UF70 lamp early failure

[Rammie]

Anyone having problems with UF70 lamps failing early?

 

I've had two lamps fail within a few weeks, both with overheated capsules (one just inflated, the other shattered) on projectors with less than 1000 hours on them. Could be just coincidence, but just wondered if anyone else had encountered short life problems?

[NB9457]

First off, are they genuine lamps? Secondly, did you clean/replace the filters and do a general clean and dust removal on the unit?

[Rammie]

The lamps are OEM - they've never been replaced until now. The filters were clean-ish when I replaced the lamps (okay, not spotless, but far from choked). I bought three units for a new building, installed Sept 2014 and now two out of three have failed.

[NB9457]

The lamps are OEM - they've never been replaced until now. The filters were clean-ish when I replaced the lamps (okay, not spotless, but far from choked). I bought three units for a new building, installed Sept 2014 and now two out of three have failed.

 

All I could think is they're getting too hot. Replace the lamp if you can, clean the projectors filters, can of compressed air to blow dust out, set them to eco mode and set the fan speed to full, it'll be a bit louder, but it will obviously aid cooling.

[Rammie]

Well it's a safe conclusion, but I was at a loss to explain why nearly new projectors in a relatively clean environment and low hours would be overheating. I get lamps failing this way occasionally with other brands, but only when near the end-of-life AND we've overlooked the filters for a while. Rarely, we've had lamps pop for no apparent reason. That's with an inventory of over 100 projectors, quite a few over 10 years old.

[weathmatth]

I had the same thing last week, the lamp had only done 1202 hours so just out of the warranty period.

[Rammie]

Oh dear, I think I was looking for reassurance and everyone would be telling me it was just my paranoia. Lets see what we collect...

[NB9457]

Personal best on a lamp was under 20 hours, not bought a non genuine lamp since!

[TommyCooper]

UF70's can overheat causing premature lamp failure if they're fitted too close to the ceiling. There should be a 10 3/8" - 26.4cm air gap between the projector and the ceiling. If they're fitted too close go back to your installer and ask them if they read the installation template before fitting the projectors (copy available from http://downloads01.smarttech.com/media/sitecore/en/support/product/smartboards-fpd/800i6series/textless/mountingtemplatesb800i6sb600i6v07may2013.pdf).