Bathroom lighting problem

[Gidomon]

I have spots (mains) in the bathroom of my 2 yr old house. The bulbs last no time at all and I suspect a voltage problem. I heard that bathroom lighting should not be mains. Is this true?

[woofgang]

well mine is, and has been for the past 18 years. recently changed and still mains. I understand that fittings need to be specialist though to deal with the steamy environment

[fasc]

bathroom lights do go from the mains circuit, however some spots do require transformers which lowers the voltage before its gets to your lights.  this may be the reason your lights are blowing frequently.

[zaz]

If your bulbs are 12volts halogen lights - then your problem is more than likely the fact that the transformer is not matched properly with the bulbs (hence pushing too much current through them). You need to resolve by replacing the transformer with a correct model and ensure there is not too much cable length between the transformer and spots. I find it easier to just use main halogen (GU10) and good quality bulbs.

[daddyg]

When we moved into our brand new house a few years ago we had the same problem. I kept getting the builders round to sort it but they never did sort it properly. I eventually gave up and spoke to some sparkies where I work. They suggested that there should be a transformer for each light but often only one is fitted to save money. Sure enough when I checked it there was only one. I fitted 2 new ones and they've been good as gold ever since.

[Tweed]

Transformers can't push too much current. Current is determined by the load (resistance) and the voltage, so the light will draw a current of voltage divided by the lights resistance. Having a greater load on a transformer than it was designed for would result in damage to the transformer, not the light bulb.

This is a common problem with spots, and the most common cause is a build up of heat due to a lack of ventilation, usually loft insulation is involved.

[daddyg]

I stand corrected tweed. Right enough though I did take the transformers out from under the insulation and leave them on a joist so that must be what did the trick. Thanks for that.

[Gidomon]

Thanks everyone. The spots are 240V.

[Tweed]

There is no problem with 240V light fittings in bathrooms, but make sure there is a free circulation of air above them.