500 Watt Replacement Halogen Bulb

Comments about Chicago Electric 500 Watt Replacement Halogen Bulb:

I've been using these for a lot of years because while most of my jobs begin with sunlight, end with starlight, if it's not overcast.

These lamps are so brite I'm able to continue whatever task I'm performing, just as easily as if there were sunlight.

I see a great many bad reviews for these replacement bulbs. Many of them indicate a short lifespan, some of those indicate ambient temperature as a factor in the longevity of these lamps.

I'm not here to suggest that anybody is installing these bulbs improperly, but I thought I might just throw some intel that should have, and may not have been documented with this product, or with the host equipment for which this product was purchased.

Halogen lamps burn extremely hot. The glass these bulbs are made from is extremely fragile. Any steep variance in temperature across the surface of the glass will cause it to crack, expell the gas contained within, inevitably causing the filiment to break. The result is a prematurely failed lamp.

Everybody is probably saying, "duh", right? For those few who may not know, allow me to continue...

Any oils or other contaminates from simply touching the lamp with your uncovered fingers will cause the situation I described above to ocurr. When handling any halogen lamps, your skin should never touch the glass surface of the lamp. With respect to these style lamps, the only way they can be handled and installed is by touching the glass portion. For some this will sound silly, for others condescending, but I'll say it anyways:

Wear latex, nitrile, or some type of glove that will prevent the transfer of skin oils to the surface of this lamp while replacing it.

Those who take this extra step should see a significant improvement in the life expectancy of halogen lamps. Those who don't, well, make sure you buy lots of them and cross your fingers when you turn them on :)

I've had good luck with these over the years and have never encountered significant reduction of life from these lamps, whether it 90 degree's out or well below freezing. I have howver, personally witnessed mishandling of these lamps cause a premature failure.

I haven't found a product that gives me better lighting for any task I'd use these for.

It is important to keep a spare bulb or two available. Whether premature, or natural end of life, one thing is certain. Your bulb will burn out when you can least afford to be in darkness.

Comments about Chicago Electric 500 Watt Replacement Halogen Bulb:

Halogen shop lights develop a tremendous amount of heat. While working in unheated garage in the winter none burnt out. When the weather warmed up I quickly went through all I had. Some were from here, some were the more expensive bulbs sold elsewhere.

So to counter all the bad reviews, I agree the bulbs burn out quickly, but mainly it's the lights themselves that are the problem. If you use these plan on having to buy a lot of bulbs.

Comments about Chicago Electric 500 Watt Replacement Halogen Bulb:

80 % had a very short life- hot or cold outside.
A couple are still going after a year or so. It's a high risk on value for the buck!

Comments about Chicago Electric 500 Watt Replacement Halogen Bulb:

Complete waste, dont waste your time and effort

Comments about Chicago Electric 500 Watt Replacement Halogen Bulb:

I bought a ton of these when they went on sale because they can cost a lot more, even from the big box stores. None of these bulbs lasted more than a month. One lasted only one day! No kidding! Bulbs lasting only a week were common. It would be one thing if I got a bad one now and then. But ALL of these are horrible. There must be no quality control whatsoever where these are made. The two packs are just as bad. These will have to go on sale for less than 10 cents (seriously) for me to consider putting up with these again.

Comments about Chicago Electric 500 Watt Replacement Halogen Bulb:

they melt in the middle. Should be pulled and never sold.

Comments about Chicago Electric 500 Watt Replacement Halogen Bulb:

I MUST HAVE BOUGHT 20 TO 30 OF THESE BULBS AND THEY ALL HAVE A PROBLEM THE ENDS BUST OFF THE BULB DOESN'T WORK WHEN THE CONNECTIONS AT THE END OF THE BULB BREAKS. I ONLY HAD ONE THAT DID BURN OUT NORMALLY.