Lights too close to ceiling


  #1  
Old 05-20-03, 07:24 PM
Venita
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Angry Lights too close to ceiling

The builder installed lights in a 1/2 bathroom too close to the ceiling. I didn't notice until the ceiling started showing scorch marks from the heat. Directly under the light unit is a large mirror and this is a fairly low ceiling (7 ft). I think repositioning the light would be a huge effort, so I'm wondering if there is such a thing as a light guard or cover that could be installed above the lights that would protect the ceiling from further damage? Ceiling is drywalled. Thanks.
 
  #2  
Old 05-20-03, 07:46 PM
texsparky
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Question

Is the fixture designed for ceiling mount ? If so, did the electrician possibly remove the insulation from the back of the fixture ? Are you sure that you are using the correct size lamps and not ones that are higher wattage than the fixture is rated?
 
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Old 05-20-03, 08:07 PM
Venita
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It's a wall mount 3 inches below the ceiling (sorry for not being clear). The bulbs are still the original supplied by the builder and are the same as those installed in the other 2 bathrooms which were installed further from the ceiling. Thanks.
 
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Old 05-21-03, 04:26 AM
M
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How old is the house? This clearly sounds like something the builder should be called back on.
 
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Old 05-21-03, 04:36 AM
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The fact that the builder supplied the lights, does not mean that they are the correct wattage. Check the sticker on the buld base to be sure they are not lamped too high.
 
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Old 05-21-03, 05:20 PM
Venita
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Thank you both for your replies.

The house is about 3 yrs old & unfortunately the builder is only contractually responsible for structural issues. The company was not very cooperative in accepting responsibility when they were contractually obligated so I'm sure they won't volunteer help now!

The wattage label on the vanity lights says maximum 60. There are 4 bulbs, and while I hate to sound like an idiot, I'm going to and confess that I can't tell what wattage they are. Is there a way to tell when it's not printed on the bulb itself? That bathroom isn't used a great deal so the scorch marks are concerning.
 
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Old 05-21-03, 05:34 PM
J
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It's probably on there somewhere. If it's not on the glass, it'll be on the screw threads. Take a bulb out and look. If you still can't tell, spend a buck and replace them anyway. Buy GE or Philips bulbs rather than the cheapies that the builder gave you.
 
  #8  
Old 05-21-03, 06:31 PM
Venita
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It took a magnifying glass, but they are 60 watt. I'm painting the ceiling this weekend to cover the scorch marks, so I guess it'll be easy enough to see if brand makes a difference going forward. Thanks!
 
  #9  
Old 05-21-03, 09:09 PM
J
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You might switch to 40-watt bulbs and see if that will give you enough light. If not, you should be able to switch from a four bulb fixture to a six bulb fixture without going to all the trouble to move it. Six 40-watt bulbs will provide approximately the same light as four 60-watt bulbs. Or you might even consider fluorescent bulbs.
 
 

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