Cheap lamps

[Carol Anne]

We have a number of 240v halogen spots around the house. The prices of the lamps range from �1.80 tesco value, to �3.80 osram etc. Each lamp is the same wattage, voltage and claims 1000hr life. Yet invariably when I buy the cheaper ones they all blow within a couple of months, and yes, when I buy the dearer ones they go on for about three times longer!

Why should this be? surely if they both have 1000hr life they should last the same time each. All enlightenment welcomed.

[Catso]

Obviously, someone isn't telling the truth here!
Perhaps they rely on you never going back to say 'this lamp didn't last 1000 hours' because you'd never be able to prove it.
I used to buy the cheap ones, but after having to change them frequently, decided to invest in more expensive ones. Like you, I found they lasted loads longer.
As an aside, it seems a bit of a waste of resources to make a lamp of shorter life, doesn't it? Takes the same glass, metal, production costs and distribution costs, yet you have to replace it 3 times as often. Maybe cheap c**p should have a 'wasteful tax' applied to it!

[stoo_pid]

The 1000 hour claim is likely to refer to continuous use - i.e. never switched off. The reason cheaper bulbs blow is because they're not as reliable when they're turned on & off every day.

[gumboil]

Try:

www.yourlightbulbs.co.uk

Like you, I've bought expensive and cheap lamps and they've cost me a fortune.
This company only sells high-quality lamps from the factory gate but they are still fairly cheap as they are a wholesaler. I've just paid �10.99 plus 99p postage for 10 240v GU10's from them.
Give them a try - you won't regret it.