Downlight Problems

[SparkJ]

Problem.  Modern
rented house about 15 years old was fitted with loads of downlights.  The lamps blew with monotonous
frequency.   The Landlord wants  to know the reason why the lamps are failing
and needs a solution to the problem

Earthing is TNCS.  Zs
for upstairs light circuit 1.07ohms, IR > 200Mohms. Measured supply voltage
246.9V.  There were no symptoms of  voltage fluctuation.

The Landlord did not want the downlights removed from the
ceiling downstairs as they had been plastered in and he felt that it would
trash the ceiling if they were removed

The tenant did not want the dimmers replaced with switches.

From the loft there was no sign of damaged/overheated cables
or rodent damage.  The transformers were
all above the insulation. I took out a couple of lamps from the  12V downlights.  There was no sign of blackening on the pins.
None of  the downlights showed any evidence
of overheating.  

There are four rooms affected.

Lounge 6 240v downlights running off a dimmer

Kitchen 2 banks of 6 downlights each running off a one way
switch

Front bedroom 4 12V downlights run ning off dimmer

Bathroom 4 12V downlights switched with pull cord switch

The tenants were using Wickes unbranded lamps generally
although they had tried others brands.

Can anyone suggest a solution for this?

 I did wonder if a
change over to LED lamps might offer greater lamp lifespan but the cost would
be huge and I guess the dimmers would have to be changed and matched to the
lamps.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Same answer as always I suspect....

Poor quality lamps....

everyone wants everything done on the cheap and expect to find a el-cheapo lamp to work for 700 years {ish!}

You can bet that Wicks own brand lamps are made for 2p or less each in some far off country..

have a read here...

http://www.talk.electricianforum.co.uk/topic/22326-various-bulbslamps-blowing/

 

[steptoe]

Are the dimmer on the ELV lamps the correct type, and are the transformers dimmable?

Same for the 230 lamps, is the dimmer the correct rating.

But, as above, probably PP lamps.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

All lamps are crap now. It doesnt help that we are now have a 'harmonised' voltage with Europe at 230V so thats what stuff is made for, but i have never  seen less than 240V and you measured 246.9V    ?

 

[wozz]

If the lamps blow often it just drives people to buy cheaper and cheaper lamps, then becomes a vicious circle.

 

[ProDave]

If the fittings will take them, replace with CCFL or LED lamps instead of the halogen ones.

 

[SparkJ]

Many thanks for all of your comments.  It is much appreciated.

 

[Doc Hudson]

If the lamps blow often it just drives people to buy cheaper and cheaper lamps, then becomes a vicious circle.

Very true statement I think.

Doc H.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

If the lamps blow often it just drives people to buy cheaper and cheaper lamps, then becomes a vicious circle.

Reminds me of this   

 

[binky]

downlighters - expensive to fit, expensive to run, As much as I like them, the only sensible answer to downlighters is CFL or LED, the actual cost over the life of the lamp is less than cheap and nasty lamps every 2 weeks. It will save the tennant money, and the landlord grief. If they don't like the cost, the second word is 'off' and they can live in their own ignorance and stupidity.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

A shade costs £30 + now. Cheaper to fit downlights.

 

[samson337]

Prob is once you fit down light your generally stuck with them, unless you want to patch up the holes but its hard to get a perfect Finnish. I personally would only ever have them in my bathroom.