Anode Voltage (typical)Anode Voltage250V
Screen Voltage (typical)Screen Voltage250V
Grid 1 Bias VoltageGrid 1 Bias Voltage-7.5V
Anode CurrentAnode Current20mA
TransconductanceTransconductance
Notes
The EL8 is the P8A side-contact version of the EL13 (Y8A steel base). Both share identical electrical characteristics but different bases, so they are not interchangeable without an adapter.
The suppressor 'grid' consists of only two rods and the plate is elliptical — a minimal suppressor structure typical of beam power designs.
Part of the Philips/Valvo transitional 'gold' series that bridged the pre-war side-contact range and the post-war Rimlock types. Other tubes in this series included EBF2, EBL1, ECH4, EF6, EF9, and EM4.
Pin functions could not be confirmed from any available datasheet for the EL8 specifically. The pinout listed is inferred from the EL13 (Y8A) pinout documented by r-type.org, but the P8A base has different pin geometry so exact pin numbering may differ. Use with caution — verify against the physical tube or original documentation before wiring.
Several maximum ratings (Va_max, Vs_max, Pa_max, Ps_max, Ik_max, Vhk_max, Rg_max) could not be confirmed from available sources. The EL8 is a rare and poorly documented type with no online datasheets found.
Pin Layout — P8A
1Screen Grid (inferred from EL13 Y8A pinout — verify before use)
2Control Grid (inferred from EL13 Y8A pinout — verify before use)
3Cathode + Suppressor Grid (inferred from EL13 Y8A pinout — verify before use)