Wiring Halogen Downlighters

[tonyatpoole]

Around 10 years ago I replaced the single ceiling light fitting in our kitchen with 4 flush fitting halogen downlighters. I used properly rated wiring and installed the fittings in series from the original ceiling fitting. I obtained the fittings and GU10 50w bulbs from Screwfix and soon began to have problems with the odd bullb blowing - probably about one every month or so. After I had used a pack of 5, I complained to Screwfix and they sent a free pack.

Over time these also failed and I bought two packs of 10 from an Internet supplier.

I now find I have used about half ot these GU10's - a lot of the time it is the same fitting that the bulb fails in, currently for the fourth time in a couple of months in one fitting. I always check the wiring and the supply at the fitting when changing bulbs and thins are always fine. It seems as if there is somehow a build up in the circuit which eventually blows a bulb.



Any ideas?

Tony

 

[riveralt]

Around 10 years ago I replaced the single ceiling light fitting in our kitchen with 4 flush fitting halogen downlighters. I used properly rated wiring and installed the fittings in series from the original ceiling fitting.

I'm sure you mean parallel.

I obtained the fittings and GU10 50w bulbs from Screwfix and soon began to have problems with the odd bullb blowing - probably about one every month or so. After I had used a pack of 5, I complained to Screwfix and they sent a free pack.

Possibly the ceramic bulb holders are starting to disintergrate

Over time these also failed and I bought two packs of 10 from an Internet supplier.
I now find I have used about half ot these GU10's - a lot of the time it is the same fitting that the bulb fails in, currently for the fourth time in a couple of months in one fitting.
I always check the wiring and the supply at the fitting when changing bulbs and thins are always fine. It seems as if there is somehow a build up in the circuit which eventually blows a bulb.
Any ideas?
Tony

You could lower the lamp wattage to 35w -
Buy better quality lamps from a well respected brand
Replace the current light units with better quality ones
or better still buy a light unit that will provide you with better lighting and cost a quarter as much to run.

 

[Taylortwocities]

or better still buy a light unit that will provide you with better lighting and cost a quarter as much to run.

Like the light you removed 10 years ago

 

[sparkiemike]

I would seriously think of going down the LED route.

Have a look at Halers EvoLED. I have installed these and they are very good. With a life of 75,000 hours they will last a lot longer than the Halogens which can have a life of 1000 hours. In addition to the savings on replacement lamps (light bulbs), at 8W they are much cheaper to run too.

http://www.halers.com/