tombstone melting and smoking

[aaron goff]

i was called to look at a group of lights in a gyms locker room where the tombstones were causing members to be concerned from seeing smoke come from above the locker where they lay facing upwards < they say that they install the bulbs correctly an even double check to make sure but for some reason it still has be happening there is about 100 light fixtures total, with about five connected above each locker. anyone know what may be causing the tombstones to melt?

 

[Smart $]

...anyone know what may be causing the tombstones to melt?

I only know of one cause...arcing from contact to lamp pin (or vice-versa).

 

[Minuteman]

Where all the ballast changed recently for the incorrect voltage? Maybe the panel is 240V Delta and someone move the breaker to the high leg?

Never overlook the obvious.

 

[George Stolz]

Just to be sure I'm up to speed: A tombstone, as referred to in this thread, is the socket the fluorescent plugs into, right?

 

[celtic]

Just to be sure I'm up to speed: A tombstone, as referred to in this thread, is the socket the fluorescent plugs into, right?

Well it ain't pizza:

Some possible flavors of the tombstone in question:

 

[TommyC]

Celtic you are too much man:grin: :grin:

 

[celtic]

Celtic you are too much man:grin: :grin:

Could you imagine having to work with me?

 

[catchtwentytwo]

i was called to look at a group of lights in a gyms locker room where the tombstones were causing members to be concerned from seeing smoke come from above the locker where they lay facing upwards < they say that they install the bulbs correctly an even double check to make sure but for some reason it still has be happening there is about 100 light fixtures total, with about five connected above each locker. anyone know what may be causing the tombstones to melt?

Is the humidity very high in the locker room? Are there signs of moisture in the fixtures?

 

[TommyC]

Could you imagine having to work with me?

Yes I could, I can imagine trying to get the work done through the laughter. It actually sounds like me working with my helper. I love sending him to the truck for the 2" pipe stretcher and watching through the window as he hunts for stuff like that.:grin:

 

[celtic]

Did you tell him it was next next to the hen-way, by the ID-10-t's?

 

[TommyC]

I'll have to send him out for that in the morning. I can hardly wait:grin: :grin: