projector bulbs keep cracking when replaced

[Mimi-]

We have Hitachi projectors, 2 of the bulbs were 4000+ usage so I ordered new bulbs and replaced them myself (carefully and didn't touch the bulb). It didn't make any difference to the picture so I sent all our projectors away in the summer for a full clean, they have come back looking perfect but with a message saying the bulbs are cracked on the 2 I changed. I thought it might have been me but the guys who cleaned them said as there were 'unofficial bulbs' they might have cracked with the heat. (we got the bulbs from another company) Anyhow, I checked the bulbs in a few other projectors after that, the ones that were sent off for a full clean with a new bulb (from the same batch) to put in after they were cleaned. The bulbs were perfect when they went in but I've checked them all and they all have a crack. I can understand the first 2, me putting them in before a clean and the temp may have been too high,but not the last 3 who's bulbs were put in after a thorough clean.

Has this happened to anyone else. Are the faulty bulbs, are unofficial bulbs not fit for purpose? The company that cleans our projectors gave them a healthy check and they all passed.

I will email the company I got the bulbs from but wondered if anyone else has had this problem.

 

Thanks, Mimi

[atcoates]

I'd look at the bulbs as it maybe cheaper bulbs are not made to the same standards and won't withstand the high temps that school projectors run to. A lot of projectors may be only used infrequently but school ones are pretty much on all day.

[mikeprice]

I'd look at the bulbs as it maybe cheaper bulbs are not made to the same standards and won't withstand the high temps that school projectors run to. A lot of projectors may be only used infrequently but school ones are pretty much on all day.

 

and all night in some cases unless someone goes round to check!!!

[atcoates]

and all night in some cases unless someone goes round to check!!!

You forgot weekends and holidays as well!

[andyturpie]

Our Hitachi bulbs haven't given us a problem; however of recent, we are still using some old Promethean PRM-10 projectors (re badged Sanyos I guess). I have found that quite a few of the casings of the compatibles don't quite sit right and we have on at least two occasions, cracked two brand new bulbs trying to get them in place.

[NB9457]

I stopped using non-genuine bulbs a few years ago. They don't last and when we had a bad batch, that was the final straw, literally had two just blow inside a projector, lamp housing full of glass and a few jumpy kids and teachers.

 

I try buy Epson now as their genuine lamps are around £65exVAT, so really can't grumble at that, plus the units have been nothing but reliable.

[Mimi-]

Thanks everyone, the company sent me 5 new bulbs to replace the 5 cracked ones (same style). I replaced then thursday morning. Thursday afternoon 2 of them blew, made everyone jump. Luckily didn't break the projector. I'm trying to get a refund now for all 5 bulbs so i can then buy original. They are saying it could be our projectors, although the projectors with the origianl bulbs are all fine, just all went pear shaped when i got new bulbs.

[NB9457]

Thanks everyone, the company sent me 5 new bulbs to replace the 5 cracked ones (same style). I replaced then thursday morning. Thursday afternoon 2 of them blew, made everyone jump. Luckily didn't break the projector. I'm trying to get a refund now for all 5 bulbs so i can then buy original. They are saying it could be our projectors, although the projectors with the origianl bulbs are all fine, just all went pear shaped when i got new bulbs.

 

It's funny because ours were Hitachi and did the same thing, honestly worked a dream when we used original lamps, but they were pricey.

[bald_pig]

Thanks everyone, the company sent me 5 new bulbs to replace the 5 cracked ones (same style). I replaced then thursday morning. Thursday afternoon 2 of them blew, made everyone jump. Luckily didn't break the projector. I'm trying to get a refund now for all 5 bulbs so i can then buy original. They are saying it could be our projectors, although the projectors with the origianl bulbs are all fine, just all went pear shaped when i got new bulbs.

 

Just swap with an original bulb from another projector to prove it.