i bought an electric light fitting with flourescent tube and wired it into a plug socket (yes i know it really should have been wired into a lighting circuit). it worked ok for awhile but then a component inside started to overheat and eventually the light stopped working.
what could have caused this and what do i need, if anything, to make sure it doesn't happen again
2007-11-28 08:30:51 · 8 answers · asked by hillman_avenger2006 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Check the polarity of your wiring. This type of light ballast needs the polarity to be correct. Oh yes, it works for a short time and you think you have done a good job. Then as you mentioned the reverse polarity overheats the ballast and out goes the light. This type of light comes in so many degrees of quality and you did not mention the cost of the light. If you indeed burned out the ballast on a 20 dollar fixture you can count on the new ballast costing as much or more. If you bought one for about 80 dollars then you afford a replacement. Also you did not mention where you installed the light. Many of this type of fixtures have a temperature range for operations. Also if you put the plug on the wiring yourself you may have the fixture end correct but crossed over in the plug. Also, check the voltage range of the light. Most are designed for 110 volts, but there are some out there that are 127 volts, mostly commercial applications. You should also check the tightness of the bulbs into their socket. If it is loose a constant shorting across will cause overheating.
2007-11-28 08:49:04 · answer #1 · answered by jwhall60 2 · 1⤊ 5⤋
Failed component. Noting to do with connection method.
Ideally, if you do it again, clamp the flex as it comes out of the fitting... http://www.screwfix.com/prods/18138/Electrical/Cable-Accessories/Glands/IP68-Nylon-Gland-Black-20mm
It will stop the flex terminations being under strain within the fitting. I'm doing it myself up in the loft for when I redo the ceiling lights, and have to turn off the lighting circuit..
2007-11-28 09:19:16 · answer #2 · answered by Girlie Electrics 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
If it was a direct hard-wire hook up, and you wired it up properly, then it is probably the ballast, or the starter depending on the kind of lighting fixture you purchased. Also , recheck you wires. Did you make sure you wired it up tight? If you didn't re-strip them, did you use a little sandpaper on them to clean the ends before twisting them together?Black wire to black,or to black screw, white to white green to ground? If that was done, check to see if it has a ballast. If it does, you'll have to take the old one out and replace it,which might be cheaper to just get a new fixture. Ballasts are expensive and make sure you bring the old one with you to match up. If it has a starter, ( Looks like a 1" Beer can) Take that with you to match up. ( it won't have both of them,just one or the other)The light could have been dropped in transit, or the pallet of lights hit with the forklift when taking it off of the truck. Who knows. But one thing for sure, don't forget to turn the electric off before doing anything to it! Be safe! Byee
2007-11-28 09:07:58 · answer #3 · answered by Sandyspacecase 7 · 0⤊ 5⤋
wireing it to socket would not cause light to go, it must have fault, i have a few like this but have 5amp fuse in plug
2007-11-28 08:46:43 · answer #4 · answered by huw 4x4 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would say you were sold a bad light fitting. Take it back it should be under guarantee.
2007-11-28 08:42:02 · answer #5 · answered by umboko 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, here is a site I found on electric lighting that helped me, it may you as well, good luck!
http://www.ceiling-fans-interiors.com/kitchen-lighting.html
2007-12-02 03:49:41 · answer #6 · answered by henryswtzr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did you make sure to put the live to live on the light,and the neutral to neutral.if you mixed these up it could cause the problem.
2007-11-28 11:26:15 · answer #7 · answered by sean h 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The choke has gone Kaput
2007-11-28 08:40:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋