Hey, does anyone have a suggestion on how to convince a relative that they have a disfunctional light fixture?
My wifes aunt just moved into a brand new duplex. She has about 6 recessed can light fixtures in her kitchen. The trouble is (bet you guessed it) is that the lights trip off due to the thermal switch these have. She told me the electrician who wired and installed this place told her that was normal! I tried explaining to her that its not, she should have them replaced. I didn't ask here if they're IC rated 'cause she wouldn't understand the question or have an answer. She has a 1 year full warranty on any work and I'm trying to convince her they need to be changed! any help?

Is the thermal sensor no good or are the bulbs too high wattage?

You could explain to her in laymans terms that an important fire prevention device in the fixture has gone bad (if thats the case) and on that basis suggest that they need immediate replacement.

Otherwise you could convert the kitchen into a dance club.

Try the "No-Nonsense, Simple Approach[s]":

<OL TYPE=1>

[*]Replace one of the lamps with a very low wattage lamp - like swapping an existing 75 watt PAR 40 with a 40 watt R 30 - or even an A 19!,

[*]Replace one of the lamps with a Compact Fluorescent setup of 9 to 21 watts.
</OL>

This usually makes the point of the Thermal Protection well understood!

Scott SET

I have presented this simplistically as captive heat,
in an enclosed space, too much heat= fire
insert Beavis & Butthead laugh...

I too have confused relatives and it has nothing to do with lights!

Could be that SOMEONE covered the cans in the attic with insulation.Hot Hot Hot!

Chris

You know, I have this exact problem in my kitchen with just the one recessed can light above the sink. We put in a compact fluorescent lamp and it doesn't shut off.

I just figured when it went off that I was being safer to not try to use it and got along without it - I wasn't confused so much, but I was in the dark. )

You might find an explanation about the heat and shut-off feature on the web and print it out. Take it and one of the fluorescent lamps over for a test run and offer to call for the warranty work yourself, especially if you feel that the items were installed by someone who might have been trying to pull a fast one over on a lady who wouldn't otherwise know she'd been taken.

Hey electricmanscott are your relatives related to mine?

If it's more than one Fixture affected and Bulbs are correct wattage and type I would go with Chris' intuition. Many times the person putting in the insulation will cover the (non IC-rated) cans. I have also seen where a bulb within the wattage range but of a different type can cause the thermal sensor to cut out (or in?). I've seen type 'A' bulbs do this in fixture/trim combinations only rated for R and Par lamps.

Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill Addiss (edited 02-16-2002).]

Seeing that this house is only a year old, I would say if the electrician installed non ic cans in a ceiling to be insulated I would have him back there to replace them all anyway. Here in MA you have to use ic air tight for insulated space or you wont pass building inspection. Also there is a building code requirement that says you must use gaskets on device covers in a wall that seperates heated from unheated space. (exterior wall) I have yet to see that enforced.