Halogen Light

[jennyjoan]

An electrician fitted the above for me many years ago - it has a sensor to it as well however just this week light has gone out for good.

I know nothing about them but would like to know do I need a whole new fixture or can the bulb be replaced.

Thanks

[jennyjoan]

God I am going to have to pay somebody lots of bucks for a scittery wee bulb cos I sure don't think I would have the right screwdriver.

Neighbour across the street is very good but Jaysus terrible hard to get him and I end up getting somebody else. In time may get the plumber nephew up.

[tonyav]

Yeah I'm fine thanks, Togo. Hols were very good, excellent weather.

[jennyjoan]

Tony as much as I am not bad at the DIY but don't know what you mean by Phillips etc. Will look at it closer tomorrow morning.

[mastercraft]

Chances are JJ, the screw will be rigid due to rust.

Zac's option seems best if you can get a friend or neighbour to install it.

[EDDIE51]

This LED should replace your 300 watt Halogen
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Replacement-Energy-Saving-Security-J118mm/dp/B00925VI4Q
It is just 10 Watts but gives out the same amount of light as your 300 watt Halogen.

[tonyav]

jj, this is a screw with a philips head.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0c/Phillips_screw.jpg

[alavahalf]

This kind of fitting is made of aluminium and what happens is the steel screw that secures the glass plate corrodes. Having fitted them for years on end at the request of the Police I can assure you they are not worth messing around with. When the screw corrodes it bonds itself to the aluminium and is there for life. The seal that goes around the glass plate will have perished and is unlikely to seal again. You can buy a whole new unit for about a tenner, why cut corners hoping to save a couple of quid ?

[Togo]

Jen if you get the old one out. Take it to B&Q or somewhere that a member of staff can get the right replacement. Here is the killer, after turning off the power to replace the bulb. You will need to turn it back on... it may come on regardless of it being midday and you will have to let it then time out to see if it then comes back on automatically at dusk or at the level the sensor is set at.

[mastercraft]

Take Alavahalf's advice.

[jennyjoan]

Looked at the video Tony - very informative but have read all of your posts and they are very good. May contemplate getting a new one and getting an electrician after all. Plumber nephew may know one. Thanks all and good night - I am ready for the knacker's yard.

[mastercraft]

Watch out Knacker, JJ's heading your way!

Don't forget to switch the light out Jenny!

[Togo]

I agree that a new one is the option... if you have the skills and tools to fit it including re drilling and plugging for the bracket that does not fit the existing holes. It Is easy for us chaps to say bin the thing and fit a new one. Jenny needs someone to do the job and may have to pay for the service.

[jennyjoan]

And yes Tony but no the screwdriver is not a Phillips. so if I can get a chance to even look at the screw what next.

Feel sad in a way that I can't do these jobs myself as I have been doing mainly electricity, joiner, fitting venetian blinds, fitted carpet and painting. Not so much of oul papering. I am a wash out now (:

[jennyjoan]

Well have tackled the halogen light and my regret is that I cannot get the screw opened - it is a little bit warped but it needs strength of a man to open it - may ask the neighbour after all.

I have quite a number of screwdrivers (manual) and also have an electric one but can't find the charger (never lose these things) usually screwdriver and charger are together but may have got moved when getting new kitchen - imagine this would work. Have hoked and poked a bit too much and have other things to do. It is a Phillips screw.

[ivor4781]

get a new cool running LED fitting you cant fit an led bulb to a halogen floodlight they are a different fitting altogether
http://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-lighting/floodlights/cat840908

[ivor4781]

oh just seen you can get bulbs for them (must keep up-to-date)

[paddywak]

I agree with the get a new one people jenny,you can get one from B & Q for next to nothing,just one tip re the screw and aluminiun case put a blob of vaseline down the threads, it stops the screw and case corroding together.

[jennyjoan]

well my neighbour came over there now and right enough the washer behind the screw has rusted so nothing I was doing could have made it come out. Whatever he done and he is a big guy he got the thing out. Bulb has blown to bits so will bring it to my local electric shop and hopefully get replacement. Will "think" of something to keep the glass cover together - there are two holes so could wire them together or something. The screw is sorta ok it was the little washer that rusted. Thanks all.

[jennyjoan]

^^^^ if it works at least I have given it a go until I get a recommended electrician to put a new one on for me.