Halogen Downlights - Bit of a problem...

[Olf]

I've got a set of 6 halogen downlights in the kitchen, nothing fancy or special. They are mains power 240v bulbs so as far as I know no transformer. We lost four of the six bulbs in the space of about a month. Two were left and when we tried to switch them on one night there was a flicker and then nothing. I finally stole myself for the inevitable B&Q trip and picked up some bulbs, replaced the lot for good measure and.... nothing.... no light at all?!

Very confused - what could be wrong that would affect all six? I thought they were basically independent units?

[robinhood21]

Are they on a dimmer switch? If so, they might exceed the power rating of the switch and blown the switch.

[GreenV8S]

If it's a dimmer switch, it will probably be fused internally and a bulb can draw enough current as it blows to take the fuse out.

[Olf]

No dimmer. Just a straight 3 gang switch.

Edited by Olf on Monday 25th May 08:55

[mickk]

A stupid question but have you got the correct lamps?

If you have, turn the supply off at the fuseboard and gently pull the fitting down from the ceiling, turn supply back on and then check if you have 230v at the fitting with the switch on.

Hopefully you have a mains tester.

[Olf]

mickk said:

A stupid question but have you got the correct lamps?

If you have, turn the supply off at the fuseboard and gently pull the fitting down from the ceiling, turn supply back on and then check if you have 230v at the fitting with the switch on.

Hopefully you have a mains tester.

No, always worth checking. I definitely have the right lamps but I don't have a mains tester.

[robinhood21]

It might be worth (with supply turned off) unscrewing the switch and checking that all the wires are securely connected.

[pmanson]

We had this until we changed the switch.

Also it might be worth fiting a dimmer. We have both the lounge and kitchen lights on these dimmer switches

When you switch on the lights they slow start (think that's the correct phrase) eg. they start off dim and quickly get bright instead of automatically being bright.

It seems to reduce the load on the bulb and save them - they certainly seem to be lasting a lot longer since we fitted them (we don't have any transformers)

Edited by pmanson on Monday 25th May 12:46

[Ganglandboss]

Get a spark in. You cannot fault find via an internet forum. If you are not sure, you shouldn't be messing.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Lots of good points above.

• if in doubt, call an electrician
• dimmers will increase the life of lamps (slow start)
• cheapo unbranded GU10s from Homebase/B&Q are crap
• check the max load on the switch
• are they decent quality lampholders or are they the cheap ones with brittle plastic? Our extension had the latter fitted - try to change a bulb and they just crumbled in your hands due to the heat generated. One of them shorted and took out the whole ring
• are they sufficiently well ventilated? They get very, very hot. Make sure they have a ceramic plant pot over them or something and no insulation nearby. We had scorched wood in a previous flat
• replace the normal 50W halogen GU10s with 35W xenon ones. They don't put out noticeable less light, they are much cooler, and we haven't had one blow since I fitted them all 5 months ago (previously we'd have 1-2 blow every week)

Good supplier: lampbulbs.co.uk

[Olf]

Thanks chaps. I had bought some LED replacement bulbs as well as I really don't like the the heat these things kick out.

Think I'll take GLBs advice and get and electramagician in.

Edited by Olf on Monday 25th May 19:34

[NiceCupOfTea]

Try the LED ones before you buy a lot - the light is very white and directional. Not suitable for living spaces IMHO (although they may have improved since I last tried them).