Halogen Lighting overheating

[mwhwsmith]

I have some 12v halogen downlights recessed into the ceilings in the kitchen, hallway and living room. They are routinely failing due to the transformers overheating/melting.

I'm already using electronic transformers so they should be cool running. So I'm not sure what more I can do to reduce the temperatures.

So my questionis: what alternativels do I have. Ideally I would love to simply replace the bulbs and/or transformers only. What are the coolest running (and dimmable) recessed downlights (LEDS are probably out because they can't be dimmed).

Many thanks
Mike

 

[bogbasher]

One thing you shouldnt be doing is replacing overheating/melting transformers. Stop using the circuit until you find the reason it is failing.

 

[ericmark]

The GU10 fitting is 230 volt so requires no transformer but both will become obsolete in 2012 so seems a little short sighted to use any tungsten bulbs. There are dimable cold cathode lamps to fit GU10 fittings. The extra low voltage fitting will not take cold cathode so are limited to tungsten or LED but low voltage (230) will take all three types.

The extra low voltage fitting are a little better than low voltage fittings as far as lumens per watt but neither are over the magic 40 lumens required to be classed as energy saving.

The main problem with GU10 cold cathode lamp is they are longer than tungsten and it is hard to find units to take extra length.

I have just tried to find fittings myself to take bulbs with 40 lumens per watt and I had to go to specialist lighting firm to get them. Seems the likes of B&Q would like you to buy fittings which will only last 3 years I suppose it make economic sense for them and they hope you will call again in 3 years time!

 

[mwhwsmith]

One thing you shouldnt be doing is replacing overheating/melting transformers. Stop using the circuit until you find the reason it is failing.

Its the electrician who fitted them who has been assuring me its fine just to replaced them - which he has been doing. It making a hell of a mess of my ceiling though and happening far too frequently to be sustainable.

 

[sparkyspike]

Transformers will normally overheat because there is too much insulation in the ceiling. Or at least around the transformer itself. If you can clear any insulation well away from the transformers, you should solve the problem.

Transformers should be accessible without damaging the ceiling.

 

[mwhwsmith]

Transformers will normally overheat because there is too much insulation in the ceiling. Or at least around the transformer itself. If you can clear any insulation well away from the transformers, you should solve the problem.

Transformers should be accessible without damaging the ceiling.

Have tried remving some of the insulation and infact in was one of those lights that 're-failed' fastest.

The ceiling gets damaged because the sprung clips that hold the light chasis in the ceiling have to be dragged through the hole in the ceiling plaster and it gets chipped off. Bl**dy annoying

 

[flameport]

Transformers should last for years, so there is something very wrong.

What is the rating of the transformers? (should be marked on the transformer itself)

Does each transformer supply one lamp?

Wattage of the lamps?

Do the lamps have dichroic reflectors, or aluminium reflectors? (Dichroic ones are often sold as 'cool beam' types)

Are these on dimmers, or normal switches?

 

[Stoday]

Transformers should last for years, so there is something very wrong.

That only applies to real transformers.

He's using what would more accuratly be described as "voltage convertors".