My downlighters keep blowing out . .

[dunwerkin]

[dunwerkin]

Sorry, I was too keen to get an answer. OK, here's the question. In the smallest bedroom which is the room I spend most time in with my computer, sewing machine, ironing etc. there are four downlighters. One by one they are starting to blow. First one has gone four times, then the next has blown twice in two days, and now the third has gone. Is there is a 'catch all' reason why this is happening. Mostly they go when I switch on the lights at the door. Any ideas anyone?

[scotman]

More info please

Are these mains voltage? Wall or ceiling mounted? Which brand of fittings/bulbs are you using?

[dunwerkin]

Thank you Scotsman. For your interest I live in Aberdeen. OK, I assume they are mains connected, they were installed when the house was built 14 years ago (steading conversion). Ceiling mounted. Asda 40 watt spotlights. I have downlighters/spotlights in all the rooms in the house and its only these in my 'workshop' that are demonstrating this problem. I am typing with just one light on just now!.

[scotman]

If you have the same lights all through the house and they are only giving problems in one location it suggests something wrong with the supply to that location.

[P_Lactophobe]

Do they flicker as you turn them on or off (possible switch problem stressing the bulb filaments with rapid heating / cooling cycles as they're switched).

Do you have one of those plug in plug-in thingies to monitor the power used by things in the house (like http://www.amazon.co....-Meter/dp/B0014VEZI2/ ) often they will let you check the mains voltage (UK mains should be 230v -6% to +10% = 216v to 253v - if you are near the substation you could be getting too many volts at some times of day blowing the bulbs.

[mrs_nordling]

Are your downlighters the ceiling flush type? If they are then there may be insufficient clearance in your roof space to allow the lamp to cool enough. Have you put anything in your loft recently and covered them over? Another reason may be your light switch, is it the 'dimmer-switch' type? Not all lamps like dimmer switches. Check the voltage rating of your lamps and try to buy ones which are rated at 250, you may pay more for them but even "cheap" lamps should carry a guarantee of 1000 hours. Best to keep your receipts and take them back to Asda if the problem persists and you've checked all other possibilities such as swapping lamps from other rooms to see if they last the same amount of time.

[dunwerkin]

Thank you all for your help. There's plenty of information there for me to be able to do some sensible research. Very grateful. Jean