More halogen lighting but nothing to do with dimming

[Phil]

I've just bought a new light from B&Q which has 4 x 50w mains halogen bulbs. The bulbs fit into trendy little brushed steel holders, leaving the entire reflector part of the bulb free and uncovered. However on the box that each bulb comes in it says halogen bulbs operate under pressure and can shatter so should always be fitted with protective plates.

There aren't any protective plates on the lamp fitting and the bulbs are completely uncovered. How likely are the bulbs to shatter and, more importantly, are B&Q selling a product which is unsafe as defined by its own instructions?

Phil

[Chris Oates]

Seen them shatter when sprayed with cold water that's about all

[N. Thornton]

Hi.

I have to guess what you have here: is it correct to say that each bulb is made in 2 parts, firstly the small bulb envelope, and then round that a reflector plus front sheet glass cover? If that is the case, the halogen bulb itself is fully surrounded by the reflector/front glass piece. However, if I've guessed right, you should not use the reflector bulbs that have no front cover, as these would leave the bulb itself uncovered.

Exposed halogen bulbs do just occasionally shatter, and yes it isnt completely safe, yet there are many fittings about that use exposed halogen bulbs anyway.

Regards, NT