Large spotlight bulbs - what size/type are they?

[d000hg]

Our new house has quite a few large in-ceiling bulbs. I think they were popular in the 90s as my parents used them too - they are about the size of your palm, screwing into a large mount almost as big as a saucer.

I'm struggling to find actual sizes of bulbs to be sure what size they are, so I can replace them. Does anyone recognise them from my crap description or do I need a photo?

I was looking here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incand...lb#Bulb_shapes

But still not sure. The shape is like the R/BR in that picture but I don't know if there are loads of different sizes like, or if there are standards.

[v8gaz]

Dare I say - this thread is useless without pictures?

Probably an incandescent spot like the ones I have in my office - you can still find the bulbs in B&Q and the like, I think. I've replaced mine with halogen bulbs, but that might not work for you if the fittings are flush with the ceiling.

[northernladuk]

Whatever they are they sound like they are going to be horribly inefficient and look dated. Why not just swap them out for something more efficient and cool? LED of course.

[d000hg]

Well I want to find out what size they are to see if anyone makes LED versions. They're just regular bulbs so they're no more or less efficient... we're moving across to LEDs throughout the house.

Dated is subjective. My windows are about a century out of date but that doesn't men I want to replace them with plastic.

[RSoles]

They're probably R80 reflector bulbs.
They used to be used in desklamps too.
Trouble is the LED equivalents seem to be Edison screw fitting rather than Bayonet.
edit:-
This?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12W-R80-Re...-/231928258242

I'm assuming you need bayonet fittings of course....

[d000hg]

Does sound likely, thanks. I'll get one out over the weekend (need to get the ladder out) and see, although I was actually expecting they might be screw fittings.

Cheers.

[Archangel]

1) remove a bulb
2) judge the size of the thread (it will be either 14mm (half inch ish) or 27mm (an inch ish)) the former is e14 the latter is e27
3) judge the size of the big end (is it about 40mm (an inch and a half) or 80mm (3 and a bit inches) the former is r40 the latter is r80

So you'll probably need an e27 r80 or an e14 r40

If it's not one of these then post a picture with a scale and I'll help further

[d000hg]

I took one out and am basically certain it's an R80 - on E27. Definitely of its time but you can get LED versions although a bit more pricey (£5/bulb) so I've ordered a set to try out.

Thanks for the help

Update: yes they were. Running nicely

[d000hg]

BTW: any recommendations for the best place to get decent, reliable LED bulbs online? Amazon is great but not that well organised meaning you have to wade through an ocean of near-identical products. Is there a specialist who is better able to satisfy my need for a fairly large order (about 70 bulbs)?

[northernladuk]

BTW: any recommendations for the best place to get decent, reliable LED bulbs online? Amazon is great but not that well organised meaning you have to wade through an ocean of near-identical products. Is there a specialist who is better able to satisfy my need for a fairly large order (about 70 bulbs)?

I bought 90 odd to replace all my GU10's two years ago from LED Hut. No problems with the initial purchase and they've honoured the lifetime agreement replacing 3 that have failed without quibble. I'd be going to them first for the next lot I get. Some good deals on bulk purchases as well.

https://www.ledhut.co.uk/