These Spotlights....

[thelewisgang]

I have two spotlights in the ceiling of my upstairs toilet. A while ago, one started to be troublesome. It always comes on & seems when it gets warm it then goes off but comes on again when it cools down. This happens several times if the light is left on for some time. I have changed the spotlights in my kitchen in the past but these are a different set-up. Because I have recently had shoulder surgery there was no way I could reach up to try to remove the bulb (only one is affected). I had an electrician come round before Christmas & after he removed it, it wasn't just the bulb but there is a section it is attached to (sorry, my explaining isn't good 🙄).  He said these fixtures are not available to buy now so it would mean the entire fitting & because the wiring is up in the loft, he would need to go up there too. I was quoted what I considered to be a lot of money for him to do the work. He said when the old style light bulbs were no longer being sold these fittings also came under the same category. I wonder if I am being told the truth? Just for the record, my house is just over 18 years old. Thanks for your time if you reply. Happy New Year

[TheWinner]

He might be telling the truth, but if you have a gut feeling he is trying to rip you off, get a quote from a trusted trader.

https://www.trustatrader.com/

[thelewisgang]

thank you. I will check this site out. He is well known in my area but something is nagging at me with this. Appreciate your reply 

[TheWinner]

To be fair, we've had spotlights in an upstairs bathroom, and over time they will  corrode due to steam from the shower.  In your case, its the price he is quoting you. It wouldn't harm to get a second opinion.

[Old_Geezer]

It does sound something to get a second professional opinion on. Difficult to judge without seeing and trying to find a replacement lamp. Although you don't specify the estimate given.

[nicebloke1]

Some of these early type inset spots in my opinion were of very poor quality, the heat they generated was also concerning at times. I would be enclined to remove the one playing up because it does sound like a faulty fitting., until you can get it sorted. I'm no electrician but I wouldn't have thought you need a rewire in the loft, but a new fitting, in saying that it may be a case that to put a new fitting in, it can only be done within the loft space, the older type were spring loaded and were just pulled away from the ceiling without going into the loft. Like others have said its always a good idea to get a second oppinion but not always easy to get them to come if your not over run in your area with electricians.

[The Builder]

Apologies Lewis, but there just isn't enough information to give an opinion.

We'd need to know just what type of light it is, just what the type of fitting is, what type of bulbs they are. Fittings often change. I can't see any reason why he might be trying to mislead you. It's not in his interest to do so. 

Electricians these days have no reason to 'invent' work. They have plenty to do. A second opinion would confirm that.

Is there a Trade electrical store near you. They would be able to suggest someone.