I doubt that this was caused from the tempature of the bulb as they are only slightly over 130 degrees. usaly this is cause from the caps being installed incorectly and every time they are started there is a slight arching. eventualy this will get stronger untill this happens. this is why I use the push on water proof ends at they clip on much tighter and give a more solid conection and are also totaly water proof not just semi water proof.

If you want that type of end again Brad I know whare you can get metal industreal ones but they are a little more expensive.

Steve

I don't think this is the case this time. All the burning was not at the pin end, it was at the bulb end of the cap. Arcing happens at the pins, not the middle of the bulb.

I had the same problem acouple of years ago. Themelted down end caps and the wood stand caught fire. The fire went out by itself,but my house smelled aweful.

Right, I forgot to mention that part!! It's the kind of smell that lingers for days!! :razz:

:eek: Yow, Jayson, you never told me that story. :smile:

Doug, I do keep some secrets. Mostly from my wife.

was there a chance you had some carry over to the cap due to salt spray that could have caused it? overheating will melt and brown a PVC cap but not scorch it. who knows maybe the metal ones are what you need :)

Steve

Nope, thee was no salt at all. The gaskets do a good job of sealing it.

weird.

just wondering
 

Hi first off, I think this is probably my first post...

Secondly, was that burnt cap connected to an ice cap ballast as well? I had one that blew itself up twice, after the second time I sat and watched it... man did that thing ever get hot - I thought it was because of the dimmer tho, something frequency type related.