Forum Discussion

Ron3rd's avatar
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Dec 26, 2014

Halogen light fixture blowing bulbs?

Sorry for the non-RV related question, but I installed 2 of the 120v bathroom vanity light fixtures in the home shown in the link below. They use G9 push-in 40w halogen bulbs. Got the fixtures installed, no problems, and when I powered it up, I notice 1 light on each of the fixtures was not working. I figured the bulb was bad, so I swapped a bulb and it worked, meaning the socket is getting power. I switched it back on about 5 minutes later, and the same 2 sockets are not working AGAIN. I run over to Lowes and pick up a couple bulbs, put them in, and the sockets work. I figure, "problem solved". I turn the fixture back on 5 minutes later, and the same sockets are not working.

Does anyone know if the socket can be "blowing the bulb out"? That's what it seems as happening.

I contacted Lamps Plus and told them I don't really want to return the fixtures because we like the look, so they're sending me 8 spare bulbs. Any ideas?

Light Fixture from Lamps Plus
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Dec 30, 2014
    MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
    Unless you want to keep a pizza warm halogen is not "the hot setup". One of the biggie negatives is the god awful heat raising the temperature on those pins beyond 250 degrees
    F. Every halogen lamp of mine has been ripped out the roots. High temps anneal copper based alloys. Softening them. Yes, I'm suggesting going with LED light bulbs.


    I agree on the Halogen (mega heat), but this fixture was the only one we could find that fit our needs and the wife liked. Do they make LED replacement bulbs for this type of Halogen bulb? Might be worth looking into if they do.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2014
    Unless you want to keep a pizza warm halogen is not "the hot setup". One of the biggie negatives is the god awful heat raising the temperature on those pins beyond 250 degrees
    F. Every halogen lamp of mine has been ripped out the roots. High temps anneal copper based alloys. Softening them. Yes, I'm suggesting going with LED light bulbs.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Dec 26, 2014
    I think I got it fixed. I removed some bulbs and re-inserted them firmly in the sockets and all are working now. They have those ceramic sockets that can be tricky to properly seat the bulb. I worked on this the other day and could not get the 2 sockets to work at all but now they do. Go figure!
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Dec 26, 2014
    enblethen wrote:
    Biggest problem with halogen lamps is touching the glass with your bare fingers. You must use tissue to install lamps. If you have touched the lamp by accident, whip it off with a tissue along with some rubbing alcohol.
    Oil on the human skin when touching the lamp creates hot spots and burns the lamps out prematurely.


    OK, I'll check that.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Dec 26, 2014
    Biggest problem with halogen lamps is touching the glass with your bare fingers. You must use tissue to install lamps. If you have touched the lamp by accident, whip it off with a tissue along with some rubbing alcohol.
    Oil on the human skin when touching the lamp creates hot spots and burns the lamps out prematurely.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,211 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 08, 2025