downlighters

[mikel]

Got to go look at a job tomorrow, there are 6 downlighters in an entrance/hallway, that the customer says don't work properly (some will switch on for a short time then go off, an a couple won't switch on at all). I'm presuming they're low voltage ones. If I need to replace them or the transformers which is better in your guys opinion

1) replace all lights with 240v downlighters

2) replace the transformers?

N what is the difference in your experience, I think the low voltage ones are brighter but get hotter and thus may not last as long?

 

[betty swollocks]

personally i'd keep them low voltage and change the faulty transformers, low voltage lamps last much longer than gu10's in my experience

 

[dean mac]

i prefer gu10s lampholders dont go no transformers to worry about

 

[Subneural]

Let the customer decide, either way its the same money for fitting. Personally I like the transformer option, it brings repeat business when they blow again.

 

[cheggers]

change them to 240v and then fit the megaman bulbs

 

[SuperSwift]

low voltage are brighter than gu10s

 

[a1]

Keep the LV and change the trannies and lamps for the Sylvania Coolfit.

Did look on our sponsors website first, but I couldn't find any. :|

 

[Evans Electric]

I'd change the trannies if it were me, sounds like they are tripping on overheat. Fit quality trannies ( if such a thing exists these days) 12 v lamps are cheaper to replace.

Deke

 

[Robojin]

If these are ELV don't be surprised if the downlighter connector blocks have melted, as the $1 per week workers don't seem to take much care when assembling them, I now routinely strip them down and rebuild when I come across them as I've seen too many molten blobs for comfort

I still find the fire brigades description of 'Firelighters' funny (black humour ] )

 

[Robojin]

Just in case these are the ones you need to take care with, strip and rebuild before use

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/QLBDG.html

 

[mikel]

Thanks very much for the advice boys n girls, it's so good to be able to seek guidance from people like yourselves.

 

[batty]

Give customer options. If holes a right size you could change for gu10 with the megaman bulbs thats going to cost quite a lot. Replace faulty transformers usually you will find they may need jb's or similar to make them safe. Probably cheaper option. I hate repairing other peoples d/lights you never know what you are going to find.

Batty

 

[Andy™]

I hate repairing other peoples d/lights you never know what you are going to find.Batty

1 thing that you will find can be guaranteed - lots of terminal block and tape!

 

[seajayess]

If the down lights are ELV and the client can afford them fit insulation support boxes over the down lights, Building regs require so much insulation these days that it is laid over the down lights, which cause the transformers to get hot and burn out CJS

 

[batty]

Got to go look at a job tomorrow, there are 6 downlighters in an entrance/hallway, that the customer says don't work properly (some will switch on for a short time then go off, an a couple won't switch on at all). I'm presuming they're low voltage ones. If I need to replace them or the transformers which is better in your guys opinion1) replace all lights with 240v downlighters

2) replace the transformers?

N what is the difference in your experience, I think the low voltage ones are brighter but get hotter and thus may not last as long?

Mikel on the ones that don't work could be lampholders.

Batty