Fused GU10

sles · Jul 14, 2009

OK, so I read up about using fused GU10s with dimmers to avoid the dimmer being taken out when the lamp dies.
Indeed there are some suppliers that state that particular GU10s are "dimmable" which I assume means they have the fuse in them.
But how do I know by looking at the lamp?
I have heard that the "C" code indicates this, but some descriptions say GU10-C and some say GU10+C.
Does the minus sign mean it doesn't have the fuse? Are they both the same? What?

For example, I have a lamp with the following on:
FSL
JDR-C GU10
240V 50W
07 06 Y

is the C in JDR-C the illustrious code?

Regards

Steve

chocolate · Jul 14, 2009

With experience, you are better off moving away from dimmers for downlights. You can buy electronic soft-start dimmers which are the best option. They aren't cheap. But they do not burn out when the GU10 decides enough is enough - like most 250W or 400W standard dimmers.

Darkwood · Jul 14, 2009

Most standard dimmers give a separate rating when used with gu10 lamps but if they dont just half the rating of the dimmer hence 1000w dimmer can only do 500w with gu10 lamps this is the info supplied with dimmers where the manufacturers are aware of this issue.

sles · Jul 14, 2009

These are replacements for existing.
Muppet there before me "told" the customer he would put 400W units in (labelled derate to 250W for GU10) but saved a few pennies and used 250W ones instead.
Dimmers I have chosen for replacement are documented in the instructions to work with TH lamps without derating - I have chosen the 400W ones to be sure.
Lots of manufacturers know about the problems with unfused GU10s as they tend to "blow" the front glass plate off when they go. My wholesaler has checked several times with their supplier and they have confirmed that they are indeed fused, but there seems no mark or indication on those lamps, or indeed the ones that are installed at the customers at present.