The best GU10?

[chris765]

Hi there guys,

We have 8 50w downlighters in our kitchen (We didnt install them, they were here when we moved!!). They are the most ridiculous thing in the world (can't see what your doing because your in the shade etc) but the worst thing about them is they blow often, a bulb a fortnight?
To be fair we buy the cheapie ones.

So im now looking to invest in buying some more expensive ones, hoping for economy in the long run?

We would like energy saving bulbs but they will be too deep and will stick out of the ceiling, so they are not viable. But can anyone recommend a good GU10 that will hopefully last alot longer and possibly give off a more efficient light?

Thanks!

 

[ericmark]

Since all lights with less than 40 lumens per watt are to be phased out even if you intend to fit non energy saving now I would ensure they will take energy saving bulbs for the future.

I have also been to the DIY sheds looking for suitable lamp holders without finding any. But as soon as I went to proper lighting shop there was no problem.

 

[flameport]

Better quality incandescent lamps may last longer. However you will still have the same problems - shadows everywhere and they will still use 50 watts each.

CFLs will use a lot less energy, but the lighting will not be improved - the shadows and dark spots will remain. As they take a while to reach full brightness, the room will be even darker when the lights are first switched on.

LEDs use even less, and don't need to warm up. Unfortuantely they cost a fortune compared to normal lamps, and once again, you still have the problems of shadows etc.

The real solution is to dispose of the downlighters and install some other type of lighting.

 

[Taylortwocities]

The best advice is to redo the ceiling and put in a proper light!

Otherwise, buy branded GU10 lamps (Philips, Osram, etc). They may last longer.

Your lamps may seem not to last too long but think of this:

You have 8 lamps so you have eight times more chance of a lamp blowing than if you had a room with just one lamp in it.

Also. Have a look behind one of those lamp fittings, is the ceiling stuffed full of insulation material, or do they have room to breathe? They wont last so long if they get hot.

 

[Steve]

Each time a light blows, replace the whole fitting with one that will take CFLs.

LEDs will give long term value, yes a good one* costs you ££££ now, but it may well outlast YOU.

*A single large LED or three large LEDs in a lamp, not a cluster of 21. The clusters are awful. The single LEDs are much brighter and spread the light a little better. Unfortunately they cost a lot more.

A combination of CFLs and LEDs would be best in my opinion. Some people still dislike the light LEDs give.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Hi there guys,

We have 8 50w downlighters in our kitchen (We didnt install them, they were here when we moved!!). They are the most ridiculous thing in the world (can't see what your doing because your in the shade etc)

 

[Steve]

Ban's found a new lover.