3-pin lightbulbs MEM 250 in new house

Whalter

:rolleyes: Hello, I have only signed up to the forum today! THis is only my second post! I have tried searching for this subject on here but I couldn't find anything about it...

My girlfriend and I recently took the plunge and bought our first home together.

It is a new build, and to comform with new government guidelines, 3 of the light fittings (top and bottom of the stairs and the spare room) have a new special kind of light fitting that has 3 pins. They look light a standard baynet light fitting but they have an extra pin!

When we bought the house we were told that they weren't available everywhere but that we'd be able to pick them up in places like B&Q. However - the electrical guy in there had never heard of them!

Does anyone know anywhere that supplies such an item? Obviously the 3 I have SHOULD last a while - however when we moved in there was only 2 in the house and the builders had been moving them back and forth depending on which socket they needed a bulb in, and when we moved in and I said there was only 2 of these bulbs they took one that was already being used in a different house on the site! So it wouldn't surprise me if they dont last as long as they should!

Anyone else had the same problem? Any help/info would be appreciated!

Whalter.

flang

I assume you brought a persimmon home? as its common for them to fit these!
I looked everywhere for replacments! so replaced the holder in the end with a standard fitting!

Jonesya

A quick search with froogle throws up:
http://www.lamps2udirect.com/pages/fullProd.php/-PLE-C-20w-3-Pin-Energy-Saver/895
and
http://www.lightbulbs-direct.com/variant_detail.asp?var=3643

but at over £10 each I'd change the fittings to standard BC if it were me.

kitchpoo

the fittings are designed to ensure Low Energy bulbs are fitted, they are avaiable at trade counters - I deal with an estate where these have been fitted in Suffolk, and the occupants have a list of 3 suppliers - I'll find the list tomorrow.

Whalter

Thanks for the Speedy replies! ) The builder is a company called Broseley Homes.

If you could find the list i'd be greatful - I use energy efficient bulbs anyway right through the home. But I don't want to get stuck with bulbs that I HAVE to pay a fortune for!

I know that making people use energy efficient stuff is a good thing, but it does feel like they have taken my right to choose what I have in my own home!

Whalter.

Nobleck

Try a good electrical wholesalers, or look up nationwide lamps(huge supplier).
On a small note about saving energy,think how much energy would be saved if all the Office Blocks in the World turned their lights and computers off every night when not in use.

Jonesya

I think it is now part of the building regulations that a certain percentage of the lights in new homes have to be energy efficient and that those light fittings only accept energy efficient lamps.

These MEM fittings are probably a cheap way of complying with the regs. You can get fittings that have the control gear in the base and take a CFL tube but I guess these would be more expensive so the builders go for the cheaper product.

roger56

Jonesya wrote:

I think it is now part of the building regulations that a certain percentage of the lights in new homes have to be energy efficient and that those light fittings only accept energy efficient lamps.

Yes, Part L1, conservation of fuel and power.
Some I've fitted are fatter than the normal pendants so
most lamp shades will not fit either...that's progress:T

The number of locations to be equiped:
1-3 rooms created fit 1
4-6 rooms created fit 2
7-9 rooms created fit 3
10-12 rooms created fit 4
:rolleyes:

Here is more technical info if you are keen!:
http://www.iee.org/Publish/WireRegs/WiringMatters/Documents/Issue20/2006_20_autumn_wiring_matters_part_l_lights_in_domestic_premises.pdf
:beer: