I have a number of 12v halogen lights running of electronic transformers recessed into the ceiling. The lights are routinely failing as the transformers burn-out / melt. How can I reduce the running temperature / fix this?

BTW: The electrician who installed them is suggetsing it is because the ceiling void is smaller than most houses (due to underfloor heating on the floor above).

Many thanks
Mike

Mike, May 2009

If the transformers are, say, a foot away from the lamps then I can't imagine the transformers "melting" as you say. It would be a serious fire risk if they were melting and a 50W Halogen is unlikely to scorch the outside of a transformer let alone melt it.

If the load the lamps are placing on each transformer is close to, or at the limit of the Wattage rating of the transformers then the transformers may be failing prematurely because of overloading. Just uprate the tansformers and keep them well away from the lamps.

Check the connector blocks of the Halogens - cheap ones fail - buy new connectors and transfromers from a specialist lamp shop. Do the maths first...

Good luck...

Peccavi, May 2009