Replacing 12v halogen ceiling bulbs with 240v?

[styley]

Our ceiling has 6 recessed 12v halogens. Each bulb has a transformer. However there are almost constantly bulbs blowing or transformers blowing so usually only 2 or 3 of the lights work properly at any time.

I'm wondering whether it would be better to do away with the transformers ans 12v bulbs and instead replace them with 240v bulbs or perhaps energy saving 240v bulbs. All that would have to be done is to change the bulb holder as there are different connectors on the 12v than the 240v. Would there be any other issues with doing this?

[buildersmate]

A cheaper option may be to work out why the bulbs keep blowing. I have 16 of these things in the kitchen ceiling and the number of bulbs that have blown in 7 years is less than the fingers of one hand. I put this down to all of the points listed below.

1) check the Tx are rated at 20-60W/VA and no more. If they are, the output voltage on load will probably be above 12V, shortening the life of the bulbs. The quality of the tx matters too - I bought ones made by Halolite.
2) check there is a decent amount of space around the light fitting in the cavity - these things give off a fair amount of heat and excessive temperatures on the unit will shorten the life of the bulbs
3) quality of the bulbs? - they vary a lot. I buy Philips bulbs.
4) consider putting a dimmer on them - you need a special sort to deal with the load imposed by an electronic transformer unit

[Old_Geezer]

I put halogen in my kitchen when I was working on it, and decided to replace the flourescents. (240v in my case.) I noticed the warning regarding space around them. Pain in the ... neck. Had to try to take away the thermal insulation around each, insulation I'd deliberately put above the ceiling in order to avoid wasting heat as recommended. Roll on the LED revolution I guess.

[The Builder]

Instead of individual transformers, Styley, a better way is to use one heavy duty one........... these toroidal transformers seem to go on forever.......

http://www.tlc-direct...cts/TLT300slash6.html

Otherwise, just change over to 230v halogens. No problem.

[beatle3]

same problem

[beatle3]

the same thing kept happening to me and was the bulb holders

[styley]

Builder, it would be awkward to sort that out, using one transformer because the floors had to come up when the guy wired them and I wouldn't be bothered with that. If you reckon there would be no probs with a changeover I'd be happy to go down that line.

buildersmate, I know I probably should have a longer look but I've spent out now on transformers and bulbs and if this option will work there will be less hassle all in so will try that. By the way there is a dimmer switch fitted but they were blowing before that too.

I'll chance six 40 watts and change the holders then if there are no other issue involved. Cheers for the replies.