Flashing 12v halogen bulbs?
Discussion
We've got two 12v halogen light fittings in our living room, each with 6 bulbs.
When all the bulbs are working, they work fine for about twenty minutes and then start flashing on and off every 20 seconds or so. Once they are down to a single bulb (which doesn't take long, since they blow pretty damned fast when they're flashing on and off), it works fine.
According to my widget from Maplin, the mains voltage is hovering around 243v which is a tad high but well within the 230 +10%/-6% range.
Any ideas?
When all the bulbs are working, they work fine for about twenty minutes and then start flashing on and off every 20 seconds or so. Once they are down to a single bulb (which doesn't take long, since they blow pretty damned fast when they're flashing on and off), it works fine.
According to my widget from Maplin, the mains voltage is hovering around 243v which is a tad high but well within the 230 +10%/-6% range.
Any ideas?
The transformers are built into the light fittings. Each fitting is on a different light switch (within the same switch block). This is a simple on/off switch not a dimmer.
They sit proud on the surface of the ceiling and have vents in the sides of the unit. I installed them a few months ago and they have had the problem since new.
They sit proud on the surface of the ceiling and have vents in the sides of the unit. I installed them a few months ago and they have had the problem since new.
Edited by kambites on Thursday 11th November 09:37
Simpo Two said:
I'd put 50p on overheating too.
Do they have glass in front that you could remove to help cooling?
No, the transformer is in a metal cage at the top of the fitting, with the bulbs on stalks sticking out of it. Do they have glass in front that you could remove to help cooling?
If they're overheating, why? Are they just badly designed or is something else likely to be wrong?
Unfortunately they're G4 bulbs and as far as I can see, you can't get particularly bright G4 LED bulbs.
It does seem odd that they would sell a fitting with a transformer not capable of supplying the bulbs included in the pack.
Sounds like it's probably time to throw out the light fittings at chalk the hundred odd quid that they cost up to experience.
It does seem odd that they would sell a fitting with a transformer not capable of supplying the bulbs included in the pack.
Sounds like it's probably time to throw out the light fittings at chalk the hundred odd quid that they cost up to experience.
Edited by kambites on Monday 22 November 11:26
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff