Our halogen ceiling lights, 50w, provide brilliant light, but they are continually blowing and cost £3.40 each (and we have a lot of them). Is there some alternative bulb which provides equally strong, clear light, but which is more durable?
2006-10-02 10:35:06 · 12 answers · asked by John Maynard Keynes 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
If you change your switch to a DIMMER switch (400watt rating) then it will make your lamps last 3 or 4 times longer.
I have halogen lighting throughout my house and only the ones on normal switches blow frequently.
I stops the initial surge of power blowing the lamps as it allows for a gradual warm up cycle.
2006-10-02 10:48:35 · answer #1 · answered by creviazuk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quality varies greatly with halogen lamps, one of the best is made by BLV in Germany and has a 3500 hr rating, against the normal 1000-2000 hours.
**DO NOT ** use dichroic (also known as cool beam) lamps as suggested unless your luminaire is designed for them, they let a lot more heat out of the rear and can cause overheating or a fire in the wrong luminaire type. The dimmer is a good suggestion, just make sure that it is a 'Soft Start' circuit.
2006-10-02 11:39:46 · answer #2 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lamps shouldn't be blowing that quickly, perhaps you should check your neutral and live for dodgy connections. Lamp blowing around the house can be a sign of a neutral fault in the consumer unit.
Are the lamps being splashed with something, if so perhaps fit Zone 1 enclosures to protect the lamp surface. Dirt or grease cuase hotspots on the lamps which blow them. I assume you are ensuring the lamps are very clear and grease free when fitted.
12 volt downlighters give a better spread of light, it looks whiter somehow, and they will last much longer. Go for ones with individual transformers. They are no dearer and if one blows you don't loose the lot
2006-10-02 21:18:58 · answer #3 · answered by Michael H 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Unfortunately this is a constant problem. low voltage or mains powered. Screw-fix, or your local electrical retailer, can supply led equivalent. These cost approx 10pounds each. they should last at least 10x longer.
Check the type before ordering.
2006-10-02 13:20:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok halogens get really hot while in use and fingerprints on the bulbs can make them blow so try installing them while holding them with a paper towel.
2006-10-02 13:13:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
tungsten halogen lamps are very inefficient by nature. try going for dichroic lamps these are the same type but are used in commercial premises and buy quality lamps such as osram,GE,sylvania ikea also provide good lamps
i hope this is of help
2006-10-02 10:51:02 · answer #6 · answered by sparky s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you might need to get the wiring checked. We have similar bulbs and have only had to replace two out of 12 in about 18 months! (They are in constant use being in our kitchen and bathroom.)
2006-10-02 10:45:01 · answer #7 · answered by Purple 8 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u can now get energy eficient bulds to fit halgen lamps in focuse. they are slightly dimer than the normal halogens but still good. also save u money.
2006-10-03 04:57:20 · answer #8 · answered by john g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tesco have an offer on at the moment .. pack of 2 for £1 .. stock up until you find a permanent solution
2006-10-03 06:57:12 · answer #9 · answered by manser06@btinternet.com 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did'nt indicate whether they were 12v or 240v.
If 12v they last for ages, if yours are 240v downgrade to 35w i'm told that they last much longer, and the difference in light value is hardly noticeable.
2006-10-03 12:25:03 · answer #10 · answered by xenon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋