What could cause this?

[mbrooke]

Black tar like substance dripping from what appears to be the armor jacket:

 

[OldSparks]

Black tar like substance dripping from what appears to be the armor jacket:

Did you intend to attach a photo? All I see is the little square box.

 

[al hildenbrand]

Black tar like substance dripping from what appears to be the armor jacket:

https://www.nachi.org/forum/attachm...ck-liquid-dripping-light-fixture-p1010905.jpg

You'll have to park this image in an intermediate location. It is behind a membership firewall.

 

[mbrooke]

Here is the pic:

 

[chris1971]

Here is the pic:

Did you look behind the keyless? Remove it from the box?

 

[peter d]

Did you look behind the keyless? Remove it from the box?

That would require the services of a skilled and trained electrician.

 

[iwire]

That would require the services of a skilled and trained electrician.

 

[mbrooke]

Did you look behind the keyless? Remove it from the box?

FWIW this particular pic is not mine but from a home inspection. Other inspectors, including myself are at a loss to explain this, thought I do have a theory I am willing to share latter on.

 

[Ponchik]

Guessing, I don't know, something died inside that box and the heat of that bulb got to it.

 

[mbrooke]

That would require the services of a skilled and trained electrician.

Relax, one has been made aware of the issue :lol::thumbsup:

 

[mbrooke]

Did you look behind the keyless? Remove it from the box?

Close, its a keyed socket, look at the chain to the right around the cylinder :thumbsup:

 

[JFletcher]

Tootsie Rolls used as wire nuts.

 

[Tony S]

I’ve seen that staining on lamps in damp locations. I’ve never bothered to find the cause, I just change the lamp.

 

[romex jockey]

I don't believe i've ever seen a lamp in that situation.....~RJ~

 

[mbrooke]

I don't believe i've ever seen a lamp in that situation.....~RJ~

:lol::lol: There is a first time for everything :thumbsup:

RJ, you say you have seen BX make a trace up a wall, what were the conductors like afterwards?

 

[Besoeker]

Black tar like substance dripping from what appears to be the armor jacket:

After very careful consideration, I think it's a black tar like substance.......
Heat would be my guess.

 

[chris1971]

Close, its a keyed socket, look at the chain to the right around the cylinder :thumbsup:

Hint: Loosen two screws and you should be able to remove the keyless from the metal box.:happyyes:

 

[mgookin]

Here is the pic:

I'm guessing some kind of potting that the bulb manufacturer used. Is that bulb 50 years old?

 

[ptonsparky]

Judging from the age, it most likely has black friction tape around the soldered splices. Heat from the lamp, and time, has caused the tape adhesive and insulating materials to flow.

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

In my experience some these older fixtures have a black tar substance insulating around the terminals.