Energy efficient light doesent stay on

[meady]

Hi people, need sone expert advise. I have been asked to look at an energy efficient light in a bathroom which keeps going out. I have checked the switch and eliminated that from the problem. I have checked all terminations within the light, all seem tight and secure and no signs of arching.

The light sometimes stays on for 5 mins then cuts out but most of the time only stays on for about 10 or so seconds. The only thing I can put it down to is the capacitor within the light.

Any suggestions would be great and if I gave left any info out that you guys need just let me know.....thanks

 

[Danny]

Could well be the electronics inside the lamp .. i've had similar problems with a couple of megaman GU10s, starting badly then cutting out within a few minutes .. they were very good tho and replaced them without question which suggests this may be cropping up quite a bit even tho they're 7 quid a pop .. no pun intended ..

 

[meady]

Right....that's intresting. So basically the only solution is to replace the light fitting itself. Could there be any other cause for the light to keep going out other than the fitting being faulty?

Sorry about the few spelling mistakes, I'm on my poxy iPhone which is useless for fat fingered people like myself lol.

 

[Apache]

Right....that's intresting. So basically the only solution is to replace the light fitting itself. Could there be any other cause for the light to keep going out other than the fitting being faulty?Sorry about the few spelling mistakes, I'm on my poxy iPhone which is useless for fat fingered people like myself lol.

No the lamp is the lightbulb!

 

[meady]

I have tried 2 new lamps in the same fitting with all the same results. The lamp must not be the problem unless I'm unlucky and all three lamps are dudds

 

[meady]

The light is a bulkhead energy efficient that incorporates a 4 pin 28w 2d lamp

 

[Apache]

I have tried 2 new lamps in the same fitting with all the same results. The lamp must not be the problem unless I'm unlucky and all three lamps are dudds

If it's not the lamp, not the switch suggests that its the bulkhead?

 

[batty]

Sounds like a dodgy ballast or maybe a loose connection.

Batty

 

[jl-heating]

i would swop the breaker in the board..

 

[jl-heating]

only kidding

 

[a1]

Right....that's intresting. So basically the only solution is to replace the light fitting itself. Could there be any other cause for the light to keep going out other than the fitting being faulty?Sorry about the few spelling mistakes, I'm on my poxy iPhone which is useless for fat fingered people like myself lol.

We don't judge people on here mate, we are all equal.

 

[Evans Electric]

It sounds like the ballast to me , Meady, Does it have a starter switch (canister type) does the wattage on it match the lamp . Its not a 38watt lamp in a 28 watt fitting is it ? Do the lamp watts match the ballast watts ?

Deke

 

[meady]

A loose connection is ruled out as I have checked all connections (I originally thought it was the connection causing the problem).

Yes it has a starter but the wattage matches up as its the original lamp which was supplied with the bulkhead unit.

So it sounds like its the ballast then. What exactly does the ballast do as I have had no experience with this type of lighting and would it be advised to replace the ballast or just purchas a complete new unit, the unit is around

 

[batty]

A loose connection is ruled out as I have checked all connections (I originally thought it was the connection causing the problem).Yes it has a starter but the wattage matches up as its the original lamp which was supplied with the bulkhead unit.

So it sounds like its the ballast then. What exactly does the ballast do as I have had no experience with this type of lighting and would it be advised to replace the ballast or just purchas a complete new unit, the unit is around

 

[meady]

The lamps are 4 pin, would a 2 pin lamp work in a unit designed for a 4 pin? The lamp lights up instantly once turned on but goes off normally about 5 to 10 seconds after usually, sometimes it stays on for 5 or 10 mins. Because the lamp lights up instantly I ruled out the starter but then again I have not had much dealings with this type off luminaire.

 

[a1spark]

Hi people, need sone expert advise. I have been asked to look at an energy efficient light in a bathroom which keeps going out. I have checked the switch and eliminated that from the problem. I have checked all terminations within the light, all seem tight and secure and no signs of arching.The light sometimes stays on for 5 mins then cuts out but most of the time only stays on for about 10 or so seconds. The only thing I can put it down to is the capacitor within the light.

Any suggestions would be great and if I gave left any info out that you guys need just let me know.....thanks

I would disconnect the wiring from the light...connect up a lampholder & gls lamp to the incoming supply.....if light stays on then inform the customer they need a new light fitting.....not worth going any further on a

 

[green-hornet]

I have not come accross this type of fault before, so could only give you my idea's on what you have said.

I would suspect the ballast and personally replace the whole unit, if like for like on fitting the base can stay in place.

Have you checked the power at the light fitting to see if its a regular 50hz? Would doubt it would not be, but worth trying.

Whilst the starter would allow the light to illuminate the ballast would convert the power to a level used for constant use, if this fails the light would fail.

For an insight to what a ballast is see here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_ballast

 

[batty]

The lamps are 4 pin, would a 2 pin lamp work in a unit designed for a 4 pin? The lamp lights up instantly once turned on but goes off normally about 5 to 10 seconds after usually, sometimes it stays on for 5 or 10 mins. Because the lamp lights up instantly I ruled out the starter but then again I have not had much dealings with this type off luminaire.

Only use a 4 pin lamp if it has a 4 pin lampholder and vice versa. I would replace starter as a matter of course if I changed a lamp.

Batty

 

[Evans Electric]

Always try the starter Meady, it could be all thats wrong , just like a standard fluorescent fitting , starters are prone to packing up. If it is the choke its not worth the effort of changing it , replace the fitting is the best option .But try the starter first.

Deke

 

[Apache]

Maybe it's what makes this light energy saving!