why does my floodlight keep burning out the bulbs? It doesn't blow them, it burns up the connection.?

Question

I installed a Regent 500 W floodlight. I wired off of the back porch light which is a small 75 watt fixture. I have a 20 amp breaker, the current is obviously 120v which is the recommended. This is the second fixture I have replaced(same brand and light). The problem is, I am replacing the 5,000 hour bulbs after about 15 hours. The bukb isn't actually blown, the wire is still connected from end to end in the bulb. What happens is, the bulb and the connection point look as if they caught fire. They are "smut" black. So, basicaly it doesn't blow the bulb it just fries the connection point making it impossible for current to pass through. Its only doing it on one side, the bulb is a double-ended 500w halogen bulb. Does anyone know why this maybe happening? I followed directions step by step and had a very experienced person help with the installation.

Answer 1

Well....there's your problem.

Running a 500 watt bulb on a 75 watt fixture.....

Answer 2

It sounds like you may have a small hole somewhere in the fixture that go's back on after you installed the bulb,water from the rain or perhaps a lawn sprinkler may be getting inside and touching the wire and short ting it out,take a closer look or maybe just replace the fixture.If it looks like it caught fire,that could only mean water is getting in OR there are wires touching each other!check it out.

Answer 3

sounds to me that you taped into the 75 watt fixture wiring. to small to carry enough current to the 500 watt fixture= low voltage high heat. go directly to the circuit wiring = 12-2 with a ground should solve your problem.

Answer 4

If the electrical is good and connected properly then you have a faulty fixture. Return it for replacement.

Answer 5

Possibly getting wet. Can you tilt it so water/rain/dew cant run into it?