A lot of the portable torches and
work lights are using COBs, and my
prediction is that this will resolve many
of the current issues with LED lamps.
Like all electronics, heat is the biggest
enemy. As the light output level grows, so
is the need to remove that heat from the
bit emitting the light. I’ve seen various
versions with little or no heatsink and
I wonder just how long they last in
reality. Manufacturers are quick to add
a life-expectancy label (10,000–15,000
hours) but how did they test that, or if
they come from our overseas friends,
did they test them at all?
Just this week I had to replace two
different LED lamps at a friend’s place
that was built one year ago. If those
lamps had been on 24/7, they would
have seen only 8760 hours of use.Replacing lights
It started after being called to my
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transformers (see later) so I was sure it
wasn’t that.
In this case the transformer had
burnt one of the terminals, but the
connector to the lamp was also a source
of concern and we chose to replace twoÀ[WXUHVZLWK/('VLQWKHKRSHRIVDYLQJ
problems later.
The 12V LED lamps use a different
transformer so you’ll need to swap this
as well. Most will do several lamps, but
the wiring layout might be different, so
check before you start. First identify the
circuit breaker to isolate the power. This
is essential if there is more than one
switch that controls the light and means
that you won’t get electrocuted when
you disconnect the 230V wiring.
Wait until the lamps are cold before
attempting to remove them, and
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to allow the transformer to be pulledHeat is the biggest
enemy. As the light
output level grows, so
is the need to remove
that heat from the bit
emitting the lightLeft: The transformer and wires pulled
through the hole in the ceiling
Above: The second fitting had two lights
on the same switch, so it required twisting
together before connecting