Okk, so we got them through the post thanks to british gas, but like when my dad put it in, there was this smell(this was about 3 - 4 hours ago) is this ment to happen? or is it something with the bulb?
We've got 2 lots of free Scottish Hydro bulbs at the moment, don't know why, this house has never had SH as it's power supplier, but they keep on coming and every other flat in the block gets them too at least once a week.
Anyway, the bulbs do not smell and are made by Phillips.
Just spotted this thread. I too got a 'free' pack of four Philips energy saving light bulbs from British Gas, and guess what.... they smell when lit! I can best describe it as a fishy sort of smell - not pleasant.
Did a Google search and found reference to fish glue being used in the construction of the bulb. Had hoped that the smell would subside after a few hours use, but after about 60 hours use, the smell is still strong.
Haven't had the problem with other makes of energy saving bulb so shall just avoid Philips bulbs in future.
New bulbs tend to have a strong chemical smell that goes away - I bet these free ones came straight from the supplier rather than sat in a warehouse where the smell would have disappeared on its own. As for a fishy smell? Maybe an electrical fault.
Are you sure it isn't the "skirt" part of your light fitting which smells fishy. We have had this. Take out the bulb and unscrew the white "skirt". You can buy replacements in your local hardware store.
Are you sure it isn't the "skirt" part of your light fitting which smells fishy. We have had this. Take out the bulb and unscrew the white "skirt". You can buy replacements in your local hardware store.
Definitely the bulb Have replaced it with a GE bulb of the same wattage (manufactured in Hungary) and the smell disappears. Put the Philips bulb back in and the smell returns. Actually even switched off, if you smell the white plastic part of the Philips bulb there is a pronounced seaside/fishy smell to it. Checked the other bulbs in the box and they all smell.
There was no signs of the smell subsiding unfortunately, even after a good 60 hours use. Maybe as some say, it was a 'fishy' batch.
I don't know about smell but I got some free energy saving light bulbs from EDF and I've been sitting in the dark ever since. I guess that's how they save energy.
I think I have the same smell coming from mine (also got them free from British Gas), I assume it's just because they are new.
I would concur with this. We have had a 4/5 of boxes of free energy saving bulbs.(Don't ask:D). Some have smelt when new some not. Seems to depend on make.
mmm not sure if this would work but i read in one of those tip things in the magazines to put a drop of vanilla essence on your light bulb and when the bulb heats up it will make your room smel lovely (or maybe not if you dont like vanilla )
In answer to the original question - of course they shouldn't!
But some do. Certainly the 4 we received from npower do. And yes - they're made by Philips. Judging by the smell it seems the warehouse cat peed over them.
I'm sure the energy companies didn't buy a duff batch on the cheap to give away.
Comments
Burnt smell ?
Acrid smell ?
I have them fitted throughout the house and have never experienced any smell from them.
Just had a smell of my light bulb and it smell's like a light bulb
Anyway, the bulbs do not smell and are made by Phillips.
Dave
Did a Google search and found reference to fish glue being used in the construction of the bulb. Had hoped that the smell would subside after a few hours use, but after about 60 hours use, the smell is still strong.
Haven't had the problem with other makes of energy saving bulb so shall just avoid Philips bulbs in future.
Definitely the bulb
There was no signs of the smell subsiding unfortunately, even after a good 60 hours use. Maybe as some say, it was a 'fishy' batch.
I would concur with this. We have had a 4/5 of boxes of free energy saving bulbs.(Don't ask:D). Some have smelt when new some not. Seems to depend on make.
But some do. Certainly the 4 we received from npower do. And yes - they're made by Philips. Judging by the smell it seems the warehouse cat peed over them.
I'm sure the energy companies didn't buy a duff batch on the cheap to give away.
Be careful with those "Hydro" bulbs.
If you break them, you will flood the house.