Blowing transformers

[MalcyB]

Hi All

I replaced a like for like transformer six months ago that feeds two 10w halogen cupboard downlights, I got a call the otherday to say that it's stopped working again. The latest one is a TR160 (20/60Va) Dimmable. Anyone any ideas on why they might be going so fast?

Thanks in advance

Malc

 

[batty]

Maybe not the transformer or they have been running it with one lamp ie 10 watt. Halogen cabinet lights are high maintanance I only fit them if they are provided by customer.

Batty

 

[MalcyB]

Sorry Batty what do you mean about running them with just one lamp, how would that make a difference?

 

[batty]

20-60watt needs both lamps as one lamp is 10 watts.

 

[Evans Electric]

In my opinion the quality of these electronic trannies is pretty hit and miss, whatever make. Some you never hear of again ,others carping out all the time. Same with halogen lamps it seems . I think they need to be running at their rated output so dead lamps should replaced ASAP.

Also they don't need to be stuffed into fibreglass lagging.

I've stopped using them on the standard downlights now, going with GU10s.

Deke

 

[batty]

In my opinion the quality of these electronic trannies is pretty hit and miss, whatever make. Some you never hear of again ,others carping out all the time. Same with halogen lamps it seems . I think they need to be running at their rated output so dead lamps should replaced ASAP. Also they don't need to be stuffed into fibreglass lagging.

I've stopped using them on the standard downlights now, going with GU10s.

Deke

I use snaplite as they are sealed so you get no heat going back through fitting so safe to use in fibreglass. As you say its hit or miss with the trannies but when you are only paying a couple of quid for them these days I assume quality maybe not so good although they are mass produced so costs go down.

Batty

 

[MalcyB]

The trannie is just sat on top of the cupboard so there is no fibreglass to cause any heat build up.

Can anyone recommend any particular make?

 

[batty]

The trannie is just sat on top of the cupboard so there is no fibreglass to cause any heat build up.Can anyone recommend any particular make?

I would get one that goes from 10-60 watt that way if a lamp goes out it won't get damaged although personally I would replace fittings with fluorescent cabinet lights as they are a lot less maintanance.

Batty

 

[Evans Electric]

I don't think we have had any problems with the Osram transformers, try one. On the whole I think these 10 watt fittings are fairly naff TBH.

Deke

 

[MalcyB]

They're the MFI ones that sit under the top of a glass doored unit a total pig to try to get a new bulb in. I might try to get her to change to different lights.

 

[batty]

I had a customer with the halogen ones in a glass cabinet. she wanted ones that where more realiable so I fitted Led ones but she did not like them said they where like disco lights although she has stuck with them. Glass cabinets are not an easy one to light good luck.