On Wed, 3 Jun 2009 22:08:23 +0000 (UTC), Don Klipstein wrote:
In article , AZ
Nomad wrote:

On Tue, 2 Jun 2009 22:28:57 -0400, RBM wrote:

"grodenhiATgmailDOTcom" wrote in message
...
We have two sconce lights on our wall. Each has a single light bulb
(the candleabra) style. I put the bulbs in a few years ago and have
never had an issue (the bulbs were within the wattage range for the
fixtures. The last two times the lights have been on for a few hours
the bulbs begin to emit a burning smell and small pufts of smoke is
coming off the bulbs. The fixture itself is still cool to the touch
(as is the part mounted the the wall). The bulbs have a filmy/sticky
feel to them now...

My assumption is my wife must have sprayed something near them and
whatever it is coated the bulbs and is burning off.... Sound
reasonable? She can't recall though. Any other reason two fixtures
that have worked flawlessly for several years (with the original bulbs
still in them) would suddenly have this issue? I have a TV on the
same circuit and its fine...

I think your assumption is correct. Sometimes the plastic sleeves that go
over the "candle" of the fixture are too tall and burn against the bulb, but
it seems more likely that something was sprayed on them and is burning off

Unless they are dangerous junk, they shouldn't do a thing even if touching
the bulb while the bulb is in an insulated blanket. The bulb should
blow out before the sleaves do anything.

Step one: cut the breaker, and clean the sockets (make sure the lights
go out w/ the breaker before removing the bulbs), then start with
all new bulbs. A q-tip with rubbing alcohol should be sufficient.
Use contact cleaner if you have it.

There are incandescent bulbs that normally get hot enough to char stuff.

For example, the top of a 100 watt incandescent in free air can achieve
about 420-445 degrees F. A 60 watt one can achieve about 390 F at the top
of the bulb - in free air. In enclosures, lightbulbs get evn hotter.

Yes, but fixture materials can take the heat unless they are absolute
rubbish.