Why are my downlights constantly blowing?

Question

I have a strip of 3 downlights in my living room, and I am constantly changing globes.

Usually two of the globes blow in the first day or two of use, but the third globe will last much longer (at least a month, or until we replace the blown globes).

The globes we are using are Mirabella GU10 240V 50W (240V is standard for Australia).

I've heard about other people having this problem - I've searched the web and found plenty of discussions but no definitive answers.

What might be causing the problem and how can I fix it?

Answer 1

If you're using halogen bulbs, you need to handle them correctly: don't touch them directly -- hold them in a clean cloth.

The reason is that halogens get much hotter than other bulbs. Oils from your fingerprints cause the bulbs to heat unevenly where you touch them, leading to thermal stresses which can crack the bulb.

Answer 2

Bottom line: switch to LED GU10 bulbs.

While there might be something wrong in the electrical wiring (I am no expert there), I would address the other option, which is that these halogen bulbs have a short life period since they are getting over-heated.

My suggestion would be simple: stop wasting money on inefficient halogen and switch to LED. For example: http://amzn.to/l4evos Even if you didn't have this problem that would be a good idea (LED would save you electricity), but given your problem, it is a double whammy. LED bulbs generate much much less heat then halogen, addressing the root of the problem.

Notice that a 3 or 4 W LED is not equivalent to 50W halogen. I would say that at best, 4W is equal to 35W (and even that is pushing it). So, you might be able to find a 5W LED, but if not, expect less light... but at least you will not be replacing bulbs every 4 weeks...

Is it 240V, meaning you are using a in-line, simple halogen bulbs (not low voltage halogen)? and is it 240v meaning you are not in the U.S?