how do I change a halogen bulb
Halogen August 13th, 2006Hi there,
It is the first time I have come across a 78mm linear halogen tube.
I am basically not sure what is the correct way of installing and removing them from the fitting. I had to replace one and I had troubles just removing it. I ended up literally destroying one side in order to get it out. I bought a replacement (and just realised that I could’ve got it much cheaper on your site – will know for next time now) and I just cannot put it back.
The fitting’s sides are slightly retractable but I still can’t put the tube in.I am afraid forcing it too much not to break it. Can you please let me know what is the correct way of installing and removing these tubes.
Any advice would be very welcome.
Until I hear from you, we’ll just be in the dark.
Regards Damir
August 13th, 2006 at 12:42 pm
Hi Damir,
It sounds like a bit of a dilemma.
Changing a different type of light globe you haven’t come across before is no different from sex for the first time – you will get better at it!
The most import thing to do is make sure you don’t touch the halogen bulb at all. Your fingers through your skin, will leave small traces of oil on the glass and will cause “Hot Spots” on the lamp. When the glass heats up when the lamp is on, there will be a temperature change in the glass where the oil heats up and this will caused premature bulb failure. So the best thing to use is a clean tissue as even a pair of gloves can leave contaminents on the glass. If you happen to accidentally touch it just clean it with alcohol or methylated spirits.
The next thing to ensure (just like sex) is that you are very gentle. As you have discovered there is not much tolerance to get the lamp to clip in. On some fittings you will find that just one of spring clips on the contact, is designed to allow for more movement so if it won’t go in one way try the other contact spring clip.
You need to hold the lamp as close to the base as possible that you are trying to fit in. If you hold the extreme end you may end up breaking the lamp. You also need to make sure that the lamp end is actually fitting over the dimple in the contact in your light fitting. You need to be able to see what is going on, so get your head in close – you can’t be doing this way above your head on tippy toes. Get a longer ladder if need be.
There are not really any secrets I can share with you unfortunately. But I can promise once you have done it a couple of times, and probably destroyed a few spare globes in the process, you will have it sorted out.
If you need any other advice, please do not hesitate to contact me.
By the way, if you need some more linear halogen lamps you can get the here
Kind regards
Daniel Purser
Lighting Expert
Lighting Pro Australia
daniel@lightingpro.com.au