Halogen lights (set into ceiling) keep blinking - any ideas? Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[straggleyway]

Hi,

We have a problem with halogen lights. We have a number set into our ceiling, however they keep blinking. I've been told by our letting agency that the bulbs have a 'box' above them (due to regulations?) which doesnt allow the heat to escape, causing them to blink. Therefore, it can't be fixed.

Does this sound right? I can't believe theres no solution!

Thanks in advance...

[333rocky333]

Are they 240volt gu 10 lamps or 12 volt lamps
If they are 12 volt lamps, and they are all on one transformer it may be cutting out with overload or overheat ,then resetting again,do all lamps go off together and for how long.
If they all go off together but have seperate transformers for each one it could be the supply
If there on a dimmer, it needs to be compatible with the transformer and vise versa.
The fitting fire cover should not affect the lamp operation,although the correct lamp should be used,the heat from the wrong lamp type could eventually damage the fitting.
The transformer is nearby but should not be exposed to excessive heat from the fittings.
Lamps that block the heat going back into the fitting are recomended.
The heat may have already damaged the connector which the bulb pushes into, causing intermittent connection.
Both types of lamps run at high temperatures anyway and should not be affected by the heat
If they are gu10 these do not have transformer in the ceiling
possible fault may be the supply or poor quality lamps

[TCSC]

No. It can not be right. Everything is fixable! It must have been working once upon a time, in the first place!

What do you mean by blinking. Are they randomly switching on and off? In which case it could be a poor connection. The light sockets get up to high temperatures which can cause them to have a short life.

If the lights come on for a while and then go out for a while before coming on again, there could be some sort of thermal cutout that is operating, but my gut feeling is that it will be a dodgy joint.

Are the lights blinking in unison?