Table Lamp Bulb Keeps Blowing

[237SJ]

I`ve got a table lamp that takes G9 bulbs and they keep blowing. They didn`t always do that - it has been happening over the last year or so. I thought it was just that lamp but I plugged another one in and after a while (couple of months or so) that one blew as well. It must be something to do with the power point but if there was a surge of electricity, why would it blow the bulb and not the fuse in the plug?

[dannyk13]

Do you have the correct size fuse in the box?

[dannyk13]

3 or 5amp.

[The Builder]

Mains or low voltage LED?

Some mains lights have transformers and Led 12v bulbs

[KARL]

The fuse in the plug will not normally have anything to do with this, and if it remains intact then it is completely irrelevant. Builder raises a relevant point and if it is a mains powered LED that is blowing then there will still be a circuit in the base of the bulb to make it function. What type of bulb is involved ? LED bulbs can be a real pain and they do not last anything as long as they are said to. I trust the bulb you are using is rated for the sort of lamp you have, i.e. both voltage and AC/DC ? 12VDC bulbs will fail after a short time if used in a 12VAC lamp, especially if it is fitted with a dimmer switch.

[237SJ]

Thanks for the answers. It's one of these https://www.homebase.co.uk/halogen-g9-capsule-42w-light-bulb-4-pack_p343024 Although I`m not sure whether it had a 42 w in last time as I threw the blown bulb away.

[The Builder]

As I thought, 237sj, 240volt mains halogens.

Definitely out of favour these days. In fact, so despised that most of the ones available (if not all of them) are very poor Chinese made.

Go for an LED alternative. As Karl says, the cheap ones are a false economy. The price should tell you if they are any good.
These are just one of the better makes.........

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/led-capsule-lamps/1468145?cm_mmc=UK-PLA-DS3A-_-google-_-CSS_UK_EN_Lighting_Whoop-_-LED+Capsule+Lamps_Whoop-_-1468145&matchtype=&pla-337230502002&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIurCl3dP86QIVFODtCh0YjgwXEAYYASABEgIQVfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Amazon have them. Just make sure they are 240volt (not 12 volt).
Select whether you want dimmable or not.
Also select the "warmth" you'd like.

G9 LED

[KARL]

With respect, I did not make or intend any link with price. I still have cheap Chinese LED lights which have lasted many years but I have also had ones which blew within 50 use hours. My impression is that the quality control is intended to sit with the consumer - if the thing is useless simply replace it for free, no questions asked. I would urge caution regarding expectations if you are using the bulbs with a dimmer, even if the bulb is supposed to be dimmable - the nature of LEDs requires a very particular/"sophisticated" approach regarding the power that ends up being fed to these things. Like so much else of an electronic nature these days, great when it works but deeply disappointing when it fails, and it will.

[237SJ]

Thanks for the further answers. It's not a dimmer lamp. I only use g9s because both lamps are tiffany style and there isn`t enough room between the bulb socket and the top for a taller bulb. The g9 fits into a holder (small bayonet socket) Incidentally, the bulb blows when the lamp is first switched on, not when it is already in use. Thanks again, I`ll try LED and see what happens.