Home electrics problem?

Question

I live in an old house which I am sure needs re-wiring. A couple of years ago we noticed a `fishy` smell when some lights were on also those light fittings were a little scorched around the rim, we solved the problem by changing the faulty light fittings but now two years later they are showing signs of scorching again, as of yet no `fishy` smell..... Any ideas folks?

Answer 1

The light fittings can overheat for one of two reasons. Either the bulb is higher than the maximum rating for the fitting, or the wiring inside the fitting is arcing. If the fitting is showing signs of scorching the problem is almost definitely the bulb is higher than the fittings rated limit. Most pendant light fittings, i.e. the ones that hang down from the ceiling, are rated at 60W maximum. Some of the cheaper budget fittings indicate they are rated at 60W but are often lower and so suffer from heat more than a better quality fitting. There is also another way the fitting could be getting hot, and that is by heat being conducted along the metal supports of a lampshade, although that probably wouldn't cause scorching in such a short time.

Answer 2

The fishy smell comes from the older Bakelite insulation on old accessories, this is normal for them.
Timbo has the problem spot on with the issue of wattage as this will overheat the lampholders.
The discoloration of the lampholders suggest that they are of a cheap or budget manufacture and are not heat resistant.
There is no need to worry about the skirts on the lampholders as it is normal over time.Change the fitting if you wish as the scorching is unsightly to most people.
If it is just lampholders then go to an Electrical Wholesaler and ask for Heat Resistant accessories/ Lampholders, tho' they are a little more expensive than standard ones.
TIMBO if you need a job call me lol

Answer 3

Old wiring, actually has some paper wraping within the lines. you could have a certain type of insulation in your walls that could be getting hot from the wiring going bad..which could be giving you the fishy smell.

I bought a house last year about 55 years old, I had an electrician rewire almost the whole house. Even my phone line was ancient! LOL. Over time the electronic equipment we use has evolved and so has the amount of power needed. Old wiring has been the cause of many house fires. If you have kids I would update sooner than later...well ...even if you don't have kids.

Good luck!

Answer 4

The fishy smell came from heating the kind of plastic old fittings were made from (Bakelite). Modern ones are made of different stuff, so no fish smell, but they can get brittle if overheated.
Try using energy saving bulbs. They cost more but don.t give out anywhere near as much heat as normal incandescents.

Answer 5

The plastic is getting hot on your light fitting, possibly the bulb you are using is rated higher than the fitting. Check This out. Also EDS (Screw in bulbs) have a tighter fitting and tend to scorch more easily.

Answer 6

Change the 100 watt bulb to a 60 watt or put in energy saving bulbs.

PS: if the sockets are still wooden, the wiring is likely to be naff as well.

Answer 7

The fishy smell is often made by cables that are not up to spec to carry the load that they are carrying.
You need your house checked urgently.

Answer 8

I consider cunny you've had a short circuit likely brought about by a free connection or the insulation breaking down. the quick has been sparking and brought about warmth damage may have began a hearth ! the answer's to change the burnt wires with new ones. in the journey that your fortunate you may tie new wires to the former ones and pull them by the triumphing channel so that you do not favor to open up the wall to rewire the electrics.

Answer 9

You could be using too high of a bulb wattage and the smell is the paint getting too hot!

Answer 10

You are almost certainly at risk of fire - get a qualified electrician in asap and try if possible not to use the lights