Bulbs 'melting' at the base Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[mrsc]

Hi,

In the space of a few days one of our lights has melted a couple of bulbs at the base (made an actual hold in the metal, surrounded by black discouloration - on the first bulk to blow the glass even detatched from the metal part comepletely) and of course the bulbs have blown. This is not at switch on.
The light holds three seperate bulbs but its the same one blowing each time.

I'm about to go out and buy a replacement light unit but an just wondering if it might be something more serious?

I should mention that this is a downstairs ceiling light and our downstairs celiling lights have no earth.

Any advice or ideas :?:

Many thanks

[ericmark]

Bad connection produce heat. Likely the small springs in the contact pins have over heated and annealed themselves so are no longer able to make good contact.

Lamp holder renewal is only cure if that happens.

[bd3cc]

If it is the same lamp on a three pronged fitting, it sounds as if there is a loose connection at the lampholder, causing it to arc and overheat, hence the holes.
If it is a metal fitting/switch it really should be earthed, but many years ago, lighting circuits were not earthed, and no reputable sparky should replace a metal fitting without an earth.