2d compact flurescent bulbs, blowing!!!!

[Groovejet]

The flats i live in have P.I.R system which is linked to Wattmaster T5 F28W 2D lamps 3500K. The problem isas soon as they are renewed they seem to blow!
Also ive noticed a buzzing from the transformer (i presume!) On the upstair lamps.

Ive read that they shouldnt be linked to P.i.r or dimmer systems. Is this true?
Also i beleive the length of wire from the transformer to the light is criticle, which will reduce the brightness or efficiency?

And if the transformer is to close to the light it can overheat?

Any advice please

 

[ricicle]

Compact fluorescents lamps are not designed for frequent switching on/off. If they must be used in that situation then the timer should be set for at least 20 mins to allow the lamps to fully warm up.
There could also be the issue of tired ballasts, poor wire/lampholder connections. If it is due to the frequent switching then a short-term solution could be to use electronic starters as these can lengthen the life of the lamp due to the lamp only striking once to start.

As you say you can hear buzzing then this could be part of the issue.

 

[Groovejet]

Ricicle thanks 4 ur quick reply
What are Ballasts?
And how do the electronic starters get linked into the system? Do the p.i.r still stay??

Im not doing it myself aas im a GAS FITTER WITH abit of knowledge in electrics, im just interested in the in's and out's of it all. And im sick of not being able to see my front door to open it!!!

The spark who came around to have a look for the landlord said " Nothing wrong, your fitting the wrong lamps''!!!! What a load of bull. There only 28w, which the lamp holder recomends.
I'm logging off now but i'll check on progress 2moro cheers

 

[bernardgreen]

Ive read that they shouldnt be linked to P.i.r or dimmer systems. Is this true?

There is problem with some PIR detectors that they do not fully switch of the power to the lamp but allow a small trickle of energy to reach the lamp when switched OFF. These are PIRs with solid state switches instead of relays controlling the output to the lamp

This is not a problem for a lamp with a filament as the trickle of energy is far to small to have any significant heating effect on the filament

But "electronic" transformers and energy saving lamps can accumulate this trickle of energy until it is enough to flash the lamp ON for a very short time.

2D lamps and similar do degrade by being switched on and off. The amount varies from maker to maker.