Uplighter bulb problem

jd87

We have an uplighter with a built in dimmer switch and it uses a double ended linear halogen bulb. It doesn't say what wattage it is, but the lamp says maximum 300W so the bulb is probably close to this. When I switch the lamp off our meter really noticably slows down so I really want to try and replace this bulb.

Does anyone who knows the kind of bulb I am talking about know of a suitable low energy replacement that will be ok with the dimmer switch? It doesn't need to be dimmable, it just needs to work with the switch if you know what I mean.

Fire_Fox

You really need to take the bulb out and read it, should say what type it is in numbers/ letters probably on one of the ends.

jd87

Ive taken the bulb out and all it says on it is the GE logo on one end, and "China C7" on the other end. It is the middle one in this photo:

pogofish

It is probably a 117/118mm 300w linear halogen with an R7 base.

eg:
http://www.lightbulbs-direct.com/product/1430/k9-240v-halogen-tube-117mm-300w/

Most stores will have them & there is quite a range on prices. You don't need to pay a lot, the cheap ones from ASDA etc are just as good for general lighting purposes as the expensive brand names. I tend to get a couple of twin packs from Lidl or the like when they are on special. Which will do me for ages.

One thing to remember when fitting, do not hold them by the glass directly - the slightest bit of oil from your skin can damage the glass when it heats-up, eventually causing it to fail prematurely & sometimes spectacularly. Use a bit of clean tissue or cloth to hold it & see that it is firmly seated in the bases at each end & with the shield in place, before switching-on.

I've not seen a low-energy equivalent yet. If anyone knows of one, I'd love to know as my uplighter is about the last bulb I would like to convert. However you do get lower energy alternatives, which are OTOH either 240 or 225 watts, which should be well within the range of your dimmer circut. If you use your uplighter a lot, this will save a bit over the year, albeit at the expense of reduced bulb life & FTM, a higher purchase price.

jetski690

I have an up lighter probably the same as the op and stumbled across these new Megaman bulbs tonight.
http://www.litebulbs.co.uk/product/22588/megaman-25-watt-low-energy-linear-retro-fit-r7-light-bulb.aspx
They state they are not dimmable but if you were to leave them on full power would that be ok ?

jd87

jetski690 wrote: »

I have an up lighter probably the same as the op and stumbled across these new Megaman bulbs tonight.
http://www.litebulbs.co.uk/product/22588/megaman-25-watt-low-energy-linear-retro-fit-r7-light-bulb.aspx
They state they are not dimmable but if you were to leave them on full power would that be ok ?

Hmm I did see those, they look a bit bulky but I suppose it's the only option. Does anyone know about the dimmer switch issue, will it work if the dimmer is turned to full?

Leblanc_2

B&Q are selling 100w linear halogen bulbs for uplighters at £1.00 for a pack.
Your dimmer can cut your 300w to 100w but the above will absolutely keep the power down at switch on, and no messing about with the dimmer.
Less light of course.

Browntrout_2

300w is something else considering that the EU have now banned 100W bulbs from sale, I am considering going for one of these;

Megaman Energy Saving Halogen Replacement 25 Watt 118mm Warm White

Specifications Average Lamp Life 15000hrs
Cap/Base R7s/RX7s
Cap/Base Type Double Ended
Colour Warm White Colour Temp 2700 Kelvin
Length 118 mm
Manufacturer Megaman
Megaman Part Number 119227
Type Energy Saving Voltage 220-240V
Wattage 25W

£14.59 inc. VAT is a lot more than ~£2 but pay back would be around 1 year.