Question – Halogen Bulbs

Do halogen bulbs smell when they’re about to go out?

I installed a bathroom light fixture with halogen bulbs a few months ago, worked just fine. Recently there has been a burning odor when the light is on. I double-checked my wiring, tightened everything on the actual fixture, but there is still an odor. Do halogen bulbs generally give off a burning smell when they are about to die out, or could it be that they’re faulty bulbs? At this point I am taking out one bulb at a time to see if it’s one specific bulb that is causing the burning smell. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!

Make sure that theÂ bulbs are within the specified wattsÂ for the fixture sockets and make sure any lamp coveringsÂ are not causing a problem. Check for any stickers which may be attached to the fixture or sockets which may be getting hot due to the heat of the bulbs. Make sure the fixture specifies that Halogen bulbs can be used with the fixture as they get very hot but they should not give off an odor themselves.

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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tip

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wiring!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester, [amazon.com], I use for the detection of Standard Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.