halogen bulbs in new fittings keep blowing have had sparks check system and he suggested different brand of bulb in 8 months have had over 16 bulbs blow out anyone else have this problem
2007-07-21 06:51:07 · 11 answers · asked by spatzmalone 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It is true that touching halogen bulbs with your fingers creates hot spots. These hot spots make the glass heat unevenly and clause the failure of the bulb. Handle small bulbs with paper towels or tissue paper.
Also, sounds like you have a voltage problem at your house. Maybe something kicks on or off that's a major draw, like an ice box or freezer.
These bulbs are sensitive to voltage fluctuations. It might help to have a series of them on one curcuit to help spread out the draw of power. I have a series of halogen spotlights on a track, on a dimmer switch, rarely does any go out. The main cause of bulb failure at my house is trying to reposition it while it's on. And, once the power was out and I have a portable generator. It starts out around 130 volts and the more things you add to it, the voltage drops. It also took out all the halogen bulbs.
The alternative is switch to PAR bulbs that aren't halogen but just as costly.
2007-07-21 18:20:14 · answer #1 · answered by rann_georgia 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
If they are low voltage bulbs (12 volts) then try changing the transformer for a good quality one with a STABLE 11.7 volt output. If mains voltage, replace the switch with a Lutron or MK 'Soft Start' dimmer switch, the lamps will last up to 100 times longer than spec., which is usually 1000 hours up to 5000, depending on lamp type and brand.
2007-07-21 07:03:09 · answer #2 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If you happen to have a loose connection at one end or the other, that will cause heat to be generated and blow the bulbs. It's also possible your home is wired with more voltage than the lights are designed to use ( I've seen this in some of the German made tanning beds, and I had to install a buck/boost transformer in the buck mode). If you are not an electrician, have one to check the incoming power to your home, it shouldn't be much more than 120/240 volts ( I had 246 volts coming the the German made tanning beds and they were rated for 230 volts).
2007-07-21 07:13:07 · answer #3 · answered by Lear B 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
You are getting a power surge for some reason. It is probably the light fixture, so replace that and see what happens. Another less likely possibility is that the light fixture is on the first floor and activity above the fixture is jarring the innards of your bulbs.
2007-07-21 07:00:43 · answer #4 · answered by Iamstitch2U 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
problem could also be caused by poor quality lamps......low voltage lamps should not blow as often as the transformer helps to stabilise current.
2007-07-25 04:44:04 · answer #5 · answered by tom tom002233 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try fitting a surge protector to the circuit that is blowing the lights and see if it makes a difference
2007-07-21 06:54:49 · answer #6 · answered by john m 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Sorry if this is elementary but do not touch halogen bulbs with your fingers when fitting them, this can shorten their life.
2007-07-21 07:05:09 · answer #7 · answered by 203 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
203 is right dont touch the bulbs with your hands the oil will burn them out
2007-07-21 09:22:58 · answer #8 · answered by Stephen P 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Have a professional electrician check this out and soon. Sounds like you have a major electrical problem. You want this resolved before you have a fire.
2007-07-21 06:58:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
Sounds like you've got a short.
2007-07-21 06:59:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋