flood lights keep blowing

[luzico]

I've got a light circuit exclusively for a series of 5x 500W flood lights. They have their own circuit on a 10A MCB. The problem is that the lights keep blowing on a average of 1 each 3 or 4 days and they do take turns. We have tried different bulb makers, no joy.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.

 

[benji]

I think you should try a 16a type c

yours benji

 

[Notsosmart]

If it is a bulb problem (halogen I presume) ensure that you are not holding them with bare hands ~ use a strip of paper (sorry if I am suffering from suck-egg syndrome) Alternatively are the bulbs exposed to the elements? as rain etc on a hot bulb can reduce the life dramatically.

 

[luzico]

They are not exposed to rain, no. They are on the inside of a warehouse. Could the switch trigger this kind of problem?
Many thanks.

 

[Notsosmart]

What type of fitting are we talking about Luzico?
Highbay SON T's ?
Halogen Floods?

 

[luzico]

Sorry. They are halogen fittings.

 

[Notsosmart]

A couple of things to check ~
Whilst installing the bulbs, ensure that no oil, grease etc residue is on the surface; this means no finger contact with the glass at all, use a strip of paper. Also check the sprung contacts for corrosion; clean if necessary (with power off)

If the fittings have a glass cover try leaving the cover off one in case it is an overheating issue as they are indoors.(especially on the main culprit) ~ if this is the case change the glass for metal mesh.

Check the voltage at the fittings ~ in case of volt drop (you may need to upgrade the wiring) & Check all connections for tightness.

 

[eskimo39]

I think you should try a 16a type c

yours benji

Would that only be benificial if it was the breaker blowing and not the lamps?

Also what size of cable is the circuit on? Is it on a timer/PIR or Photocell?

5 x 500w lamps is 2.5kW with a voltage of 230 it would use 10.86amps so if the breaker was blowing I would say it would be that.

Maybe a silly question but the lamps aren't mounted on steel are they? I seem to recall reading somewhere that the emf can cause vibrations which can travel down steel and cause problems (although I may have dreamt this )

Finally have you tried different different floodlight units?

 

[Submains]

Hi there.
We are assuming that they are mounted horizontally and not been tilted one way slightly to better illuminate certain areas.
+/- several degrees, can and will have a drastic effect on lamp life.
Also, being in a warehouse, are they subject to any physical vibration? Tungsten becomes extremely brittle when hot.
Just my twopenneth.
Colin.

 

[benji]

didn,t read it correct did i ? lamps blowing, well there is some cheap crap in the shops,you could try buying a premium brand and go for 300w less heat less load its worth a try

yours benji