> Yes. Spots are notorious for blowing often when turned
> on, low life and low vibration tolerance. We had them
> on the awning for one of our shops and they blew every
> few weeks. Try to keep them cool if possible.
>
> For startup, just use a resistor? Why didn't anyone
> mention this? I thought it was common knowledge. The
> cold filament has a very low resistance, and startups
> kill bulbs. A resistor that drops 5% volts at running
> will give a very soft start.
> 230v/60w=261mA, drop 5%=11.5v=44ohms@3w (use 10w or
> 2x5w). Remember a 5w resistor run at 1.5w will get
> quite hot. Keep them away from the bulb.
>
> You will get *huge* bulb life improvement from this.
>
> -Roman
>
> PS. We had the high efficiency bulbs in a shop, they
> blew all the time too. The light fittings were recessed
> into the roof, and they got hot. Don't use these
> electronic ballast things anywhere they don't have
> enough cooling airflow.
>
This should quite possibly be moving OT anytime now....but here goes:

Do the low voltage halogens have good life (assuming you don;t touch the
lamp and it has good airflow etc)?  Been thinking about putting some into my
workshop/spare room to provide better desk illumination.

Mike

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