Problem with Halogen Bulbs in hallway

cs1986_2

I was wondering if someone could help. In my hallway we have two light fittings on the ceiling that both have G5.3 Halogen bulbs in them. They are controlled by a single switch that is not a dimmer. They only work intermittently. Most of the time you flick the switch and nothing but the weird thing is if you fiddle with the bulbs and wiggle them about a bit then they do come on and will generally go back off a minute or two later.

Then you can switch the switch on and just 1 bulb will come on. Turn it off. Switch back on and none come on. Etc etc

I am assuming it is not the transformer as I would never be able to get light would I?
The bulbs are fine as I have changed them and tried 3 bulbs in one of the fixtures with no different results.

If I remember rightly when I removed the bulb there was some soot/black residue on the pins which can be blown away.

Could the issue be the actual connection that the pins slot into? I guess it is more likely to be that than anything like the switch or transformers?

Ganga

Is it not easier to replace the light fittings or are these recent purchases?

coffeehound

Sounds like the fittings have been getting hot enough to char the fittings and tarnish the contacts.

missile

If I remember rightly when I removed the bulb there was some soot/black residue on the pins which can be blown away.

Not a good sign. I would replace the fittings.

Norman_Castle

If I remember rightly when I removed the bulb there was some soot/black residue on the pins which can be blown away.

Possibly from arcing due to loose fitting between the bulb and connector, are you fitting them properly?

As above, replace the fitting.



(oh no, I've caught massive writing syndrome)

Novice_investor101

http://www.itv.com/news/2018-08-30/the-halogen-lightbulb-ban-what-you-need-to-know/

Read that. Halogen bulbs have been phased out, so you may have LEDs. It says something about GU type bulbs flickering due to the low wattage.

Ectophile

It could be a faulty transformer. Many aren't really transformers at all, but electronic power supplies. They can get a bit cranky if the electronics are failing.