lightbulbs not staying lit.....

ali-t · 13 November 2011 at 5:46PM

I am looking for an mse solution to my problem before I cave in and call an electrician.

I have a light fitting with 8 little halogen lightbulds (the ones with the straight metal pins). One of the fittings has started to lose the connection with the bulb in it. I have changed the bulbs multiple times but it doesn't make any difference. The buld works if it is pushed in and held but the holes don't seem to be keeping the bulb in so it can connect the way it is meant to. Sorry that is such a vague description but I don't really know how to describe it.

Is there anything I can do to make it work that doesn't involve a new light fitting, an elctrician or spending any money?

ormus · 13 November 2011 at 6:29PM

are they the bipin type or the twist & lock type?

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

fwor · 13 November 2011 at 6:31PM

What tends to happen - particularly with cheaper fittings - is that the contacts are typically in pairs, made of springy metal to hold them together. Unfortunately if not accurately made the connection can cause arcing, which heats the metal and makes it less springy. Eventually the contact fails altogether.

You can often fix it simply by looking into the fitting with a torch and observing where the contacts are in relation to the holes. If for example they are at the outer edges, you can bend the pins on the bulb outward slightly to improve contact.

You need care in several respects: don't handle the bulb - use cloth gloves, or clean the bulb with meths before switching on. Bend with care - too close to the glass and it may break. And watch carefully for flickering when you've done. If you can't get it so that it doesn't arc, discard the fitting. Many electrical fires start with arcing contacts, and the cost of a new fitting is worth the money if you aren't sure.

phill99 · 13 November 2011 at 6:31PM

My friend had this trouble. the 'socket' was slightly too wide for the pin and as a result the light kept going out.

I wrapped a timy piece of ali foil around the pin and this enlargened the pin enough for it to make contact with the holder.

27col · 13 November 2011 at 6:39PM

You can buy new lamp holders for both bi-pin lamps(MR16) and GU10 lamps.

ali-t · 13 November 2011 at 7:03PM

It is a bipin Ormus.

fwor, it is a cheap fitting, around £50 from asda and the previous one went on fire! I liked it so much I bought a second one. It is lovely with lots of twisty bits and scribble balls on the stalks. I will try to bend the pins and see if that makes a difference. I have sold my house and don't want to leave them with a dodgy light though.

Phil is your suggestion safe? I haven't a clue about electrics but would want something that wouldn't leave the new owners with a defective light.

27col, I looked at pictures of these on google images and they look like they would need an electrician or someone who has half a clue to fit them. I have no idea about stuff like that.

Jon_Tiffany · 13 November 2011 at 7:35PM

I would just be honest with the new owners and tell them that the light has been playing up. Light fittings can be bought quite cheaply and its just not worth the risk. How would you feel if the light fitting caused a fire with the new owners in the house? I think they would apreciate your honesty, I certainly would.

lightbulbs not staying lit.....

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