Blowing Bulbs

[pburley]

Hi Guys. I hope someone can help, I have been asked to look at two flats in a new block, the light bulbs are blowing really quick, they are using Aurora low energy GU10, 11W fluresent type, bulbs should last 8000 hours say the manafactures, but are lasting about 6 weeks, and cost about £8:00. I did a PIR on both flats and everything is perfect, (flats are not yet 18 months old), except voltage is around 248 volts, there is a sub station next door, is this anything to do with high voltage?. Please help guys. Thank you.

 

[AIM]

The 8000 hours quote is in laboratory conditions ie stable 230 volts.

Working on +10% could in reality could be 253 volts. Dependant on proximity of sub-station and other users locally [factories, shops etc...] demand or lack of it on the day may increase actual supplied voltage over 253 volts for short periods.

CFLs have a much reduced lifespan if subjected to higher than 253 volts on a regular basis.

You may need to see if monitoring supply voltage on site shows any issues?

 

[chris gray]

what type of fitting are they in?
we use to have endless issues with cfl lamps blowing due to overheating in fireproof downlights

 

[ian]

I was called to a similar fault recently; I eventually tracked the problem down to voltage fluctuation.

Ian

 

[pburley]

Hi nice one what can I do about fluctuating voltage?, when I had the fluke plugged in the voltage was up and down like a yoyo, between 237 and 250 then it would settle are 248 for a while then up and down again. Im not sure of the make of light fittings, please see photo, could these be getting to hot?.

 

[ian]

When I found out the voltage was fluctuating I called the electricity supply company who came along and fitted a voltage stabilizer. But it took about 3 months before they admitted there was a problem. There have been no problems since the stabilizer was fitted.

ian

 

[AIM]

pburley,
CFLs don't like fire rated down lights due to inability to dissipate heat. You may have better success with LEDs.

The following may help with your voltage issues: Welcome to vphase.co.uk

Hope this helps.

AIM

 

[Liberator]

pburley,
CFLs don't like fire rated down lights due to inability to dissipate heat. You may have better success with LEDs.

The following may help with your voltage issues: Welcome to vphase.co.uk

Hope this helps.

AIM

If doing this I would suggest you test 1 LED bulb to start with. They generate a lot of heat too and are very expensive.

The heat will be dissipated inside the fitting where the heatsink surround is.

~Liberator