Halogen Bulb Keep Burning Out Quickly

[TromboneAl]

Please Note: I didn't touch it with my fingers!




The last halogen bulb in our dining room light lasted for years, then burned out. I replaced it, and within a week that one burned out. Did it again with the same result.

I wear nitrile gloves when doing this, and am gentle.

Is it possible that the gloves have oil that causes them to overheat?

How can I keep this from happening?

Thanks,

Al

[spncity]

We just use a paper towel to hold it.

[MRG]

We wipe them off with rubbing alcohol, ensures something else didn't leave oils on it. Then use the paper towel.
MRG

[aja8888]

Cheap bulbs? (China?)

Try the alcohol as MRG suggested. (Not the distilled and blended stuff!)

[MooreBonds]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl The last halogen bulb in our dining room light lasted for years, then burned out. I replaced it, and within a week that one burned out. Did it again with the same result. I wear nitrile gloves when doing this, and am gentle. Is it possible that the gloves have oil that causes them to overheat? How can I keep this from happening?

Is this a multi-bulb fixture, or just a single bulb? If it's the only bulb, is there a chance something's up with your wiring/breaker/light switch? (maybe a dimmer?)

[soupcxan]

Are you sure you bought the exact right replacement bulb?

Get your multimeter and check the voltage at the fixture and compare it to the working fixtures. When my CFLs have burned out extremely fast, it was due to overvoltage in the fixture.

Check the transformer specs. Does the bulb match the voltage and wattage requirements? My guess is that transformer went bad.

[TromboneAl]

Single bulb. Quite sure it's the right replacement.

I don't think there's a transformer. I'll play with it tomorrow.

And what is it with me an typos in the titles?

[NW-Bound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl Single bulb. Quite sure it's the right replacement. I don't think there's a transformer. I'll play with it tomorrow. And what is it with me an typos in the titles?

Yes, this type of bulb is a 115V lamp of a fairly high wattage.

And the typo errors are just another sign of old age. It is to be expected, and nothing to worry about.

[modhatter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl Single bulb. Quite sure it's the right replacement. I don't think there's a transformer. I'll play with it tomorrow. And what is it with me an typos in the titles?

Did you know that they now make a certain halogen light (if you are taking about those small ones with two prongs on the end) in LCD, and it can go right in a regular halogen fixture now. I had problem with three halogen bulbs either burning out or turning on and off when they got hot, which is often here in Fl. in the summer. The guy from Home Depot showed me the new LCD type halogen bulbs that can be inserted in their place. Very costly at $20 a piece. Cost $60 to replace 3 bulbs, but cheaper than an electrician and having to change out my halogen can fixtures. I love the light Halogen bulbs throw off. Makes everything look great. The LCD's are second best for esthetics.

The LCD is a very bright white light. But no blue tint either. Not as flattering as the halogen, but it doesn't get hot, hopefully won't burn out, and lasts a long time. I was going through at least 2 halogen light bulbs per can a year, which is $30 a year.

For other types of LCD bulbs, go to Costco. Much cheaper than Home Depot or Lowes.

[MichaelB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by modhatter Did you know that they now make a certain halogen light (if you are taking about those small ones with two prongs on the end) in LCD, and it can go right in a regular halogen fixture now. .

That's good to know. We have a bunch of halogen fixtures and the replacement bulbs are costly and don't last that long, so even an expensive LCD might make sense. Are the LCDs as bright as the halogen bulbs?

[ERD50]

Quote:

Originally Posted by modhatter Did you know that they now make a certain halogen light (if you are taking about those small ones with two prongs on the end) in LCD, and it can go right in a regular halogen fixture now. ...

I assume you mean LED (Light Emitting Diode), not LCD (reflects light, does not produce light) -

Do you have a link, I could not find them?

-ERD50

[NW-Bound]

The little two-prong bulbs described above are 5-watt bulbs. I have not seen the LED replacements, but do not see why they should cost $20.

The bulb T-Al showed is a 150-watt bulb, I think. An LED with the same brightness is going to cost mucho money, if it is even available.

PS. I stand corrected. There are 2-prong bulbs that go up to 20 watts. I guess an LED that goes into the same small space is harder to make, hence costs more.

[modhatter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelB That's good to know. We have a bunch of halogen fixtures and the replacement bulbs are costly and don't last that long, so even an expensive LCD might make sense. Are the LCDs as bright as the halogen bulbs?

Brighter. (same 50 watt equiv) My little bathroom now could be an operating room.

[GalaxyBoy]

Is this bulb in a recessed fixture with a thermal overload that's tripping, or is the bulb truly burning out? Not sure why the old bulb wouldn't have had the same problem, though.

Just brainstorming.

[BUM]

Al,
Just my 2 cents... As you know those bubs run really hot. If the original ran for years then burned out and replacements die early, I suspect the fixture. You might try cleaning the contacts, replacing the switch - otherwise replace the fixture.

[Animorph]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BUM Al, Just my 2 cents... As you know those bubs run really hot. If the original ran for years then burned out and replacements die early, I suspect the fixture. You might try cleaning the contacts, replacing the switch - otherwise replace the fixture.

Or the airflow through the fixture is blocked?

[modhatter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GalaxyBoy Is this bulb in a recessed fixture with a thermal overload that's tripping, or is the bulb truly burning out? Not sure why the old bulb wouldn't have had the same problem, though. Just brainstorming.

Yes to both. They cut out because of heat build up and thermal overload, and after a while when they cool down, they come back on. There are three in the bathroom ceiling (recessed) I have been in the shower where there is one above me, and have it go out, then a few times the other two cut out. Can you say SCARY??

I paid an electrician to put cages around them to keep away the blown insulation etc and create enough air around them, but didn't help. They did seem to blow out quite prematurely though as well.

Since my replacement with the LCD bulbs, I can have lights on all day, and not one has gone off. (My son doesn't know where the "light off" switch is located apparently)

[TromboneAl]

It's a very simple 120 VAC fixture.

The old bulb was definitely burned out, with infinite resistance and a tiny black spot at one point near the end of the filament.

Cleaned contacts, wiped bulb with alcohol, and installed. We'll see.

[TromboneAl]

It burned out again today. So, I can either buy a new fixture for a few hundred, or use halogens at $6 a pop.

Maybe I can jury rig an LED bulb in there.

[tfudtuckerpucker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl It burned out again today. So, I can either buy a new fixture for a few hundred, or use halogens at $6 a pop.

You might try Amazon- you get 10 for the price of one Home Depot bulb
eTopLighting (10) Bulbs, J Type 78mm Double Ended T3 Halogen Light Bulb 120V 150W 120 Volts 150 Watt - - Amazon.com

They are rated for 2000 hrs. Overall reviews are pretty good. It might be worth a shot.