a hand - held inspection lamp is described . the lamp includes a multi - pin receptacle capable of connecting to a cord carrying alternating current and , alternatively , a cord capable of carrying direct current . the pins of the receptacle are wired to appropriate hardware within the lamp such that the proper type of current is supplied to a bulb housed therein . thus , if the lamp is configured for a bulb that utilizes ac current , the pin configuration of the receptacle and an ac power cord supply ac current directly to the bulb or a ballast . the dc power cord has pins configured to supply current to an inverter connected to the bulb or ballast through the receptacle . a similar , but converse , arrangement is provided for the lamp when designed to house a bulb that utilizes dc current .