GU10 50w halogen bulbs

[garyhas]

Hi I'm new to the forum and only have a basic knowledge of electrics,I've looked on the forum and have seen a thread regarding the gu10 bulbs blowing and within the last month I've replaced 7 out of the 8 bulbs in two light fittings some are blowing within a week of being changed, it's costing me a fortune, up untill a month ago I only had to replace the odd one, they've been up now about 3 years is there any thing I can do, I'd rather not change them at the moment.

Cheers Gary

 

[pushrod]

ARE you talking halogens? I assume you know that you you should not be touching them with your skin as you install them, as touching them will shorten their life to just a few weeks - use a glove or tissues.

 

[garyhas]

yes there the ones, I didn't know that, I thought that because the bulb was inside the reflector and that you don't directly touch it that it would be okay, I'll give it a go though I take anything at this stage, just out to screw fix to buy another 10! thanks

 

[pushrod]

Very cheap ones do not tend to last as long as well known branded ones as well. Sometimes worth doing an experiment and recording names and dates of bulbs used. Paying a little more can end up being a lot more economical and less hassle

Try using half screwfix and half a named brand - i'm assuming the screwfix ones are cheap as chips!

 

[telectrix]

sorry pushrod. rare occasion where you're wrong. you can touvh the GU10s as they are sealed inside . the answer is 1. buy good quality lamps, eg osram/philips. 2. replace switch wirh a rotary dimmer, in this case a 700watt switch. alternatively. fit 3,4,or5 watt warm white LEDs. ( some of these are not dimmable though)

 

[R1CH-G]

Just replaced all my GU10's (about 20 of the damned things) with fluorescent fittings. Working on having about 10 GU10's on at a time that's 500 Watts!!!!! I put 2 x 58 Watt fluorescents in and the kitchen is loads brighter already. OK, the fittings aren't attractive (I lobbed in a few Tamlite 5' fittings I had stashed in the garage), but then I figured I don't go into my kitchen to look at the ceiling! Also saves me a fortune (according to the CT coil meter I put in anyway)

 

[garyhas]

two questions 1 why will using a rotary dimmer help and 2 are the LEDs as bright as these are the main lights in the kitchen, and boy am I regretting fitting them, the only thing at the moment they've got going for them is their look!! soory if the questions seem a bit obvious

 

[pushrod]

Hi Tel, don't know why i asked are they halogen - it says it in the title lol

Actually got some "status"? branded GU10 50W reflectors here and it says on box "WARNING BEFORE USE -Lamp quartz is sensitive to oils from finger prints, if touched the lamp should be cleaned with a cloth and alcohol."

They usually have that indecipherable "hand" logo on the box as far as i can remember - maybe it's not all?

 

[telectrix]

a rotary dimmer ensures that the lamps are switched on on low power. the uaual point at which they blow is on switch on. for brightness, the 3 LED lamps around 4 or 5 watt are equivalent. kosnic do a good range but be prepared to hammer your wallet.

 

[garyhas]

Ah now that makes some sense as they do blow when turned on, would I have to replace all the bulbs at once with LEDs only I would like to see how bright they are before changing them all, as it may be the better half will want the fittings changed!!!, I would go for the dimmer option but the switches are a bit expensive, went for the designer type, oh well looks like one way or other the wallet is going to take a bashing, why the heel do they sell these dam lights!!!!

 

[telectrix]

nothing wrong with replacing 1 or 2 at a time. make sure the LED lamps are 230v, GU10 fitting. they go straight in. don't let anyone tell you they need drivers, that's the 12volt versions. most wholesalers have one or two on display. don't get the cheap rubbish from supermarlets or DIY sheds, you'd be better off with candles. expect to pay £10 per lamp.

 

[malcolmsanford]

Just replaced all my GU10's (about 20 of the damned things) with fluorescent fittings. Working on having about 10 GU10's on at a time that's 500 Watts!!!!! I put 2 x 58 Watt fluorescents in and the kitchen is loads brighter already. OK, the fittings aren't attractive (I lobbed in a few Tamlite 5' fittings I had stashed in the garage), but then I figured I don't go into my kitchen to look at the ceiling! Also saves me a fortune (according to the CT coil meter I put in anyway)

Garyhas here above is the answer, take the torches out of the ceiling and put up some proper lights. it really does make sense

 

[telectrix]

but rich has fitted workshop lights! OK if you're stripping your motorbike in the kitchen.

 

[malcolmsanford]

but rich has fitted workshop lights! OK if you're stripping your motorbike in the kitchen.

Can't beat them mate, perfect lights for kitchens................

 

[telectrix]

bloody grease traps. look lovely when they're all a brownish-yellow.