Lamps (light bulbs) - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

NightScenes · 03-29-2006, 10:33 PM

I use Ushio ultraline lamps for all of my initial installations. Once I start changing lamps on a project, I use the regular Ushio lamps. What types of lamps do others use and why? I use Ushio because I believe that these are the best lamps on the market. What are everyones thoughts on this subject?

Chris J · 03-31-2006, 09:56 PM

I used to use Ushio, but I seemed to have more failures. I now use strictly Osram Sylvania 4000 hr lamps. I will add, however, that I replace all lamps annually. Especially with MR16 lamps, even though there are "long life" lamps available, the reflector will deteriorate long before the lamp actually reaches its end. A lamp with a poor reflector will make your job look worse than if the lamp was burned out all together. Again, there are better lamps on the market, but at triple the cost. I find it's a great way to stay in contact with the customer and stay on top of the lighting plan to replace annually. Puts some extra dough in your pocket as well

avalon · 04-02-2006, 12:57 AM

Paul,
I have used Ushio quite a bit and haven't had too many problems with them, so I guess I'm happy with them. We do maintenance annually anyways and most of the MR's are lasting me from 1 to 3 years. I think what Chris said about the reflector was an excellent observation--deterioration of the reflector and the poor output of light.

There is a cost difference between these different brands and when you buy as many as we do, I think it's just better to put that savings to the bottom line.

I'll tell you where I have had a lot of concern, is with the T-3, bi-pin type lamps! I have had so many problems with either short life or poor contacts of the pins with the sockets--where they act like they've burned out and yet you tap them to get them to work again! These are the halogen bi-pins. I've switched over to a xenon type bi-pin for the last six months and they have been a big help, at least so far. What have you guys experienced with these bi-pin T-3/ T-4 types?

Chris J · 04-04-2006, 08:22 PM

That's really wild Mark. Those types are the ones that give me the least amount of trouble. I rarely have to change them out as a result of a failure. I do spray all of the bi-pin sockets with a product called "Buster" before I install. I wonder if this is what is making the difference? The lamp I have the biggest, and most problems with is the 3156 wedge base. I am constantly changing this lamp, especially in the 15361 wall wash from Kichler. I think it is because of condensation dripping down onto the hot lamp. Very high humidity down here in FL.

Chris J

NightScenes · 04-04-2006, 10:29 PM

Chris, I remember you saying something about that fixture on the Kichler trip. You guys in Florida must be having all of the problems that I'm not having. It probably is due to humidity. We don't have alot of that here in central Texas.

So far I have tried many brands of lamps and seem to have the least problems with the Ushio lamps. It may because of my climate. I may have to change 2, 3156 or 3155 lamps per year here.

avalon · 04-06-2006, 12:58 AM

Chris,
I don't use the 3156's or 3155's much either, so can't give you much feedback there. I am very interested in the product called "Buster", as I remember you talking about that before. I'm going to have to see if any of my vendors here carries it. If not, can I purchase a can from you sometime? I want to try it out myself and see if that does the trick with those halogen T-3's?

Thanks for the input.

Chris J · 04-08-2006, 11:10 PM

Mark,
Check the archives on the LVLIA website for my posts about "Buster". Or call/email me directly with any specific questions. I buy it in limited supply, but it looks like I'm going to have to become a distributor of this stuff!
It's a fantastic product that has worked miracles for me in this climate.
I'll be happy to help you out in any way I can.

MSjogren · 07-13-2007, 11:33 AM

I use Ushio mostly. I haven't had many issues with the lamps themselves. I have had trouble with the 3156 and 3155 wedge lamps in the K15315 path lights making good contact after they have been installed for a while. I think the socket may be more of the issue than the lamp.

And on the K15384 the MR-16 has given me issues, but again I think it is a socket issue. After being install for a few months the lamps go out and I can tap on the fixture to get the light to come back on.

I have started to use GB's Ox-Gard to help with oxidation on the contacts. That has seemed to keep that from happening so much.

Billy-Integrity · 10-24-2007, 10:00 AM

sorry to be jumping in so late on alot of these but I finally just signed up here.

We have used cast and ushio lamps. I cant really see much difference between the 2 as far as life if you use the service savers vs the ultra lines. I tried some of the cast regular mr 16's and had to relamp the entire system due to 5 lights our in the first 2 months with 6 more out within 6mo.

We primarly use ushio ultras with the exception of.... 20w 60degree... cast service savers

10w 36 degree we use cast service savers.

I use xelogen THHC bi pins for the most part and Slyvania 3156k LL I get at discount autoparts for alot less than my dist.

James Solecki · 10-24-2007, 04:50 PM

When it comes to Halogen MR16s I am a devoutee of GE Constant Colour lamps. They invented the darned things and as far as I am concerned still make the best. Their dichroic reflector never seems to dull or tarnish and they regularly surpass their 3 and 4 thousand hour ratings.

I tried the Ushio Ultraline 10,000 lamps last year and have had disasterous results. Most only lasted 700-1000 hours. Ushio is in the process of analyzing my burned out lamps and have given me warranty replacements that I refused.

THHC for xenon wedge and bi-pins
GE for halogen bi-pins

I try to avoid those darned 3156KR lamps that Kichler uses... the sockets are so brittle after a year in the field.

Have a great day.

NightScenes · 10-24-2007, 07:45 PM

I quit using the Ushio ultras also because they didn't seem to last as long as the regular lamps. I still use the regular Ushios and they are doing very well. I have no problems with the 3155 and 3156 in my environment.

Billy-Integrity · 10-24-2007, 10:46 PM

I am going to try out the regular ushios. I cant seem to find a dist for the GE or OSRAM bulbs anywhere at bulk pricing. Surprisingly lowes here carries the constant color (or colour lol). I will try thoes on my next project.

No issues here with 3156k bulbs either. Did have 3 go out at once within a year but after replacement no issues. I think all bulbs should be packed better so they dont get beat up during shipment.

Tmrrptr · 10-24-2007, 11:38 PM

I was warned, many years ago, NOT to sell light bulbs, by a fellow much smarter than myself. One may go out, and you may get the call requesting a warranty replacement at any in-opportune time.

Ha! 3 weeks ago I got a call to change out a smoke detector from a GC friend an hour away... bring my 32ft ladder!
I told him to tell the client $300 to basically use up my day.
Client thought my price was high, as did I!

I dunno who put that sd way up there.
But I've been asked to replace bulbs that checked out,
in high places, where I only followed orders installing the fixture.

I'll give a decent paying customer a freebie...
r

mdshunk · 10-25-2007, 12:32 AM

I've used customer supplied Ushio lamps, but my normal lamp is Phillips. Only reason being, that's what's sold locally, I have confidence in the brand, and they seem to wear as good as any other.