...and it went bang!!!!

[Pensdown]

We had just finished the install of two 40watt G9 wall lights when one literally exploded showering glass everywhere.

I know they sometimes pop the MCB but I’ve never seen one go like this.

 

[plugwash]

This isn't the first time i've heared of halogens going bang.

Due to the high temperatures involved halogen bulbs are made of quartz. They are also pressurised to make the halogen cycle work.

Unforuntately when contaminated with finger greese or similar and then heated to high temperatures quartz can fracture and then the pressure in the bulb can make it explore.

 

[RF Lighting]

Christ!

I'm glad I wasn't stood next to it.

I have seen a brand new MR16 explode without warning

Scary stuff

 

[plugwash]

not surprising really, the times when the bulb is most likely to get contaminated with finger grease or similar substances are before and during installation. Once it is installed the chance of contamination is fairly low.

You may know that halogens should never be handled with bare hands but does everyone who might have handled the bulb before you got it?

 

[RF Lighting]

But the quartz bit of an MR16 lamp is surrounded by glass.

Suppose it could have been a work experiance lad in the factory

 

[Pensdown]

I think it must have been a faulty lamp in one way or another. I'm just glad it blew before the shower room was finished.

 

[rjb]

G9 bulbs.

They are horrible. I have (soon to be had) them in my kitchen and they always blow. 2000 hours it says! Rubbish! And they blow my MCB everytime.

In fairness they did improve when I started using latex gloves to install them.

Haven't had the spectacular display you had though (yet??)

 

[rjb]

and then the pressure in the bulb can make it explore

Where are they going to discover.