There was an interesting release from Osram Australia this week.

I had heard rumours of it happening but nothing official. Today I checked the official banned imports list on the Australian Customs website but the halogens werent mentioned only the incandescent lamps

Perhaps they havent got the official law passed yet in the parliament.

In any case this will be an expensive problem for everyone with 12V MR16 downlight. There are tens of millions of these installed across Australia.

Lamp Ban Update – 50 Watt Tungsten Halogen Mirror Reflector Lamps are being phased out

The phase out is part of Australia’s switch to more energy efficient lighting. From April 2012, this included an import ban on 50 Watt extra low voltage 12 volt tungsten halogen multifaceted MR16 dichroic reflector lamps. The average measured wattage for these lamps is now required to be no more than 37 Watts. This means 35 Watt and other new technology lamps may be used.

Why are these lamps not energy efficient?
‘Low voltage’ does not mean low energy. In fact, they consume 50 lamp Watts plus the transformer losses, which are often overlooked because transformers are hidden from view in the ceiling or wall. We also use multiple lamps to illuminate a space.

Will the phase out compromise light quality?
No, the phase out does not have to mean compromising on light quality. The same light output is possible using lower wattage lamps thanks to improved technologies.

What are these lamps used for?
Many downlights and track lights in homes and shops incorporate tungsten halogen multifaceted reflector lamps. They are popular because of their compact size, directional beam, varied intensities and design potential. However, they can reach high temperatures and are expensive to run and replace. Some are of poor quality, have a short life and don’t light the space well.

Hi,

We inherited a 12 volt transformer set up in our garden and I’ve recently
had it OK’d for use by a sparky so I’m looking to buy some spotlights – my
question is how do I know what size cable to order for our garden lights?

Thanking you

Paula Turner

Hi, I have disco lights bought from Big W about 8 years ago. It has a 12
volt globes in them. Bayonet like and small, like what you would put in a
torch. Do you have them and if not what else could I put in there without
blowing it up ha ha. I look forward to your reply.

Charmaine Watson

Hi, can you recommend an automatic motion sensor light for a kitchen pantry?
cheers
Russell

We have numerous halogen downlights in our rented home. They all have square discolouration in the gyproc around them very well demarcated. I think it is related to heat produced by the downlights affecting the gyproc and causing dust etc to attach to this area.

Our landlord is trying to suggest we have damaged the gyproc in some way. There are no other discoloured areas anywhere else on the ceilings.

Could heat from halogen downlights cause this problem?

Thanks

Andy

Hi There

I am the head of the body corporate of our building and currently using incandescent globes in our fittings in the common areas. I would like to use compact fluorescent globes CFL to try and save electricity but also save on our building maintenance costs.

We will get the same life that is quoted by the manufactures if we have the lights on for extended periods at a time?

Looking forward to your response.

Kind regards

Jill

Dear Daniel

I have just accidentally dropped and broken a compact fluorescent lamp while installing it

My friend tells me that I am going to die of some terrible mercury driven disease and that I should sell the house

Can you please en”lighten” me (LOL)

Many thanks

Jill

Hi,

We have just moved into a house with what seems like hundreds or MR16 lights (all put in around eight years ago), I will remove half of them (pitty the poor soul who’ll be patching the plaster on the ceiling) as these two rooms already have incandecent lighting, this should save power and heat.

The other half of the MR16 lighting is under a flat tine roof which was assembled TIN/SilverInsulation/Insulation Bats/MR16 Down lights, at points the Bats were touching the MR16 lights, I have replaced all MR16 globes with 20w ones I purchased from you and tried at best to remove the Bats from around the MR16 lights but being at flat tine roof at this point it is quite hard.

My question is this, how hot do the 20w globes get as I understand the 50w are in excess of 260c so I estimate the heat to be around 104c reducing the fire hazard considerably (I hope). Also, what is the power consumption of the transformers and do they represent a fire risk?

Regards,

Chrisb

Hello Lighting Pro

I’m renovating a pharmacy shop. Basically I’ve got normal halogen downlights lighting up both sides of the wall stock. I have 6 downlights on each side spanning ~9m each side but the lighting is still very dark.

I was recommended to get metal halide shoplighters.

Just want to know if that is suitable and whether 70W or 150W. Will 70W be too bright.

Many thanks

Kim

Hi

Just wondering if it’s possible to obtain Double Ended Linear Halogen J Type Lamps rated at 5000 Kelvin (5000K)?

Thanks.

Derek