Pot Lights

[John Allingham]

Got this E-mail from a friend:

"I'm normally ok with doing minor electrical work on my own, but I have an issue I need some help with. We bought resale, and the provious owner had potlights put in everywhere, I have no idea who did the installation, but I'm noticing a slight issue in one room...

The kitchen bulbs seem to be burning out MUCH more often than anywhere else (with similar use). When I went to change one of the bulbs recently, I pulled the bulb casing out and noticed the wires were slightly charred (black).
I immediately checked another bulb, and the same thing, but this wire had actually burned a little through the rubber casing. UH OH"

The kitchen ceiling shouldn't be insulated. Anyone got any ideas?

[Christopher Currins]

but this wire had actually burned a little through the rubber casing

Using too high of watt bulb. What is the max. wattage rating at the light ?

[Frank P. Newman]

Absolutely the most likely cause. It is much more important today than for fixtures that were designed many years ago. For example, I have a 3 light antique fixture over a powder room sink that easily accomodates 60w bulbs because the sockets are porcelin and the is a small hole drilled in the top back of each casting to let the heat escape. By contrast I have two 6 light fixtures in my kitchen that I have rewired twice in 15 years because the sockets and wiring have deteriorated under the heat load of only 40w bulbs (even though the fixture is labeled for 60w)

[Jeffrey Moore]

Pot light can be specific on the type of bulbs to be installed in them due to the heating problems the wrong bulb can cause.

Why shouldn't the kitchen ceiling be insulated? 2 story home?