Energy saving light fittings

[rwb]

Two years ago I moved into (rented) this new built flat. Apparently part of the building regulations specify that a certain proportion of light fittings must only accept 'energy saving' light bulbs. So they fitted these things that only take G24q-2 (you might well ask) bulbs, the cheapest I've found are £5 each.

The bulbs don't last very long -- I've replaced all of them, and some of them twice -- and it turns out that the fittings don't last very long either. One stopped working, so I just swapped it over with a light in the hall that I don't use, but last night one exploded and blew itself apart

Here's the remains of it.

See the grey resistor on the right?

I've replaced it with a normal bayonet fitting.

This is not progress.

While we're on the subject If I file the keying tabs off a G24q-1 bulb so that it fits in a G24q-2 socket, will it work, or am I likely to have another explosion?

[lozz]

Find a electrical wholesalers in your area,
and pop in one for your bulbs, they dont ask for company name etc, (normaly)

thats what ido, as iwork for a property manager,(caretaker ) so ireplace alot of strip lights etc,
B&Q and local shop prices are a joke for stuff

ebay /amazon is another good source but parcel monkey normaly breaks them on the way,

[V6Exec]

Not sure why you would want to fit a q-2 socket, but dimensionally they are the same. I would have to assume that you want the uprated (18W) electrics for peace of mind.

http://www.donsbulbs.com/bulbs/g623/b2/g24q1.gif

An alternative is to fit the q-1 holder to a q-2 base, which means no modification to the bulbs but does require hacking at the fitting.

[Welly]

I've got a number of GU-10 and Dichroic 12v downlighters and I'm yet to find a decent energy-saving alternative.

Just last week I got hold of a 240v 3w LED GU-10 and put it in the downstairs Loo for testing.........the 'light' emitted from the 3 x large LED's was 'ok' but a bit grim/false looking......anyhow I left it on for about 20 minutes and forgot about it........we were watching TV when "POP" and all the lights went out running straight to this new bulb it had blown internally and there was a nasty smell. Absolute rubbish.