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    kashifk2's Avatar
    kashifk2 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 24, 2009, 03:55 PM
    Halogen light fixtures keep burning out
    Hi guys, first time posting...

    In our basement, we have two halogen light fixtures installed by an electrician. At first, these fixtures were installed to be using these lightbulbs (the ones with the two prongs that plug into a circular base). One of the two light fixtures has an issue where the light bulb always burns out within a month. We thought there was an issue with the fixtures. So I swapped out both fixtures with completely new systems that use these lightbulbs (50watt bulbs).

    We still seem to have the same issue in the same fixture location as before. Now I`m sure there is something wrong with wiring but I`m not sure what it could be. Why does this fixture location always prematurely burn out the bulb?


    Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
    In home lighting.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #2

    Apr 24, 2009, 04:19 PM

    If the bulbs are dirty, touched with your fingers, the oil will cause excessive heat and will fail prematurely.
    kashifk2's Avatar
    kashifk2 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Apr 24, 2009, 05:52 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Stratmando View Post
    If the bulbs are dirty, touched with your fingers, the oil will cause excessive heat and will fail prematurely.
    Yeah I took that into account and made sure to even wear latex gloves this one time to be absolutely sure that no oils were deposited on the bulb. I've been going through quite a few bulbs just for that one fixture while the other fixture has absolutely no problems and has been using the same bulb since the last the day I installed it.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #4

    Apr 24, 2009, 08:32 PM

    Any excessive vibrations in the area?

    Are they on a dimmer?

    Low or high voltage?

    Loose connections and a bad lot of bulbs are other possibilities.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #5

    Apr 25, 2009, 07:24 AM

    A dimmer can help save electricity, and extend the life.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #6

    Apr 25, 2009, 10:13 AM

    Strat:

    I disagree with you. The Halogen cycle won't work at low filament temperatures, thus haogen lamp life is shortened when dimmed. This isn't the case with standard incadesent bulbs.

    Halogen lamp - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #7

    Apr 25, 2009, 02:06 PM

    In your link it says life expectancy isn't increased as one would expect, I think.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #8

    Apr 25, 2009, 06:00 PM

    Correct, but this is true only for Halogen lamps. The link isn't that clear, but it's what I had in a pinch.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #9

    Apr 25, 2009, 06:12 PM

    A better link: How halogen lamp is made - Background, History, Raw materials, Design, The manufacturing process of halogen lamp, Quality control, Byproducts/waste

    But you still have to think a bit
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #10

    Apr 26, 2009, 06:25 AM

    Personally I like the Xenon, cooler, longer life and extended life if dimmed.
    Quick statement on bulbs, I don't think CFL's are green, I think the Earth is about to be coated with mercury? I think it's a bad alternative. Improved LED bulbs would be Greener?
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