home halogen lights

[Moon]

We recently had one of our halogen lights go bad. We used to be able to replace them (the whole light fixture, not the bulb) for less than $20, but now we can't find them anywhere. The kind we are looking for is the free standing one with a weighted bottom and about 6' tall. It has the inverted / bowl like 1/2 globe on top and aims the light straight up. Any idea as to why they are not being sold in Lowes / Kmart / Walmart anymore?

Thanks
Moon of Ohio

 

[jmc]

Wasn't there some controversy about lights like that burning so hot that if tipped over, they caused fires?

 

[JerryG]

I think that there was a law suite or a safety thing. I really liked those lights.

 

[jmc]

Here'w a consumer safety warning:



halogen torchiere lamps

 

[Highbeam]

Curtains would start on fire. Hard to beat the 250 watt halogen light for output though. A nice warm light good for reading.

Various safety devices were attached to try and keep the style alive.

1) They have a tip over cut off switch that is a button on the base. Once the tip begins, power is cut off to the bulb. (THis is what I have)

2) Then they started putting steel grilles over the bulbs to prevent contact. Think paper airplanes, helium balloons, or curtains.

3) The latest I saw was complete replacement of the high power halogen with a standard incandescent bulb. This was lame since the output was reduced in comparison with the 250 watter.

These things are called torchier lights I believe. My preban model is like a good bag of diazinon..... a dying breed.

 

[Moon]

I was aware of the warnings, and we take the proper precautions with the lights. I"ve tried other lights and none compare to the light output from one of these halogens. Does anyone know where I might find a place that still sells them ....or have they gone the way of the regular vented 5 gallon gas can? I can't find those anymore either.


Moon of Ohio

 

[ByronBob]

Did you try a place like Radio Shack?

If not I've used these people for my lighting needs at work

www.bulbdirect.com

 

[gator]

Check the work light aisle in the electrical section at Lowes. They sell halogen worklights and replacement bulbs there, you might find one to fit.

 

[Inspector507]

I think he's looking to replace the whole free-standing lamp, not just the bulb.

 

[Moon]

You got it right Inspector. The one I'm trying to replace will not turn on most of the time. Then, ever so often, it will pop on (without turning on the switch ....because the switch was left in the on position). It's one of those that you turn, but no indicator of it being on or off. Because of the heat issues with these lights we try not to have them on if we are not in the room. Since I'm never sure if the switch is in the on or off position, I keep this light unplugged. Maybe I'll try replacing the switch ....but I was hoping to pick up another 14.95 special at Lowes, but no such luck.

Thanks all,
Moon of Ohio