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Posted By: wendel Thermal Protection Saga - 01/03/06 07:24 PM
Life is stranger than fiction at times. It appears a simple thermal protection device made by Leviton (http://www.leviton.com/pdfs/m2000/M-2000e.pdf) as an OEM for Lightolier is next to impossible to buy. Even the few electrical supply houses I called don't carry thermal protection devices. And electrical contractors cannibalize old recessed lights for them. Now I can't believe it's so hard to buy a very simple and important safety device except in lots of 500. Anyone know of a cross to a Leviton 9454A10 (7.2K resistor, 110 degree C temp, 120 volts) thermal protector, or as Leviton calls them, "Self-heating Thermal Protectors"? Thanks again for all your help.
Posted By: Electricmanscott Re: Thermal Protection Saga - 01/03/06 08:02 PM
Wendel, I have been in business for 12 years and have only needed to replace a VERY small amount. 2 or 3 total so I am not surprised they are not widely available. I just buy a can and take it out. I'll keep the socket from the can for future use.
Check a local lighting store. They may have damaged cans that they will let you take a sensor from.

[This message has been edited by Electricmanscott (edited 01-03-2006).]
Posted By: DougW Re: Thermal Protection Saga - 01/03/06 09:27 PM
Check your local HVAC supplier for similar items as well - they're called "Klixons", IIRC- they're used as cutouts for forced air furnaces, and open when a pre-set temp is reached.

Not sure if they'll be able to find an identical match, but since ther are several types and models, it's worth a call.
Posted By: hbiss Re: Thermal Protection Saga - 01/03/06 10:27 PM
I have to caution you not to take DougW's advice. An exact replacement is necessary to maintain the safe operation and listing of the fixture. Jury rigging is going to get you in trouble.

This may be the reason these things are not available for replacement. I suspect that the thermal protector is tailored to the fixture according to the max lamp wattage, etc. I don't believe that they are supposed to be replaced, instead you are supposed to replace the whole can.

-Hal
Posted By: LK Re: Thermal Protection Saga - 01/03/06 11:36 PM
Hal, is giving good advice, failure to use the manufacture part, may void the listing.
Posted By: wendel Re: Thermal Protection Saga - 01/04/06 01:17 AM
Hal, I agree about finding the exact replacement. It is a very common part as shown in this Leviton catalog file http://www.leviton.com/pdfs/m2000/M-2000e.pdf
Unfortunately this is also an OEM part which means I need to get it from Lightolier who doesn't seem to want to sell individual parts (can't imagine why)or I need to buy 500 of them. Since this part is in the junction box, it's far more sensible, cost effective and easier to replace the thermal protector than the whole light. From a consumer safety point of view I find it hard to believe this important safety device is so hard to come by. Again, thanks for you help.
Posted By: Lostazhell Re: Thermal Protection Saga - 01/04/06 01:28 AM
Im gonna have to stick with Les and Hal on this one... Monkeying around with that thermal cutout isn't something I'd do personally without an OEM part spec'd from the can mfr... It's much easier to knock the old can into the ceiling space and install a cut-in can in its place than to devote hours into seeking a part.

Just FYI, have you made sure your bulb wattage is at or below the can's specified max wattage?
Have you tried an edison base fluorescent lamp in place of an incandescent bulb? they typically generate a fraction of the heat [Linked Image]

If you do replace the can, make sure you get an IC rated can if it's going to be surrounded by insulation.
Posted By: renosteinke Re: Thermal Protection Saga - 01/04/06 02:27 AM
As I mentioned before, the fixtures are cheap. If you're not willing to replace the entire fixture....what's to keep you from buying a fixture just to get the part you need?
Posted By: frenchelectrican Re: Thermal Protection Saga - 01/04/06 04:52 AM
as far the resseced cans i useally just buy the whole work and use what you need to replace it becase the time to replace the safety cutoff thermal switch it will take more time than just swap the can all you have to do is slide it down and get in the Jbox and remove the bad can and hook up new can and slide it back up.

belive me it take far less time than just try to replace the **** thermal switch and less fustrating too


Merci , Marc
Posted By: caselec Re: Thermal Protection Saga - 01/04/06 06:59 AM
Lightolier does sell replacement thermal protectors and some Juno cans use the same device.

Lightolier part number = 1970
Juno part number = S599

As others said it is probably best to just purchase a new housing/frame instead of spending the time to find the replacement part. You should be able to find a 1002P1 or 1102P1 housing for less than $15.

Curt
Posted By: wendel Re: Thermal Protection Saga - 01/04/06 04:56 PM
Thank you all for your helpful suggestions, especially the part numbers. This must be an older Lightolier fixture because the "can" connects to the line at a junction box that's fastened to the light frame that's nailed between the floor joists. The Thermal protector is inserted through a knockout in that junction box. So replacing the "can", if I understand that term correctly, doesn't replace the thermal protector. It has to be removed from the junction box, which is very easy. I will either buy the part or get a sacrificial light. As for the bulb wattage, it's less than allowed. The problem was with no light when first switched on, not the light going off after so many minutes of use. I assume these devices reset once cooled down. Possibly the shower ceiling location with its high humidity has accelerated the demise of this protector. Again, many thanks to you all for being so helpful.
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