mysterious CFL bulbs... Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[Tomtom8]

I’ve got 4x50W CFL ceiling lights in my kitchen (recessed, so I can’t see the wiring or transformer), and they’re doing strange things – quite detailed, but the details might be important. First, bulb 1 blew. I took out bulb 2 and put it where bulb 1 had been, but this too blew straight away. Bought new bulbs and replaced both 1 and 2. Worked fine to start, but then after a few hours bulbs 2, 3 and 4 all dimmed and then went out, though 1 went on working. Turned off wall switch. When I switched back on later, all bulbs worked again, but then after a while 2, 3 and 4 again dimmed and died, leaving 1 lit. Again, after a while I switched back on and they all worked. Can’t get my head around how this is possible! Anybody come across anything similar?? :?

[ericmark]

I will guess on bad connections which can cause excessive heat. Due to fire risk I would not use the lamps until the problem is cured.

[Tomtom8]

Ta. I'd kind of assumed the same thing, even if I can't imagine why certain ones should play up and others should be fine.