Screw-in 'only' bulbs on sale in Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, etc...

LordSutch

So I was in Tesco today looking for a new bulb for the landing light, 60watt or LED equivalent would do, yet they don't sell them with a standard bayonet fitting anymore

I haven't seen a house yet with screw-in ceiling light fittings, so why the push towards screw-in only light bulbs? Surely most houses have the standard 'bayonet' light fittings on their ceilings, so why the exclusive sale of screw bulbs in Tesco?

Are we expected to change all our ceiling light fittings?

What's going on?

ED E

Edison is a better (more solid) mount. Rest of the EU mainly use it AFAIK. Selling to 25 countries gives better economies of scale than selling to two.

We should probably abandon the B22 standard just as we should drive on the right but changing such things is hard.

Atlantic Dawn

Woodies have bayonet for most ratings.

LordSutch

ED E wrote: »

Edison is a better (more solid) mount. Rest of the EU mainly use it AFAIK. Selling to 25 countries gives better economies of scale than selling to two.

We should probably abandon the B22 standard just as we should drive on the right but changing such things is hard.

The reality is that 99.9% of Irish homews are fitted with bayonet (ceiling) light fittings!

So the rest of Europe may indeed have different fittings, but where does that leave us?

vandriver

Get to IKEA.
http://m.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/art/90295615/

LordSutch

I know Ikea & Woodies have normal bulbs, but the question relates to the supermarkets and their recent abandoning of the standard Irish/British bayonet light bulb

All I wanted was a 60w bulb.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

ED E wrote: »

Edison is a better (more solid) mount. Rest of the EU mainly use it AFAIK. Selling to 25 countries gives better economies of scale than selling to two.

We should probably abandon the B22 standard just as we should drive on the right but changing such things is hard.

That may well be but it doesn't solve the problem for those of us with a house full of bayonet fittings and no stock in the supermarkets were we usually buy bulbs.

dudara

The DIY stores (Woodies, Homebase etc) seem to be the best now for bayonet fittings.

L1011

Newer tech LED and CFLs don't appear to even be made in bayonet, or are much dearer. Set of converters - 2.50 for 2 in IKEA - is well worth it.

mackeire

Dealz have them. €1.50 for two.

former total

The Tesco website has loads of bayonet bulbs anyway, presumably the stores do too.

LordSutch

L1011 wrote: »

Newer tech LED and CFLs don't appear to even be made in bayonet, or are much dearer. Set of converters - 2.50 for 2 in IKEA - is well worth it.

LEDs, Halogens & CFLs are indeed made with traditional bayonet fittings (Woodies are full of them), but it's the supermarket's that seem to have stopped stocking the traditional fitting bulbs, hence my question.

I have no intention of changing all my light fittings, neither will I buy adaptors for the whole house.

L1011

LordSutch wrote: »

LEDs, Halogens & CFLs are indeed made with traditional bayonet fittings (Woodies are full of them)

Generally older generations of them, though. Go actually look at the the numbers on them (lumens/watt etc). Your "60w equivalent" is going to use more power in the niche, older generation bayonet packaging.

LordSutch wrote: »

I have no intention of changing all my light fittings, neither will I buy adaptors for the whole house.

Suit yourself. You're going to cost yourself money and have convenience issues, though.

mackeire wrote: »

Dealz have them. €1.50 for two.

Absolute and utter junk, though. If the bayonet bulbs that the hardware stores half are a generation out in tech, these are three or four and likely severe fire hazards (the LED ones)

LordSutch

former total wrote: »

The Tesco website has loads of bayonet bulbs anyway, presumably the stores do too.

No they don't. Certainly my local Tesco Express doesn't stock traditional bayonet light bulbs.

I presume this is Brussels putting pressure on us to conform with the EU standard?

L1011

LordSutch wrote: »

I presume this is Brussels putting pressure on us to conform with the EU standard?

No, its market forces. Very few countries use bayonets, lots use edison screws. Bayonet bulbs were actually made in Ireland but modern ones are not, hence we import them and most bulbs made worldwide are edison screw.

LordSutch

As a consumer why should I fork out for new fittings or new adaptors? The bayonets are fine, and sixty five million people use them next door in the UK. I am also told that screw bulbs are more prone to getting loose over the years, hence they begin to flicker and must be periodically re-tightened. Bayonet bulbs cannot become loose in their fittings.

Anyway, I refuse to comply with Brussels. I'm sticking with bayonets.Tesco's loss is Woodies gain

L1011

LordSutch wrote: »

As a consumer why should I fork out for new fittings or new adaptors?

Because the bayonet bulbs are inferior, harder to find and cost more to run due to being niche older technology?

One trip out of your way to get bulbs = the cost of the adapters. A period of time using them, depending on the bulbs in question = the cost of the adapters.

LordSutch wrote: »

The bayonets are fine, and sixty five million people use them next door in the UK.

You'll find people on UK forums making the same complaints about poor supply.

LordSutch wrote: »

I am also told that scdew bulbs are more prone to getting loose over the years, hence they begin to flicker and must be re-tightened over the years. Bayonet bulbs cannot become loose in their fittings.

And bayonet bulbs are prone to falling out entirely if there's even minor vibration. Neither happens often.

LordSutch wrote: »

Anyway, I refuse to comply with Brussels. I'm sticking with bayonets.Tesco's loss is Woodies gain

You're just inventing excuses now. The EU, the state of Belgium, the city of Brussels - whichever you intended there - has nothing to do with this.

former total

LordSutch wrote: »

No they don't. Certainly my local Tesco Express doesn't stock traditional bayonet light bulbs.

I presume this is Brussels putting pressure on us to conform with the EU standard?

Tesco Express. There's your issue right there.

LordSutch

L1011 wrote: »

Because the bayonet bulbs are inferior, harder to find and cost more to run due to being niche older technology?

OK ok, I hear what you're saying, and you are obviously arguing on behalf of the screw-in bulb + fittings, but on a purely practical level, surely the thought of every house in the land changing every ceiling fitting is a massive undertaking, which will take many years ... each house would on average have at least eight light ceiling fittings,which would need to be replaced, > for no other reason than the fact that a different fitting is available (and being pushed in the supermarkets) :cool:

Its just such a hassle, all I wanted was a 60w bulb, and now I'm being told that I need to get all new light fittings throughout my house! Go away Tesco, I will shop elsewhere.

Pim Pictus

Luddism will only lead to a future of frustration.

johnb25

L1011 wrote: »

Newer tech LED and CFLs don't appear to even be made in bayonet, or are much dearer. Set of converters - 2.50 for 2 in IKEA - is well worth it.

Trouble is you go in and buy a load of other stuff you don't need!

I wish we changed our plugs too....

05eaftqbrs9jlh

I've similarly looked for these bulbs in both Tesco and Dunnes, to no avail. I recently bought a big load of them in Galaxy Lighting on Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork. It's not too much hassle, and it's good to support local businesses.

The original poster is totally right - it's impractical for large corporations to only stock bulbs that the majority of households can't use. I would be surprised that anybody is arguing otherwise in the thread, but for the fact that the internet is full of belligerent loudmouths.

Pim Pictus wrote: »

Luddism will only lead to a future of frustration.

It's also good to note that ad hominem attacks never add any strength to an argument, while speaking volumes about those spewing them. How is somebody a luddite for refusing to change all the lightbulb fittings in their house because Tesco don't sell that variety. That is utterly preposterous.

Pim Pictus

Sydney Handsome Yo-yo wrote: »

I've similarly looked for these bulbs in both Tesco and Dunnes, to no avail. I recently bought a big load of them in Galaxy Lighting on Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork. It's not too much hassle, and it's good to support local businesses.

The original poster is totally right - it's impractical for large corporations to only stock bulbs that the majority of households can't use. I would be surprised that anybody is arguing otherwise in the thread, but for the fact that the internet is full of belligerent loudmouths.


It's also good to note that ad hominem attacks never add any strength to an argument, while speaking volumes about those spewing them. How is somebody a luddite for refusing to change all the lightbulb fittings in their house because Tesco don't sell that variety. That is utterly preposterous.

I wasn't particularly having a go at the op. Just saying that there is generally a benefit to embracing new technology. In this case the op could save himself quite a bit of money for quite a small outlay by buying some adapters and get some led bulbs. That's all.

LordSutch

Pim Pictus wrote: »

I wasn't particularly having a go at the op. Just saying that there is generally a benefit to embracing new technology. In this case the op could save himself quite a bit of money for quite a small outlay by buying some adapters and get some led bulbs. That's all.

LED bulbs are great, specially if they are @2700 kelvin (warm white), and I have several in the house already, all with bayonet fittings ...
I can't really say anymore, I've had my rant and I disagree with the supermarkets selling screw bulbs (exclisively) even though most Irish houses are equipped & fitted with bayonet light fittings!

Its a bit like the new EU Vacuum cleaner rule that forbids the shops from selling anything over 1600 watts, for no other reason than because the EU say so.

P. Breathnach

It has become very difficult to source mantles for gas lights.

L1011

Sydney Handsome Yo-yo wrote: »

I've similarly looked for these bulbs in both Tesco and Dunnes, to no avail. I recently bought a big load of them in Galaxy Lighting on Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork. It's not too much hassle, and it's good to support local businesses.

The original poster is totally right - it's impractical for large corporations to only stock bulbs that the majority of households can't use. I would be surprised that anybody is arguing otherwise in the thread, but for the fact that the internet is full of belligerent loudmouths.


It's also good to note that ad hominem attacks never add any strength to an argument, while speaking volumes about those spewing them. How is somebody a luddite for refusing to change all the lightbulb fittings in their house because Tesco don't sell that variety. That is utterly preposterous.

Call people belligerent loudmouths. Complain about ad hominem.

You may want to find some consistency in your arguments

L1011

LordSutch wrote: »

LED bulbs are great, specially if they are @2700 kelvin (warm white), and I have several in the house already, all with bayonet fittings ...
I can't really say anymore, I've had my rant and I disagree with the supermarkets selling screw bulbs (exclisively) even though most Irish houses are equipped & fitted with bayonet light fittings!

Its a bit like the new EU Vacuum cleaner rule that forbids the shops from selling anything over 1600 watts, for no other reason than because the EU say so.

Except the EU has nothing to do with it, no matter how often you say they do.

looksee

I am not sure why LordSuch is getting such aggravation about the light bulbs, I completely agree about the availability of bayonet bulbs. There is nothing luddite about not wanting to change all the fitments in the house just 'because'.

huskerdu

LordSutch wrote: »

LED bulbs are great, specially if they are @2700 kelvin (warm white), and I have several in the house already, all with bayonet fittings ...
I can't really say anymore, I've had my rant and I disagree with the supermarkets selling screw bulbs (exclisively) even though most Irish houses are equipped & fitted with bayonet light fittings!

Its a bit like the new EU Vacuum cleaner rule that forbids the shops from selling anything over 1600 watts, for no other reason than because the EU say so.

What evidence have you that supermarkets have started selling screw bulbs exclusively. It sounds like you are basing this on one Tesco express.

Loads of shops sell all sorts of lightbulbs.

I have a mixture of ES, SES, and BC in my house in different sizes and I have to go to different shops to buy bulbs as there is no one shop that sells all of them. I'm not blaming the EU, though.

I am making a mental note to only use screw in light fittings when I build a house next year.

Didn't there used to be two types of plugs and sockets in Ireland?

vandriver

Tesco Rathmines(not an express) only sells screw in bulbs.

looksee

I find now that my local Tesco - not an express - has a very poor selection of bulbs, and they are mostly screw in. I admit I have not got my head round all the different kinds of bulbs. I am in favour of energy savers, and I have found (by writing the date on the base of the bulb) that they last very well, but I really need to do a bit of research on all the different types. I have found that there does not seem to be the same brightness off the e.s. ones and I am ending up with lamps all over the place to try and boost the light levels.

L1011

Deleted User wrote: »

I am making a mental note to only use screw in light fittings when I build a house next year.

Didn't there used to be two types of plugs and sockets in Ireland?

Three - older houses around Limerick use (well, used, most have long since been rewired) German Schuko plugs when the rest of the country used the round pin UK BS546 plugs at the time, which had two sizes depending on the amperage.

We then moved to the current UK BS1363 ones

LordSutch

L1011 wrote: »

Except the EU has nothing to do with it, no matter how often you say they do.

OK I stand corrected, so who then is tellingTesco, Aldi & Lidl to sell screw bulbs only?

gucci

LordSutch wrote: »

As a consumer why should I fork out for new fittings or new adaptors? The bayonets are fine, and sixty five million people use them next door in the UK. I am also told that screw bulbs are more prone to getting loose over the years, hence they begin to flicker and must be periodically re-tightened. Bayonet bulbs cannot become loose in their fittings.

If the 65 million peoples houses are anything like the one I just bought (1900 Victorian Terrace) they will have a flipping mix of both there from various botches over the years meaning that I have had to change them all to the screw in ones just for sanity!!

LordSutch

LordSutch wrote: »

OK I stand corrected, so who then is tellingTesco, Aldi & Lidl to sell screw bulbs only?

Their purchasing departments.

L1011

LordSutch wrote: »

OK I stand corrected, so who then is tellingTesco, Aldi & Lidl to sell screw bulbs only?

Nobody is. They're buying what sells and what they can get.

They all sell bayonet bulbs, just lower volumes and older tech.

LordSutch

So I emailed Tesco, and it transpires that the reason my local 'Express' only stocks screw bulbs is down to an oversight by Tesco/distribution! so they have said that they will be taking back 80% of the (screw bulb) stock and sending out traditional bayonet bulbs ... simples.

It was a simple oversight relating to my local shop.
Aldi & Lidl are another story I guess.

End of.

my3cents

Aldi and Lidl are the ones I always associate with having a stock of screw fitting bulbs kicking around the shop with a lot of them ending up getting reduced to get rid of them before they bring in the next batch for the same to happen.

Kings Inns or bust

my3cents wrote: »

Aldi and Lidl are the ones I always associate with having a stock of screw fitting bulbs kicking around the shop with a lot of them ending up getting reduced to get rid of them before they bring in the next batch for the same to happen.

Retail head office stock replenishment systems are a marvel of modern technology! So much so Area managers are given cars with large boots to move stock around stores when needed.

I'm so glad I'm no longer in that industry.

former total

LordSutch wrote: »

So I emailed Tesco, and it transpires that the reason my local 'Express' only stocks screw bulbs is down to an oversight by Tesco/distribution! so they have said that they will be taking back 80% of the (screw bulb) stock and sending out traditional bayonet bulbs ... simples.

It was a simple oversight relating to my local shop.
Aldi & Lidl are another story I guess.

End of.

Hang on.

You mean there ISN'T a giant EU-Tesco conspiracy to force us all to change our light fixtures by making it slightly less convenient to buy bayonet bulbs??

Well now I don't know what to believe.

rock22

former total wrote: »

Hang on.

You mean there ISN'T a giant EU-Tesco conspiracy to force us all to change our light fixtures by making it slightly less convenient to buy bayonet bulbs??

Well now I don't know what to believe.

Don't believe them. it is clearly an attempt at an EU cover up to conceal their conspiracy to replace every light fitting in Ireland to a 'Brussels approved' type. These will only be made in Brussels for EU use and will result in the UK being denied the benefits of this new technology after Brexit.
Of course not a lot of people know that!

NiallBoo

LordSutch wrote: »

OK I stand corrected, so who then is tellingTesco, Aldi & Lidl to sell screw bulbs only?

Their accountants.

Goodness we'd have much nicer homes if we didn't always adopt rationing-era hand-me-down British building standards.

LordSutch

It was a genuine consumer question, so thanks for all your input

..well nearly all

My local Aldi had both bayonet and screw-in bulbs today.

galah

Most light fittings in my house have edison fittings for screw in bulbs, there goes your theory (but then again we also have proper mixer taps in all bathrooms and windows that open inwards :eek::p)

I would suspect that especially shops like aldi and lidl get their stock from the continent (as the other offers are also usually offered in continental stores), so maybe someone in stock supply in Germany hasnt realised that some irish houses use different fittings...

galah

galah wrote: »

but then again we also have proper mixer taps in all bathrooms ...

I never understood why they never caught on here until recently.

L1011

Surreal panic about putting heated water back in the cold tank if blocked, as if non return valves didn't exist

LordSutch

*Update January 2017*

So I went to Woodies on Monday to buy a G4 bulb for the bathroom cabinet, and while I was looking for my bulb I noticed that the bulb selection in Woodies is now about 80% 'screw in' bulbs, 'interesting' I thought, then today when in Tesco I checked the bulb collection, and low & behold they still only have screw in bulbs (no bayonet cap bulbs at all), and finally, as if I need say it again, our local Aldi still has an exclusive selection of very nice screw in bulbs, with not a bayonet cap bulb in sight :cool:

As a consumer what should I make of this?

...for the uniniated among you, 90%+ of Irish houses have bayonet cap light fittings hanging from the ceilings, ergo baynoet cap bulbs have traditionally been the way to go! so why all the screw in bulbs in the shops?

L1011

The same answer as before - because the worldwide market for bayonet bulbs is so small they are not worth making in great volume; and adapters are both safe and dirt cheap.