Low voltage recessed lighting burning wire connectors
#1
10-09-10, 11:42 AM
Low voltage recessed lighting burning wire connectors
Hello,
I have low voltage (12 Volts) recessed lighting in the kitchen, and when I change bulbs (Halogen 50 watts) I find that the wire connectors are burned, and I have to change connectors too (they "disintegrate" upon touching them). Should I be concerned about this, or is this normal? Bulbs usually last several years. I am somewhat concerned that this may be a risk for fire.
Thank you for your help! Glad I found this website
I have low voltage (12 Volts) recessed lighting in the kitchen, and when I change bulbs (Halogen 50 watts) I find that the wire connectors are burned, and I have to change connectors too (they "disintegrate" upon touching them). Should I be concerned about this, or is this normal? Bulbs usually last several years. I am somewhat concerned that this may be a risk for fire.
Thank you for your help! Glad I found this website
#4
10-10-10, 06:24 PM
Hello,
Thank you for your responses. Yes, the socket is for 50 w. I am not sure about the ventilation holes.
Since I posted, I had changed the bulb, and then noticed a thin white smoke coming from the light fixture. I pulled it out and saw the connectors are completely melted! Something is really, really wrong. I have turned off for now and will call electrician tomorrow morning.
I have a pic of it, but don't know how to post pictures.
thanks again!
Thank you for your responses. Yes, the socket is for 50 w. I am not sure about the ventilation holes.
Since I posted, I had changed the bulb, and then noticed a thin white smoke coming from the light fixture. I pulled it out and saw the connectors are completely melted! Something is really, really wrong. I have turned off for now and will call electrician tomorrow morning.
I have a pic of it, but don't know how to post pictures.
thanks again!
#7
10-10-10, 08:07 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
That looks like the wires are too close to the bulb. Halogen bulbs have a high surface temperature. That looks like a lot of excess wiring in the housing. Perhaps it has been pulled out of the junction box above the fixture.
#8
10-10-10, 08:19 PM
so do you think if the bulb were farther away from connectors this would not have happened?
I am not sure I understand the following sentence:
"Perhaps it has been pulled out of the junction box above the fixture"
I am not sure I understand the following sentence:
"Perhaps it has been pulled out of the junction box above the fixture"
#9
10-10-10, 08:26 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
There is a junction box above the fixture where the house wires connect to the fixture. Between the fixture and the socket are some leads in a flexible conduit. The will slide in the conduit. You might be able to push some back towards the junction box.
