No need to call the technician when it’s time to replace your Optoma EX540i projector lamp. Our guide shows you how.
Like any other projector, the Optoma EX540i uses a specialized projector lamp that will need to be changed after 3000 hours of use. Be sure to buy an authentic projector lamp. Don’t go cheap and install a counterfeit lamp to save a few bucks.
Why avoid counterfeits?
- Counterfeit lamps have a much shorter life
- Counterfeit manufacturers use toxic chemicals as substitutes
- Copycat lamps are more prone to overheat and explode
- Counterfit generic lamps are not properly calibrated to work with the sensitive electronics in projectors
- Installing counterfeits voids your Optoma EX540i warranty.
Find this lamp sold on Amazon by these authorized distributors:
- Optoma BL-FP180E – projector lamp (BL-FP180E) –
- Optoma BL-FP180E Projector Brand New High Quality Original Projector Bulb
- OPTOMA BL-FP180E / SP.8EF01GC01,P-VIP,180W Projector lamp for EW533ST
- BL-FP180E Lamp Module for Projector OPTOMA ES523ST EW533ST EX542 GT360 GT700 GT720 TX540 TX542 DW531ST EX540
Lamp replacement warning signs
When the Optoma EX540i projector lamp life is reaching end of life, you’ll see a warning sign appear on screen.
Replace the lamp immediately when you see this warning signs. Using the lamp beyond its recommended 3000 hours can result in the lamp exploding inside the projector. This results in a messy and time consuming clean up. Watch for these other signs that the projector lamp may be reaching it’s end of life:
- the Lamp LED flashing amber
- picture has poor colour quality
- image vibrancy and definition has deteriorated
Step 3: Installing a new Optoma BL-FP180E lamp
The Optoma EX54oi uses the Optoma BL-FP180E replacement projector lamp. Before installing follow these crucial safety steps:
- Switch off the power to the projector by pressing the Power/Standby button.
- Disconnect the power cord.
- Allow the projector to cool down for at least 30 minutes. If should be cool to the touch. The Optoma EX540i runs at a high temperature and you can burn yourself badly if you don’t allow the projector to cool down.
Step-by-step instructions
Remove the old lamp
1: Use a screwdriver to loosen the two screws holding the projector lamp cover in place. The Optoma EX540i projector should be cool to the touch.
2: Remove the lamp cover and place to one side. Don’t lose the screws to the cover as the projector will not turn back on until the projector lamp cover has been properly installed.
3: Remove both screws holding the Optoma BL-FP180E in place.Lift the wire handle on the lamp and gently remove it from the projector. Be careful not to hit the lamp or you can cause it to break.
- NOTE: The BL-FP180E contains mercury and should not be thrown into regular garbage. Recycle this lamp.
Install the new lamp:
a. Take the new Optoma BL-FP180E projector lamp out of its packaging and lift the handle on the lamp.
b. Gently place it into the projector making sure not to touch the actual bulb. Oil from fingerprint marks can burn black spots onto the lamp when it heats up.
c. Tighten the screws on the projector lamp.
d. Close the lid. Tighten the cover screws. You are now ready to reset the lamp timer.
Reset the Optoma EX540i projector lamp timer
Your Optoma EX540i comes equipped with an automatic projector lamp timer that tracks the number of hours left for the Optoma BL-FP180E lamp. Each time you change the lamp you need to reset the lamp timer. Failure to do so may cause the projector to use the lamp over the recommended period of time resulting in the lamp exploding.
To reset the lamp timer:
- Press MENU
- Select OPTIONS
- Select Lamp Settings
- Select Lamp Reset
- Select Yes
Tips for longer lamp life:
Under Brightness Mode:
- Choose STD to dim the projector lamp and lower power consumption making the lamp last longer.
- Choose BRIGHT to make the lamp brighter but decrease lamp life.
Learn the TOP Tips for extending the lamp life in your Optoma EX540i projector.
